The biggest problem with the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it’s too big – Reader’s Feature

A reader is happy with the games on the Switch 2 but wishes that it, and other modern portables like the PlayStation Portal, were a bit smaller.

The first console I ever got was the Game Boy Color, in about 1998. Even then it was obvious to me that it was old tech, but the games were great, so it didn’t matter and there started a life of loving video games. I like to think I’m not too biased in terms of companies and formats, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for Nintendo and portables so, as you can imagine, I’ve loved the Switch and immediately got a Switch 2.

I’ve not played a lot of Donkey Kong Bananza so far, but I like what I have played and Mario Kart World is great. I certainly wouldn’t have complained if there were more game announcements at this point, but I think, knowing games take longer nowadays, it’s a good launch.

I also don’t regret getting the Switch 2 but I do have a big problem with it, and it’s something I knew was going to be an issue before I got it: it’s too big.

The Switch 2 has a 7.9 inch screen and is 27.2 cm × 11.6 cm. That is, in short, massive. The smallest portable I own is the Game Boy Micro, which is 10.1 cm by 5 cm. That’s one extreme to another but even the clunky big original DS was only 14.9 cm x 8.5 cm when it was closed. These are actual portable consoles that you can put in your pocket and carry around with you.

There is no way that I can comfortably put a Switch 2 in the pocket of any coat or trousers I own. I tried to talk my girlfriend into putting it in her handbag, but it didn’t fit. Especially as you have to put it in its own carry case first or risk getting it bashed up and scratched.

I get the Switch 2 is very powerful and the screen is huge and all that. It’s definitely a decision, not a mistake, but I don’t like it. I especially don’t like it because it’s part of the modern trend where all portables are not actually portable.

I’ve got a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation Portal, and while the Portal is useful its size is really awkward, even though you only use it in the house. I don’t own a PC portable or an Xbox but that Xbox Ally looks massive and clunky too.

I think we’ve really lost sight of the benefits of what a portable console should be. The ability to, you know… port it around to you. If I want to take the Switch 2 with me anywhere I basically have to take a bag with me, whether I was going to or not.

It’s bigger than the Switch 1 but not by that much, so this isn’t a new problem, but I would like to see a proper alternative. The Switch Lite was smaller but it was still pretty massive compared to any previous handheld console.

And now we hear rumours that the PlayStation 6 and next gen Xbox are going to be portables, or have portable versions? I’m going to take a wild guess and imagine they’re going to be the size of a house too. Because if there’s one thing the PlayStation 5 has taught me, it’s that Sony does not value the idea of making consoles a convenient size.

I’m not angry and I’m not going to start a petition, but I do think it’s a shame and I wish things like the Switch Lite offered a real alternative in terms of the size, because it really makes a different to how, and how often, you use them.

Since I don’t expect any change with the inevitable Switch 2 Lite, what I will ask for instead is some kind of mini-console portable from Nintendo. Something that can play games from all their pre-Switch portable consoles, that has the same design as the 3DS but is as small as they can make it.

I think a lot of people would be interested in that, not just weirdos like me, and it might even help people to appreciate the idea of a handheld that can actually fit in the palm of your hand.

By reader Gorby

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

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