After more than eight months with the Nintendo Switch 2, I still can’t get over this one performance upgrade — and it's got nothing to do with visuals or framerate | Tech Radar

Overview

After more than eight months with the Nintendo Switch 2, I still can’t get over this one performance upgrade — and it's got nothing to do with visuals or framerate

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The Nintendo Switch 2 launched back in June 2025, meaning it’s more than eight months old now. And sure, as much as I’d like to see a few more first party titles on the horizon, I’ve had an absolute blast with my system so far. What can I say, releases like Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders and Donkey Kong Bananza have just kept me coming back for more.

But it’s not all about the games. I’ve also been loving a lot of the hardware upgrades over the original Switch, be that the larger 7.9-inch screen, 4K capabilities, or improved Joy-Con controllers. However, these changes are known to just about every gamer, and have been placed front and center of marketing for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Today, I want to talk about a different enhancement – an upgrade so large that it’s made me never want to play my original Nintendo Switch ever again. And no, it’s got nothing to do with the Switch 2’s resolution, improved refresh rate, or souped up processing power. It’s about the console's heightened audio capabilities.

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Yes, Nintendo has seriously strengthened the Switch 2’s sonic capabilities. And I’m not talking about the kind of Sonic that was competing against Mario in the 200m sprint a few years back. The Switch 2’s sound is better in just about every way – of course, there’s better hardware under the hood, but some software changes have also taken things to another level.

First and foremost, the console’s speakers sound way better than the ones in the original Switch. Sure, the Switch OLED had speakers superior to those in the OG model, but I never upgraded to that system – and I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that I wasn’t alone there. So, if you’re also coming from the non-OLED Switch, expect a massive leap in sound quality.

The new speakers produce more full-bodied sound, with cleaner bass and more tightly controlled treble. They also supply more powerful audio overall, so you can expect less tinniness than you heard on the original Switch. I compared the Switch 2 and its predecessor side-by-side when playing Kirby Air Riders via Game Share, and it really was night and day. The original Switch was so thin-sounding next to its successor, and at higher volumes audio got pretty harsh.

So, it’s safe to say that the improved speakers are a hit. But what other audio goodness did Nintendo pour into the Switch 2? Well, one of my favorite additions is virtual surround sound. This works whether you’re using the console’s built-in speakers or have headphones connected, and is so much better than I initially expected. See, I’ve tested a lot of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars and best headphones with three-dimensional sound, so it’s safe to say my standards are pretty high for spatial audio tech. But Nintendo genuinely did a really commendable job.

Virtual surround sound enables you to experience more enveloping audio while playing games that support 5.1 channel surround sound, making your gaming experiences that little bit more immersive. When using the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, I was really struck by the positioning of a cog turning in Sonic x Shadow Generations – even Sonic’s movement was mapped with precision.

Sure, I would’ve absolutely loved to have seen Dolby Atmos support when playing games in docked mode, but the Switch 2 still offers far more expansive sound than its predecessor, and that’s a huge plus. Pair that with the substantially better speakers, and you’re looking at a very solid audio upgrade indeed.

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➡️ Read our full guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 games

1. Best overall: Donkey Kong Bananza
2. Great for multiplayer: Mario Kart World
3. A sequel for the ages: Hollow Knight: Silksong
4. A timeless adventure and remake: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
5. Best Pokémon: Pokémon Legends Z-A

Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for Tech Radar. He reviews everything from party speakers to wall chargers and has a particular interest in the worlds of audio and gaming. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.

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Key Takeaways

• After more than eight months with the Nintendo Switch 2, I still can’t get over this one performance upgrade — and it's got nothing to do with visuals or framerate

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

• The Nintendo Switch 2 launched back in June 2025, meaning it’s more than eight months old now

• But it’s not all about the games

• Today, I want to talk about a different enhancement – an upgrade so large that it’s made me never want to play my original Nintendo Switch ever again