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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Nintendo finally nailed the perfect hybrid console. The new Switch 2 packs a bigger 7.9-inch screen, smoother 4K gameplay, magnetic Joy-Cons, and Mario Kart World right out of the box. It’s faster, sharper, and more fun than ever – the ultimate upgrade for anyone who loved the original.
Nintendo Switch 2 running Mario Kart World in handheld mode on a bright screen, showing Mario racing down a city road.

Thinking about upgrading from the original Switch? Yeah, I asked myself the same thing. And then I made the jump. No regrets. It’s like trading in your old hatchback for a GTI – same idea, just faster, smoother, and way more fun to drive.

This isn’t a total reinvention of the Switch. It’s a refinement. A smarter, faster, more polished version of something that already worked. And with Nintendo, that’s pretty much the highest compliment you can give.

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First Impressions: Bigger but Still Super Portable

The very first thing you notice? That screen. It’s a 7.9-inch LCD panel with full HD resolution (1920×1080), and honestly, it changes everything. Games feel roomier, crisper, and just more alive. And even though the screen grew, the console still fits easily in a backpack or travel case.

The build feels solid, too. No creaky plastic, no loose parts. It’s 401 grams of confidence in your hands. Compared to the original, it just feels tighter, sturdier – like it was made to survive couch co-op chaos and a few road trips.


Under the Hood: Faster, Smoother, and Finally 4K

Nintendo never chased raw power, but with Switch 2, they’re finally flexing a little. Think PS4-level performance in a handheld, with faster loading times, stable frame rates, and actual visual upgrades like HDR and VRR up to 120 fps.

Dock it to your TV and you’re getting full 4K output. Games like Mario Kart World and Zelda absolutely shine. No, you’re not getting ray tracing or hyper-realistic lighting, but you don’t need it. Nintendo’s art direction thrives in this environment.

And here’s the kicker: all that extra power runs cool. No jet engine fan noises, no overheating, no stress.

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Joy-Con 2: Magnet Magic and a Mouse Mode?

The Joy-Con controllers got a full makeover – and it’s not just cosmetic. These new Joy-Con 2s attach magnetically (yes, finally), feel more ergonomic, and even double as motion-based mouse controllers for certain games and menus.

There’s also a new “C” button on the right Joy-Con that triggers GameChat – but more on that later. The important part is, these things snap on and off with zero wobble and feel like a proper evolution of the originals.


Mario Kart World: Not Just a Throw-In Game

Let’s be real – bundle games are usually an afterthought. Not here.

Mario Kart World is a full-featured title with open track exploration, crazy course variety, and buttery-smooth multiplayer. This isn’t just about racing on set tracks. You’re tearing through cities, jumping volcanoes, and drifting across rivers. It’s chaos in the best way.

Visuals are sharper, frame rates are stable, and thanks to the new performance, you actually see what’s going on when things get wild. Throw in online multiplayer and this game alone can keep you busy for months.

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GameChat: Built-in Voice That Actually Works

Finally. Nintendo figured out how to do voice chat without needing a second device, ten cables, or a prayer.

There’s now a dedicated GameChat feature that lets you talk, video call, or even share your screen with up to 4 players directly from the console. No third-party apps, no messy workarounds. It just works — like it always should have.

The microphone is built into the Switch 2, and if you want video, you can plug in a USB-C camera (sold separately). The call quality is surprisingly clean, and the integration is seamless. For multiplayer games like Mario Kart or Splatoon, it’s a total game-changer.

You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access all this — but we’ll get to that in a second.

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Play It Your Way: Three Game Modes, Zero Compromises

One of the biggest reasons the Switch became such a hit was its flexibility. Switch 2 doubles down on that. You’ve got three solid modes:

  • TV Mode – dock it and play in full 4K on your big screen. Great for couch co-op or chill solo gaming.
  • Tabletop Mode – pop out the built-in stand, split the Joy-Cons, and play face-to-face wherever you are. The upgraded adjustable stand makes a huge difference here.
  • Handheld Mode – the classic Switch experience. Full power in your hands, wherever you go.

Bonus: there are dual USB-C ports now, so you can charge while in tabletop mode – something the original model didn’t support properly.

Everything switches on the fly, no rebooting, no fuss. It’s gaming on your terms.

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Battery Life: Not Perfect, But Manageable

Nintendo claims 2 to 6.5 hours of battery life depending on the game. In real life?

  • Light games (like Stardew Valley): around 4–5 hours
  • Heavy hitters (like Zelda or Mario Kart at max settings): closer to 2.5 hours

It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but it’s consistent. And you can always plug in a 20W+ USB-C power bank and keep going. If you’re a frequent traveler or plan on playing a lot in handheld mode, that’s a must-have.


Backward Compatibility: Your Library Still Matters

Got a collection of Switch 1 games? Good news — they all work. Both physical cartridges and digital downloads run smoothly on the Switch 2.

In fact, many older titles perform better on the new hardware. Load times are faster, visuals are sharper, and framerates are more stable. Games like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey feel like mini remasters without any patches.

Even your older controllers and accessories still work — including Pro Controllers and previous Joy-Cons. The only thing to watch out for is SD cards. Switch 2 supports UHS-II cards, so older ones still work but may load slower.

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Nintendo Switch Online: Is It Worth It?

If you’re playing online, Nintendo Switch Online is basically required. Here’s what it gets you:

  • Online multiplayer
  • GameChat features
  • Cloud saves
  • Retro libraries (NES, SNES, GBA, N64)
  • Member-only perks

The pricing is decent compared to other services. And while it’s still not as feature-rich as Xbox or PlayStation networks, it’s getting better. If you’re a casual gamer, the basic plan is fine. Hardcore players might consider the Expansion Packfor more retro content and DLC access.

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Final Thoughts (but without calling it that)

Nintendo didn’t reinvent the wheel — they just made it smoother, stronger, and more fun to drive. The Switch 2 doesn’t try to be a PC replacement or the most powerful console in the world. It just focuses on what makes gaming enjoyable, and it nails it.

You get that “pick up and play” magic, a killer screen, better performance, smarter controllers, and a bundle that actually feels complete thanks to Mario Kart World.

It’s not cheap. And no, it won’t satisfy your need for ultra-realistic graphics. But if you value flexibility, portability, and exclusive games with soul — Switch 2 is a hell of a package.

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Bonus tip for travelers and online gamers

If you’re like me and often play while traveling, or you use your Switch on public Wi-Fi (hotel, airport, school, etc.), there’s one thing that helps big time: a solid VPN.

Why? Because:

  • Some hotel or school networks block multiplayer ports
  • Public Wi-Fi is sketchy for account security
  • Game servers might throttle your speed depending on region
  • Some online content is geo-locked

Personally, I recommend Surfshark VPN – it’s fast, works on all platforms (including routers), and lets you protect unlimited devices. Plus, it’s great for unblocking Netflix, YouTube, and yes — even Nintendo eShop deals that are cheaper in other regions.

If you’re serious about gaming and want peace of mind online, it’s honestly a no-brainer.

author avatar
Petr
I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for over 25 years. I build websites, run my own businesses, test new tools, explore what works (and what doesn’t), and share tips that save people time, money, and stress. On this site, you'll find no-nonsense articles, honest insights, and a dash of humor or irony. When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m out chasing bike trails or discovering new golf courses. The rest of the time, you’ll find me on adventures with my wife and our two sons.
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