Nintendo held their highly-anticipated Direct presentation dedicated to their upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2. The Direct showcased improvements made over the original Switch, the console’s launch date, as well as titles coming to the new platform. Pricing for the new console as well as a pre-order start date were also revealed after the Direct. But, this article will focus solely on the console itself and not the announced games.
You can check out the overview trailer below.
Here are some of the improvements of the new console.
Improved Screen, Same Console Thickness
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a max resolution of 1920×1080. It’s screen is larger than the 6.2-inch screen on the original Nintendo Switch. The screen supports framerates up to 120 fps (in compatible games) and also supports HDR10.
Larger and Faster Storage
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal storage, much larger than the 32 GB of storage featured in the original Nintendo Switch. Reading and writing data to the internal storage is faster than before. The console’s storage can be expanded with the use of compatible microSD Express cards (up to 2 TB).
Better Speakers, Built-In Microphone, 3D Audio Support
Nintendo Switch 2 features better built-in speakers with clearer sound in handheld and tabletop mode. A microphone is built-in so you can chat with friends via GameChat. 3D Audio allows for immersive directional sound even without a surround sound system (in compatible games).
New Dock and Improved TV Mode
Like the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 can connect to a dock so that you can play on your TV. This time around, TV mode supports up to a max of 4K resolution (in compatible games) with a max framerate of 60 fps in that resolution. If the software does not support native 4K resolution, it is possible to upscale and output in 4K, if the TV supports it. TV mode will also support HDR. The Switch 2 dock also has a built-in fan to help with cooling the console.
Magnetic Joy-Con 2, Larger Control Sticks, and Mouse Control
The Joy-Con 2 controllers for Nintendo Switch 2 magnetically attach themselves to the console. In order to release the controllers, you press a release button located on the Switch 2. The SL and SR buttons are bigger, making it easier to press the buttons when holding the Joy-Con 2 controller horizontally. The control sticks on both Joy-Con 2’s are also larger. Both Joy-Con 2’s can also be used as a mouse in compatible games.
You can check out the full specifications of the console below. They can also be reached via Nintendo’s official website.
Size |
Approximately 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick (with Joy-Con™ 2 controllers attached). |
|---|---|
Weight |
Approximately .88 lbs |
Screen |
Capacitive touch screen |
CPU/GPU |
Custom processor made by NVIDIA. |
Storage |
256 GB (UFS) |
Communication features |
Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6) |
Video output |
Output via HDMI connector in TV mode |
Audio output |
Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch |
Speakers |
Stereo |
Microphone |
Built-in microphone (monaural) |
Buttons |
POWER Button/Volume buttons |
USB-C® Ports |
2 USB-C® Ports |
Audio jack |
3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard) |
Game card slot |
Both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch game cards can be inserted. |
microSD Express card slot |
Compatible with microSD Express cards only (up to 2 TB) |
Sensors |
Accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensor located in Joy-Con 2 controllers |
Operating environment |
41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity |
Internal battery |
Lithium-ion battery/5220mAh |
Battery life |
Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours |
Charging time |
Approximately 3 hours |
Backwards Compatibility w/Nintendo Switch Games
Nintendo Switch 2 can play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Of the 122 1st-Party Nintendo games, only one is not compatible with Switch 2, this is Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. This is because the Nintendo Switch 2 cannot fit into the Toy-Con VR Goggles accessory. Nintendo is also working with publishing and development partners for backwards compatibility on over 15,000 games. A majority of the games are currently still being tested, but have not run into any issues, so far. Some of the games have passed testing and are considered compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. A select few titles have one of the following issues: Issues found during startup, game is playable but with issues in certain parts of the game. Two PDF files of the affected games can be found on the official website. Nintendo is working with these publishing and development partners to improve compatibility. None of the partner games have been deemed “not compatible” at this time. Nintendo plans to give an update on the status of backwards compatibility later in April.
Pricing and Pre-order Start Date
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in two separate versions. The first is the standalone console. The second is a bundle that includes a full digital copy of Mario Kart World. Pre-orders for the console start on April 9th. The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will only be produced through Fall 2025.
Pricing for the console as well as accessories are as follows (The Switch 2 comes with a set of Joy-Con 2’s, one Dock, and the AC adapter):
- Nintendo Switch 2 – $449.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – $79.99
- Joy-Con 2 Controllers – $89.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip – $34.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap – $12.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel (Set of Two) – $19.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – $49.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set – $109.99
- Carrying Case & Screen Protector – $34.99
- All-In-One Carrying Case – $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter – $29.99
Nintendo Switch 2 will be available to pre-order at retailers such as Best Buy and GameStop. The console will also be available to purchase from the My Nintendo Store. Purchasing from here will be on an invitation basis and only available to those who had previously purchased a minimum of 12 months of paid Nintendo Online membership, and logged a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours. You can check out the webpage for the full details.
Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch June 5th, 2025.
