Nintendo’s Switch 2 features a more powerful chip, a higher resolution screen, and upgraded Joy-Cons. The next-gen handheld/home console hybrid can output up to 1080p/120fps in handheld mode and 4k/60fps when docked.
Nintendo’s flagship two-in-one hybrid game console, the Switch features a massive catalog of first-party, third-party, and indie game titles, all in a convenient and novel form factor.
After years of waiting,Nintendo’s Switch 2 has finally arrived.
While there are still many things Nintendo hasn’t revealed about the handheld, we know its notable hardware specs, the console’s key launch titles, and more.
With the Switch 2, Nintendo is releasing an upgraded version of the original Switch, rather than a complete change in direction like the move from theWii Uto the Switch. Given the Switch’s runaway success, this strategy makes a lot of sense. With all of this in mind, here’s a breakdown of all the key differences between the Switch and the Switch 2 that we know about so far, including details surrounding specs, pricing, availability, design, and more.
$450 Nintendo Switch 2 drops June 5, Preorders available April 9
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, with preorders for the highly anticipated console beginning on April 9.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about the Switch 2. As information appears, this story will be updated, including the spec sheet below.
Price, specs, and availability
This is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for
Nintendo’s Switch launched on March 3rd, 2017 for $300. The Switch 2 will release on June 5th (with pre-orders launching on April 9th) for $450. Like the original Switch, the Switch 2 comes with a dock, a set of Joy-Cons (now called the Joy-Con 2), and likely a Joy-Con Grip (this still isn’t confirmed).
While the Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display (we don’t know the specific resolution yet), the Switch’s screen comes in at a 6.2-inch 720p LCD display (1,280 x 720 pixel resolution). Unlike the Switch OLED model, Nintendo didn’t opt for an OLED display with the Switch 2. That said, handheld’s LCD display supports HDR and up to a 120fps refresh rate. When docked, the original Switch can push out 1080p visuals with some titles. On the other hand, the Switch 2 is able to handle 4K/60fps (it’s unclear how many titles will support 4K/60fps, however).
There’s a built-in fan in the dock to keep the Switch 2 cool, too (it costs $109 if you want an extra one). The dock includes a USB-C port for power, an HDMI port, two USB-A 2.0 ports, and an Ethernet plug.
The Switch 2 features 256GB of internal storage, a substantial increase from the 32GB the original Switch offered. The new handheld has two USB-C ports this time, including one on the top and one on the bottom, instead of the lone USB-C port the original Switch offered. This will make it easier to plug accessories into the Switch 2, including the new Switch 2 Camera. Unlike the original Switch, the Switch 2 is only compatible with faster microSD Express cards and not standard microSD cards, so you’ll likely need to buy a new microSD card to expand the handheld’s storage.
Here’s where we get into a lot of the unknowns. It’s safe to assume that the Switch 2 features a far more powerful chip than the original Switch’s now ancient Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, but we don’t know what it is yet. The Switch featured 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, but it’s currently unclear how much RAM the Switch 2 offers. We also don’t know how long the Switch 2’s battery will last or how big it is. The original Switch lasted between 4.5 - 9 hours and measured in at 4,310 mAh.
We finally know what the Nintendo Switch 2 C button does
All about the Nintendo Switch C button.
Design and build
The Switch 2 and Switch are the same, but different
The Switch 2 looks a lot like the original Switch, only slightly larger, with a size that’s more in line with theSteam DeckandROG Ally X. This also extends to its Joy-Cons, which attach magnetically instead of “switching” into place like with the Switch. The Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 lock to the console with powerful magnets. The inward-facing ZR and ZL buttons are used to detach the controllers from the Switch 2. Inside the magnetic slot is orange and blue plastic, giving the Switch 2’s gray exterior a much-needed dash of vibrancy. These same colors also appear as a ring around both Joy-Con 2 joysticks. The familiar JoyCon Charging Grip returns as well.
The Joy-Con 2 can also be used like a computer mouse by placing its inner edge flat on a surface.
There’s a new “C Button” on the Joy-Con 2 that allows players to access a Discord-like “GameChat” menu to take advantage of the Switch 2’s built-in mic and camera ($49). It’s unclear if a headset will also be available or if the Switch 2 will work with any microphone. Either way, it’s great to see Nintendo finally embrace voice chat even through the company is roughly 20 years late. GameChat also allows you to share live game feeds with your friends, though the footage shown off during Nintendo’s reveal event was very choppy. It’s unclear if a headset will also be available or if the Switch 2 will work with any microphone. Finally, the Joy-Con 2 can also be used like a computer mouse by placing its inner edge flat on a surface.
Though the Switch 2’s dock looks very similar to the Switch’s, it’s far more rounded and features a built-in fan. The handheld’s dock is more adjustable and folds out from the back of the Switch 2’s as a thin bar. On the other hand, the Switch’s stand couldn’t move much and shifted out from the rear of the console in a more substantial way (the Switch OLED model’s dock had far more range to it).
While the Switch 2’s cartridges are the same size as the Switch’s, they’re red instead of black/gray (it’s unclear if they’ll also taste bad). Along with the Joy-Con 2, Nintendo has confirmed it will release a new Pro Controller ($79) with additional rear buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack with pass-through audio, and, of course, the new C Button.
Get ready for Mario Kart World
The Switch 2 works with Switch and Switch 2 titles
Thankfully, the Switch 2 will still be able to play physical and digital original Switch games. During its recent reveal event, Nintendo confirmed that Mario Kart World, an open world,Diddy Kong Racing-like takeon the long-running kart racer, will be available at launch and as a pack-in title option. Another key exclusive is the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a game designed to show off the new console (strangely, it’s set to be sold separately digitally).
Nintendo revealed Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions of original Switch titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and more. These games will feature enhanced visuals, better frame rates, and new features (specific performance upgrades aren’t known yet). Several third-party games were also revealed, including Hades II, Elden Ring, Split Fiction, and Hogwarts Legacy.Check out this storyfor a complete list of upcoming Switch 2 titles.
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