Hogwarts Legacy Review – Nintendo Switch 2

When Hogwarts Legacy first dropped in 2023, it was an immediate hit—selling millions in a matter of weeks. As someone who’s been knee-deep in the Harry Potter universe since I first experienced the films and the books as a kid, I couldn’t wait to explore a fully open-world Hogwarts game. I loved the game when I played it on the PS5 at launch. But the original Switch version? Let’s just say it was rough. Blurry visuals, frame rate drops, and long load times killed a lot of the magic. Now, with Hogwarts Legacy launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, I decided to dive back in—and wow, this is the version I wish we had from the start.

Set in the 1800s—long before Harry, Hermione, or Voldemort were even born—Hogwarts Legacy lets you live your own wizarding story. You play as a fifth-year student with a mysterious connection to ancient magic, dropped into Hogwarts under unusual circumstances. You’re quickly caught up in a conflict involving goblins, dark wizards, and secret magical forces the Ministry would rather ignore. It’s a solid narrative foundation that gives you room to explore, while still keeping you anchored in the familiar lore.

While the main plot does lean a bit into the chosen-one trope (because of course you’re special), it’s backed by enough intrigue and strong voice acting to keep you engaged. And let’s be honest—just being in Hogwarts again, with full freedom to roam, is half the appeal. Games like this have been a fan dream for years.

The character creator in Hogwarts Legacy is one of the best I’ve seen in a fantasy RPG. Whether you want to craft a wizard who looks just like you or someone completely original, you’ve got the tools to do it. Customizing facial features, hair, voice, among many other items lets you create the witch or wizard you wish.

Once you’re in the game, you get sorted into a house based on your input—or you can override the Sorting Hat if you have a strong preference. This time around I ended up in Ravenclaw, which gave me a common room I hadn’t explored in previous Potter games. Every house has its own vibe, and the attention to detail is impressive.

The main gameplay loop combines everything fans have fantasized about doing at Hogwarts. You attend classes like Potions, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, which are more than just cutscenes—they help unlock new spells and skills. Outside of class, there’s a whole world to explore, both within the castle and far beyond it.

Hogwarts itself is massive and beautifully detailed. From shifting staircases to hidden passageways, the school is filled with secrets and puzzles that reward curiosity. Then there’s the gear system—arguably one of the game’s best features. You constantly find new robes, gloves, hats, and cloaks, each with its own stats. But if you like the look of one outfit and the stats of another, no problem. The transmog system lets you style your character exactly how you want without sacrificing performance. It’s sleek, intuitive, and a dream for customization nerds like me.

This isn’t one of those RPGs where side quests feel like filler. Some of the game’s best writing and most emotional moments come from side missions. You’ll help fellow students with problems big and small—dealing with magical beasts, investigating curses, and uncovering forgotten parts of Hogwarts history. Companions like Sebastian and Poppy have full story arcs of their own, and choosing to help them (or not) has at least some narrative weight, even if the main story stays mostly on rails.

Let’s talk performance. On the Switch 2, Hogwarts Legacy finally looks and feels like a modern game. The original Switch version had to cut so many corners, it barely resembled the game on other platforms. But this time? We’ve got crisp textures, stable frame rates, and fast loading. It’s not quite on par with a PS5 or high-end PC, but it’s damn close—and on a portable device, that’s a game-changer.

The Switch 2 version also utilises the JoyCon 2.0s for better aiming, which adds a surprising level of precision when casting spells or aiming your wand during duels. Haptic feedback makes the spellcasting feel more immersive, with subtle rumbles and clicks that bring the magic to life. Battery life holds up better than expected for such a visually intense game—Nintendo clearly optimized well for their new hardware.

Despite all the improvements, Hogwarts Legacy still misses a few key opportunities. The biggest one? Quidditch. You’ve got the broom, the flying mechanics, even the Quidditch pitch. But the game teases you and then just… doesn’t include the sport. It’s a baffling omission and one that hurts the fantasy of being a full-fledged Hogwarts student.

Then there’s the illusion of choice. Yes, you can cast Unforgivable Curses. Yes, you can be a bit of a jerk in your dialogue choices. But the story rarely reacts in a meaningful way. Whether you play as a noble hero or a dark arts prodigy, the main plot unfolds pretty much the same. There are a few points where you feel like your decisions matter, but those moments are too few and too safe. In a game all about carving your own magical path, it’s a letdown that the story won’t fully let you veer off course.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, Hogwarts Legacy on the Nintendo Switch 2 is an incredible experience. It’s the definitive way to play the game on a handheld device and a must-have launch title for the new console. The technical upgrades, the seamless exploration, the richly detailed world—it all comes together to finally deliver the Harry Potter game fans have been dreaming about for decades.

If you’re a longtime fan, this is your letter to Hogwarts. Just don’t expect it to challenge you morally or give you full agency over the story. It’s a tightly controlled ride—but one that’s absolutely worth taking.

A Nintendo Switch 2 review code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.

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