The Nintendo Switch 2 (whose backward compatibility has been improved in March 2026 with a new system update)comes with a below-average display that fails to deliver an acceptable HDR experience, according to a new in-depth analysis.
The new analysis by GamingTech, which can be watched in full below, takes a good look at the new Nintendo system's display, confirming it comes with a maximum peak brightness of around 400, 450 nits. Measuring the brightness in Zelda: Breath of the Wild returned a maximum value of 420 nits, but in Cyberpunk 2077, it is locked to 450 nits, likely the maximum peak brightness the display is capable of. This peak brightness is not even close to providing a proper HDR experience, which is made worse because we are talking about an LCD display that fails to display black correctly due to the back lighting and the constant black level rise of 0.5 nits.
The Nintendo Switch 2's HDR support in docked mode fares a little better. The system-level calibration is found to be adequate, and in games like Cyberpunk 2077, the system delivers an HDR experience on par with that of the other versions of the game. In other games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the HDR experience is rather disappointing, as the game looks washed out due to its aesthetics and the lack of contrast.
The Nintendo Switch 2 disappointing HDR support is only one of the many gripes users have with the system. The Game-Key Card format, in particular, is proving to be one of the most controversial aspects of the system, and one that is unlikely to go away due to the current situation. Likewise, the lack of a proper D-pad on the Joy-Con controller remains an issue that has prompted some, such as legendary game creator Hideki Kamiya, to seek an alternative solution.
Even so, the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a compelling purchase. And while its price won't be immediately impacted by the 2026 memory shortage, getting one at its launch price remains the sensible choice, with an increase sadly looming on the horizon, although a cheaper Lite option could be offered before long, judging from the leak of a potential new model in January 2026.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches today worldwide. A day one update has also been rolled out in all regions, enabling network features, access to the new eShop, and more, which has been followed by other updates introducing new features and more.
About the author: Francesco De Meo has been covering video games and technology since 2012, starting his career at small outlets like Gamersyndrome and GeekSnack. After joining Wccftech gaming section in 2015, he quickly expanded his video gaming coverage with in-depth reporting, interviews with iconic industry figures such as Grasshopper Manufacture founder and No More Heroes creator Goichi "Suda51" Suda, Resident Evil series creator Shinji Mikami, Team NINJA's president and Nioh series director Fumihiko Yasuda, and Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, reviews and on-the-ground coverage of major industry events such as Gamescom and E3. When he's not reporting or reviewing, Francesco can be found playing the genres he loves most, spending time with his six cats, reading, writing music, playing guitar and drumming for his progressive rock band.
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