Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know About the Next-Gen Console
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Design and Display Upgrades
The Nintendo Switch 2 keeps the familiar hybrid design that made its predecessor so popular, but with several key improvements. The console is noticeably larger than the original Switch, with a 7.9-inch LCD display that’s a significant upgrade from the 6.2-inch screen on the first model.
The new display features:
- 1080p resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR support
- Variable refresh rate technology
While it’s not an OLED panel like some might have hoped, the display offers excellent brightness and clarity. The higher refresh rate makes games feel smoother, especially in fast-paced titles. As MKBHD noted in his hands-on review:
> “I’m definitely loving the variable refresh rate up to 120 hertz. Every game they’re showing here takes advantage of it… high refresh rate and gaming go hand in hand, so I think a lot of people will appreciate the smoother games and potentially also the smoother UI that comes with it.”
The Joy-Cons have been completely redesigned with magnetic attachment instead of the sliding mechanism. This makes them easier to attach and remove while providing a more secure connection. The controllers are also larger and more ergonomic, with bigger analog sticks and improved button placement.
A new C button has been added to the Joy-Cons for Game Chat functionality, and the controllers now feature HD Rumble 2 for more precise haptic feedback. One of the most interesting new features is the ability to use the Joy-Cons as a mouse in supported games, thanks to an optical sensor on the side of each controller.
The console also includes practical improvements like a full-width kickstand that offers more stability and better viewing angles, plus an additional USB-C port for easier charging and accessory connectivity.
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Enhanced Hardware and Performance
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings significant hardware improvements that should make a noticeable difference in gaming performance. The most immediate upgrade is the massive increase in internal storage
- jumping from 32GB to 256GB. This is crucial as modern games continue to grow in size, with titles like Rocket League already taking up 17GB on the original Switch.
Key hardware improvements include:
- 256GB internal storage (8x increase)
- 4K output when docked
- Active cooling system in the dock
- Support for microSD Express cards
- DLSS support for better graphics
The new dock is particularly interesting, featuring a built-in fan to keep the console cool while outputting 4K resolution to your TV. This should help maintain consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
Storage expansion is handled through microSD Express cards, which offer faster read/write speeds than standard microSD cards. Lexar has already announced plans for a 1TB microSD card specifically designed for the Switch 2.
While Nintendo hasn’t revealed specific details about the processor or RAM, the console does support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which should help deliver better graphics performance. This technology is particularly important for achieving 4K output when docked.
The improved hardware should result in:
- Faster loading times
- Better graphics quality
- Smoother gameplay
- More stable performance
- Support for more demanding games
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New Social and Gaming Features
The Switch 2 introduces several innovative social features that make it more than just a gaming console. The new Game Chat system allows players to communicate with friends while gaming, similar to popular voice chat services. As MKBHD described in his review:
> “When you hit that new C button on the Joy-Con, it brings up this new menu called Game Chat. You can all turn your mics on and talk to each other, or even turn screen sharing on to see each other’s gameplay live.”
The optional Switch 2 Camera accessory adds another layer to social gaming. This $50 add-on can be attached to the console or dock and provides:
- Background removal for clean video chat
- Face tracking for in-game avatars
- Real-time reaction sharing
- Integration with certain games
One of the most interesting new features is GameShare, which allows local multiplayer gaming without everyone needing to own the game. As MKBHD explained:
> “One Switch 2 is the host, and then up to three other Switches, they don’t have to have the game installed at all… every one of you now temporarily has this game.”
The Joy-Cons now support a unique mouse-like functionality in certain games. This innovative feature uses an optical sensor on the side of each controller, allowing for new types of gameplay. For example, in a wheelchair basketball game demo, players could control movement by sliding the Joy-Con on a surface.
These social features make the Switch 2 more than just a gaming device
- it’s becoming a platform for shared experiences and new ways to play together.
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Pricing and Availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches at $449 in the US, a significant increase from the original Switch’s $300 price tag. While this might seem steep, it’s important to consider the improvements and current market conditions. As MKBHD noted:
> “The Switch 1 was amazing, it was 300 bucks, but that was almost 10 years ago. So, now, new specs and updates and inflation and tariffs and all of that to me actually makes 449 feel like a pretty reasonable price.”
Additional accessories and their prices:
- Switch 2 Camera: $50
- Pro Controller: $80
- Digital games: $80
- Physical games: $90
One notable pricing decision that has raised some eyebrows is the “Welcome Tour” demo game. Unlike similar offerings on other consoles (like PlayStation 5’s free Astro’s Playroom), Nintendo’s demo will be a paid download. As MKBHD pointed out:
> “The Nintendo Switch 2 demo game though is paid. It’s not included for free. It’s gonna be like 10 or 20 bucks or something like that in the store. But even just having it paid at all to me seems like a huge miss.”
The higher game prices ($80-90) represent a significant increase from the current $50-60 range for Switch games. This puts Switch 2 games at a premium compared to other platforms, with even high-end titles like NBA 2K25 being cheaper on PS5 at $70.
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What We Still Don’t Know
While we’ve learned a lot about the Switch 2, several important details remain unconfirmed. Nintendo has been tight-lipped about specific hardware specifications, leaving some key questions unanswered.
The most significant unknowns include:
- Exact processor specifications and performance
- RAM capacity and type
- Battery life under different usage scenarios
- Whether Joy-Con drift issues have been addressed
- Fast charging capabilities and charging times
The console’s use of DLSS technology has been confirmed, but the extent of its implementation remains unclear. As MKBHD noted:
> “We do know it’s confirmed that there is some amount of DLSS happening. I would assume that to do 4K on a TV, there’s some amount of upscaling happening, we just don’t know exactly how much yet.”
Battery life is another area where details are scarce. The larger screen and higher refresh rate could impact battery performance, but the increased physical size might allow for a larger battery. As MKBHD speculated:
> “Having a bigger, higher refresh rate, higher resolution screen tends to eat battery life, but it’s also bigger, so the battery capacity can be bigger. So, maybe it just balances out and it’s similar.”
Durability is also a question mark, particularly regarding the new magnetic Joy-Con attachment system. While the design seems robust, only time will tell how well it holds up to regular use.
These unanswered questions will likely be addressed closer to launch or through hands-on testing once the console is available to reviewers and consumers.