Why everyone is talking about it
Nintendo’s follow-up to one of the best-selling consoles ever launched in June 2025, and it’s still dominating gift lists, unboxing videos and Mario Kart clips. It keeps the original’s hybrid idea (play on the TV, or take it with you) but with a much bigger screen and far more power.
What the reviews agree on
Across major reviews, the verdict is remarkably consistent. Tom’s Guide called it the best hybrid console you can buy. Pocket Tactics scored it 9/10. PCWorld was more measured, calling it a smart, meaningful upgrade that suits dedicated fans more than casual players because of its battery, screen and price. TechRadar praised the smooth interface and backwards compatibility but called handheld battery life a real weakness.
The screen gets near-universal praise, even though it’s LCD rather than OLED. The most common complaint, by far, is battery life in handheld mode, followed by price.
Volt’s take
The hype is real: almost nobody who has used one is disappointed by the hardware. Value is where it slips, between the console, the games and a microSD Express card if you need more storage. If you’re buying one as a gift, bundles around Black Friday are usually the best route. Check what’s included before you buy.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
