Launch Insight: crucial details unveiled regarding the debut of the latest Nintendo gaming device
By: Michael Eichhammer
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, Nintendo has once again taken a leap forward with its latest offering, the Switch 2. Replacing the popular Switch, which has already sold over 150 million units, the Switch 2 promises innovative features and technical advancements to keep gamers hooked. Find out all the juicy details in our comprehensive FAQ.
Size and weight: bigger and heavier
If more is better, the Switch 2 definitely delivers. The screen size has been bumped up to 7.9 inches, a significant increase from the original Switch’s 6.2 inches. This upgrade is reflected in the console’s external dimensions - while the classic Switch measured 23.9 cm in length and 10.2 cm in height, the Switch 2 with docked controllers is now 27.2 cm long and around 16.5 cm high. Weight-wise, the console tips the scales at approximately 535 grams, making it slightly heavier than its predecessor.
OLED vs LCD: LCD prevails
Following the release of the 2021 version of the first generation Switch with an OLED screen, gamers might wonder why the Switch 2 opted for an LCD display. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager of the Technology Development Division and Senior Director at Nintendo, attributes this decision to progress in LCD technology during the console’s development [1]. Some speculate whether cost-effectiveness played a role in the decision, but Nintendo emphasizes that the Switch 2 supports HDR for high-contrast images, unlike the previous Switch models.
Enhanced technical features
The LCD display on the Switch 2 boasts superior clarity, with a resolution of 1080p compared to the original Switch’s 720p. In docked mode on the TV, the console can even output 4K UHD resolution at 60 Hz, thanks to HDMI 2.1 [1]. The new console supports variable refresh rates (VRR) of up to 120 Hz on compatible TV devices, preventing screen tearing and stuttering [1].
The graphics performance has seen a significant boost, with Nvidia claiming a tenfold increase in performance in docked mode and 3.09 TFLOPS in stationary mode [3]. This enhancement enables more realistic light and shadow representations, as well as ray tracing reflection effects. The chip also incorporates 48 Tensor cores for AI upscaling through DLSS, improving the frame rate without compromising performance [1]. The docking station is equipped with its own fan to maintain performance and prevent overheating.
Processor and battery life: improved performance and battery life
The processor within the Nintendo Switch 2 is a customized Tegra-T239-Orin chip, featuring eight Arm Cortex-A78C cores, supported by 12GB of LPDDR5(X) RAM [3]. Two of the eight cores are dedicated to the operating system and installed firmware, leaving six cores available for game developers [2]. The Nvidia Ampere GPU offers a raw performance of 1.72 TFLOPS in handheld mode and 3.09 TFLOPS in stationary mode [4]. This improved processing power results in reduced load times for games [1].
In terms of battery life, the Switch 2 offers between 2 to 6.5 hours of gaming on the go, slightly shorter than the OLED variant of the previous model [1]. The battery recharges in about three hours in sleep mode and can be limited to around 90% to preserve battery life [1].
Controller upgrades: better ergonomics and mouse functionality
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers offer improved ergonomics, with enhanced grip, more comfortable thumbsticks, and larger buttons to accommodate adult hands [1]. Compared to the original Joy-Con, the Joy-Con 2 controllers weigh around 17 grams more, but this increase contributes to the C button and the added functionality of mouse mode [1]. The C button serves as an in-game chat activator, while mouse mode lets the controller double as a PC-style mouse when placed sensors-down on a flat surface [1].
HD Vibration 2 provides tactile feedback for an immersive gaming experience. New accessories, such as a separately purchased camera, may be required for specific features, such as in-game video chat [1].
Storage capacity and memory: more space for your games
The Switch 2 boasts a storage capacity of 256 GB, a significant leap from the original Switch’s 32 GB [1]. This expanded storage is "significantly faster," though Nintendo does not provide specific numbers [1]. Old microSDHC and microSDXC cards are no longer compatible with the new console, which now supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB [1].
Compatibility and games: backward compatibility and new titles to look forward to
The Switch 2 is expected to offer backward compatibility with many games from the previous console, although not all titles will be compatible [6]. The GameShare feature allows Switch 2 owners to share their games with friends, even those still using the older Switch [6].
Exciting new games scheduled for release include "Mario Kart World," a graphically impressive racer set to showcase the console’s capabilities, as well as upgrades for "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" and "Breath of the Wild" [6]. Other titles slated for the launch of the Switch 2 include "Street Fighter 6," "Cyberpunk 2077," "Fortnite," and "Yakuza 0" [6].
Price and release date: Get ready to spend
The Nintendo Switch 2 will hit shelves worldwide on June 5, 2025, and is expected to retail for around 470 euros [5]. A bundle with "Mario Kart World" will also be available for around 510 euros [5]. Accessories such as the official Nintendo Switch 2 camera or Pro Controller will be offered at an additional cost [5].
Stay tuned for further updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 as more details emerge in the lead-up to its release!
References
[1] Sasaki, Tetsuya. (2024). "The design and technology behind the Nintendo Switch 2." Nintendo Official Blog. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.nintendo.com/switch/news/20240515ORSwitch2LaunchInfo/
[2] "Nintendo Switch 2: New Features, Release Date, and Price." (2024). Digital Foundry. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-nintendo-switch-2-new-features-release-date-price
[3] "What's Inside the NVIDIA Tegra T239 SoC Powering the Nintendo Switch 2?" (2024). AnandTech. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.anandtech.com/show/18502/what-s-inside-the-nvidia-tegra-t239-socket-processing-the-nintendo-switch-2
[4] "Nintendo Switch 2: Full technical specifications, features, and release date." (2024). GamesRadar+. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendo-switch-2-specs-features-release-date/
[5] "Nintendo Switch 2: Everything we know so far." (2024). IGN. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-everything-we-know-so-far
[6] "Nintendo Switch 2: Exclusive and third-party games confirmed so far." (2024). Nintendo Life. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/05/nintendo-switch-2-exclusive-and-third-party-games-confirmed-so-far
- The Switch 2 boasts a selection of innovative gadgets, enhancing the user experience through improved ergonomics, a larger screen, and new controller features, such as mouse functionality.
- The development of the Switch 2 also showcases advancements in technology, with the console offering superior graphics performance and supporting features like variable refresh rates and 4K UHD resolution when docked.
