Nintendo has just unveiled to the world the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console via a first-look trailer. Obviously, this is the successor to the much-loved Nintendo Switch (and probably the Switch OLED too?). To the untrained eye, the Switch 2 might not look much different from its predecessor, but it does pack some noteworthy upgrades.
What’s new with the Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 might not look too different from the original Switch and Switch OLED. But there’s a saying that goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, and that especially applies to something that’s much loved like the Switch. Still, fans of the Nintendo Switch will immediately notice that the new console now sports rounder corners than before, and has grown in size.
There’s a larger display too, but the company has yet to reveal its actual size, its resolution, nor the type of display the Switch 2 will come with (we sure hope it’s an OLED). However, it would make sense for Nintendo to keep the Switch 2 with an IPS LCD panel to keep costs low.
Naturally, the Joy-Con controllers on the Nintendo Switch 2 are now larger too and have been redesigned, sporting a black paint job with some colourful accents on its analogue sticks and inner edges. There’s also a new button that’s referred to as the “C” button, but its function has yet to be confirmed.
As you would expect, the Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch 2 can be detached. However, unlike the original Switch which sported a rail system, the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons now attach to the console magnetically.
The Japanese gaming company has also given the Switch 2 an additional USB-C port, resulting in a total of two USB-C ports. The console also gets a newly designed U-shaped kickstand, allowing the console to be positioned in a wider variety of angles.
Additionally, there’s also a new optical sensor built into the Joy-Con. We don’t know what it is for exactly just yet, but there’s a possibility that it’s there to enable the Joy-Cons to be used as mice.
You can play (almost) all of your original Switch games on the Switch 2
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with the original Switch, meaning that it supports nearly all existing Switch games. This essentially gives you access to the extensive huge library of 5,000 titles.
The first-look trailer Nintendo shared yesterday night also briefly showed what seems to be a new Mario Kart game, featuring restyled characters along with larger tracks. Could this be a new title that will be released for the Switch 2?
Aside from all these, the Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to provide improved battery life and performance, featuring larger batteries or more efficient software, along with a beefier SoC.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 launch?
Aside from a hardware “tour” on the device, Nintendo has yet to reveal any spec details about the console though.
However, the company has announced that it will be revealing full details about the Nintendo Switch 2 at its Switch 2 Direct event, which is scheduled to take place on the 2nd of April, 2025.
