SINGAPORE – Nintendo has pulled off another stunning feat.

Eight years after the original Nintendo Switch transformed console gameplay by blending handheld and home experiences, the Switch 2 has made its global debut. Launched on June 5 worldwide and June 26 in Singapore, it promises key enhancements. But with a price tag of $719, are these upgrades actually worth it?

While the Switch 2 undoubtedly improves upon its predecessor, its evolution feels more akin to the modest leap from the Wii to the Wii U than the groundbreaking transition between the Wii U and the original Switch.

The Good: Major Upgrades You’ll Love

The standout feature of the Switch 2 is its stunning 7.9-inch 1080p screen with a blazing 120Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p display. You'll notice crisp graphics and a larger screen that's perfect for marathon gaming sessions.

Under the hood lies powerful hardware that allows demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade to run smoothly on Nintendo's systems for the first time.

Additionally, internal storage has jumped from a meager 32GB to an impressive 256GB, addressing frustrations over space for sprawling digital games.

Build quality is still top-notch, though the new design features sleek lines and subtle color accents instead of the original's bold neon tones. The Joy-Con controllers also upgrade, sporting a magnetic attachment system for effortless connection and motion-control capabilities for PC-like gameplay.

Another selling point? The new console maintains compatibility with the vast majority of original Switch titles.

The Lukewarm: A Disappointing Game Line-up

However, the reliance on backward compatibility might be a letdown for some gamers. The most significant new release, Mario Kart World, pales compared to the original Switch’s launch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

As many launch titles are just remakes or ports of earlier hits, enthusiasm may wane. Plus, not all existing games will receive updates to take full advantage of the new features.

If you're eagerly awaiting games like Pokemon Z-A (dropping Oct 16) but dread the extra $10 cost for Switch 2 editions, you’re not alone in feeling frustrated.

The Ugly: Price and Performance Trade-offs

While the Switch 2 boasts impressive technical upgrades, it comes at a price—literally. The battery life has seen a decline, dropping to just 2 to 6.5 hours versus the original's 4.5 to 9 hours.

The overall weight has also increased, making it heavier to handle, but it remains comfortable.

To make matters worse, Nintendo continues to lack a dedicated Singapore eShop, forcing local users to purchase games in foreign currencies.

Positioned as a premium option alongside the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the Switch 2's $719 price may seem steep, especially given its technical shortcomings.

Verdict: Should You Buy The Switch 2?

If you're happy with your current Switch and don't need the latest upgrades, waiting for more exclusive titles might be wise. But for die-hard Nintendo fans, these enhancements make the Switch 2 an attractive upgrade, despite its battery life and price.

Impressively, the Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units in its first four days—a near record, especially considering its predecessor sold 2.7 million over its first month.

With fewer next-gen consoles available from competitors Sony and Microsoft recently, Nintendo clearly knows how to seize market opportunities.