Rejoice, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! This Wednesday marked a momentous occasion as the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. After years of speculation, we now have a definitive look at this new console hybrid, which promises to redefine our gaming experience.

While the sleek, compact, and powerful design of the Switch 2 is impressive, the rumors of a tiny Reggie Fils-Aimé inside every GPU turned out to be just that—rumors. Yet, our thorough analysis during the Nintendo Direct, where we dissected every word and scrutinized every image, has provided us with solid facts about this new device and how it surpasses its predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 Images

1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch

   It's no surprise that the Switch 2 boasts significant graphical improvements over the original Switch. While the 2017 model was not a powerhouse compared to its contemporaries, it has shown its age with demanding games. The Switch 2, however, promises a leap forward with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates reaching up to 120 fps. This upgrade paves the way for a broader range of games, as evidenced by EA's plans for soccer and football titles, and 2K's intentions with wrestling and basketball games on the Switch 2. Third-party demos showcasing current-gen titles like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6 were encouraging, and Nintendo's first-party offerings looked stunning.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch doesn’t

   The beloved GameCube library is now accessible through Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively on the Switch 2. This move delineates a clear line between the experiences on the original Switch and the new model, compelling those eager to relive classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 (with Link) to upgrade their hardware.

   Soul Calibur 2 is a gem, especially in multiplayer mode.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

   A landmark shift for Nintendo, the Switch 2 introduces seamless online features, moving beyond the era of Friend Codes. GameChat offers a robust set of communication and visual sharing tools, including noise-cancelling mics and optional desktop cameras for in-game face sharing. Screen sharing across consoles is also available, making multiplayer experiences smoother than ever. This feature set holds immense potential for games like Monster Hunter, where teamwork is key.

   

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

   As anticipated, the Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the Switch 2, enhancing user experience with a simple press-to-release mechanism. This is particularly beneficial for those with setups where accessing Joy-Cons can be cumbersome.

5. A bigger screen

   The Switch 2's screen is now 7.9 inches, offering a slight increase in size that, coupled with a sharper 1080p resolution, should enhance the visual experience of most Switch games without compromising portability.

6. Mouse controls

   Nintendo's innovative approach extends to the Joy-Con, which can now be used as a mouse when laid flat on a surface. This feature, supported by games like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4, provides a novel control option that could appeal to PC gamers and enhance gameplay in certain titles.

   The mouse feature adds a fun twist, though its longevity remains to be seen.

7. More storage

   The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of external storage, a significant upgrade from the original. However, with larger game files due to enhanced graphics, the actual benefit might be less pronounced. Faster memory is included to handle these larger files, suggesting a need for quicker memory cards for additional storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2

   Nintendo has responded to user feedback with various hardware tweaks. The Switch 2 features two USB-C ports, an added fan in the dock for better cooling, larger sticks, and improved sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller now includes an audio jack and assignable buttons. The adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is particularly useful for tabletop play, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

   

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

   Backward compatibility ensures that your Switch library remains accessible on the Switch 2. Moreover, certain Switch titles like Metroid Prime 4 will have Switch 2 Editions, offering enhanced features such as Quality Mode for higher resolution or Performance Mode for faster frame rates. Owners of the original games can upgrade to these new editions at a potentially reasonable cost, which could also benefit notoriously janky titles like Pokémon games.

   The Switch 2 Editions promise to breathe new life into beloved games.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth

    The Switch 2 is the exclusive platform for groundbreaking titles. Mario Kart World introduces continuous world traversal and supports up to 24 carts, promising chaotic fun. Kirby's Air Riders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, hints at a revitalized take on the franchise. The Duskbloods, an exclusive from FROM Software, promises a challenging and immersive experience. And Donkey Kong Bananza aims to redeem the series after the mixed reception of Donkey Kong 64, leveraging the Switch 2's capabilities to deliver a landmark 3D platforming adventure.

    Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

    AnswerSee Results