With the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launching worldwide on Thursday, June 5, unboxing videos have started appearing online, offering the first real-world glimpses of Nintendo’s next-gen handheld-console hybrid.
The Switch 2 arrives nearly eight years after the debut of the original Switch, a system that redefined portable gaming and became a global best-seller. Now, with updated hardware and a more refined design, the follow-up aims to build on that legacy while addressing some long-standing hardware limitations.
Priced at $450 for the base model, and $500 for a bundle that includes Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch display with significantly thinner bezels. The device also debuts a magnetic Joy-Con system, making attachment and detachment feel more intuitive and secure. Inside, the system is powered by a new NVIDIA chipset that brings smoother graphics, improved performance, and faster load times compared to its predecessor.
In one of the first unboxing videos to surface, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) walks through the packaging and setup. He highlights the build quality, praising the slimmer profile and the near edge-to-edge screen. “A nice big 7.9-inch screen, thin bezels, pretty sleek, there you go,” Brownlee notes as he removes the console from its wrapping. The magnetic snap of the Joy-Cons was also a standout moment for him, described as “satisfying.”
Nintendo Life’s Alex offers a more informal take. Surprised by the smaller box size compared to the original Switch, he comments on the angled packaging of the Joy-Cons and their smooth analog sticks. “So smooth, the sticks are so smooth,” he says, noting a tactile improvement that could address past complaints about controller drift.
Meanwhile, Trevor from TmarTn2 takes a slightly different route in his unboxing, starting with some of the new accessories. The Switch 2 Camera, which attaches directly to the console, enables both video calls and motion-tracking functionality in supported games. He also demos the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which he says has a “really nice matte feel,” offering a more premium tactile experience than previous iterations. Only after previewing the accessories does he dive into the console itself.
While these early looks focus heavily on design and hardware impressions, hands-on performance analysis will likely follow in the days after launch. Still, the initial reception appears positive, especially regarding the physical upgrades and attention to detail in both construction and packaging.
For those still waiting on delivery or deciding whether to buy in, these unboxing videos offer a close-up look at what to expect from Nintendo’s latest hardware refresh. And while the real test will come with long-term gameplay and software support, the Switch 2 seems to be starting off on solid footing.
