This moment will go down in history: how the Nintendo Switch 2 turned out

The long-awaited Nintendo Direct has taken place, and the company has finally introduced the Switch 2. The new console is bigger, more powerful, and has received many changes, which we will discuss in this article. We will look at its features, specifications, and prices.

Technical Specs

Price

The most important question: how much will the Switch 2 cost? The recommended price for the console is $449 for the standard version and $499 for a bundle with Mario Kart World. Some stores, such as GameStop, also offer a discount on the Switch 2 under a Trade-In program. We suggest checking other retailers as well, as you may find good deals.

Image: nintendo.com

However, game prices aren’t as favorable. Mario Kart World is recommended for sale at $79.99. Walmart has also revealed the prices for other games. For example, Super Mario Jamboree and The Legends of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in the Switch 2 version with improved graphics will also cost $79.99. Meanwhile, the new Donkey Kong Bananza can be purchased more cheaply for $69.99.

Prices for digital versions are expected to be about $10 less. Most likely, with the second generation of the console, Nintendo wants to focus on the digital market.

Size

The new console is larger. The Nintendo website provides full information about its dimensions. With the Joy-Con 2 attached, the Switch 2 measures 4.5 inches (114.3 mm) tall, 10.7 inches (271.78 mm) wide, and 0.55 inches (13.97 mm) thick. The controllers themselves have also become larger: 4.57 inches (116.07 mm) tall, 0.56 inches (14.22 mm) wide, and 1.2 inches (30.48 mm) thick.

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Battery

The console has a 5220mAh battery. Nintendo promises that this will provide 2–6.5 hours of portable playtime, and a full charge takes 3 hours. These numbers will vary depending on how demanding the game is.

Joy-Con 2 will have 500mAh batteries. They will work for up to 20 hours away from the console, and a full charge takes 3.5 hours. As with the first version of the Switch, you can charge the controllers via the console itself or with the separately purchased Charging Grip.

Screen

Significant changes have also occurred with the screen. It has become much larger. The Switch 2’s screen measures 7.9 inches (20.66 mm) diagonally. It features an LCD display with an IPS panel, HDR10 support, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The native resolution is 1920×1080 pixels in portable mode. In docked mode, upscaling to 4K is supported.

Image: youtube.com

Storage

Storage capacity has also increased. Instead of the usual 32 GB, we now get 256 GB of internal storage and support for MicroSD Express cards. Unfortunately, regular MicroSD cards will not work. You can purchase the required card from Nintendo’s partners: Samsung and SanDisc.

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Graphics

Nintendo Switch 2 has a native resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate in portable mode. When connected to a TV or monitor via the dock, you can adjust the resolution.

Available options:

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There are also some technical details regarding game performance on the console. The information was provided by Digital Foundry, but note that these details come from the console’s presentation and may differ at release:

Nvidia also officially released information on the Switch 2’s custom processor. Its graphics power is 10 times greater than that of the first version of the console. It supports G-Sync, DLSS, and ray tracing. It’s also reported to have Tensor cores.

Joy-Con 2

The biggest changes affect the controllers. On the Switch 2, the attachment method has changed—now they connect to the console with powerful magnets. This type of connection should be more durable, although the side bezels of the screen are unlikely to get smaller in the future. The SR/SL buttons have also been changed—they are larger and more convenient to press.

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Nintendo also promises greater durability for the Joy-Con 2. Rumor has it they contain Hall sensors, but this has not been officially confirmed. Another improvement is in vibration: HD Rumble 2 is more powerful and more pleasant.

The most significant change is that Joy-Cons can now be used as a mouse. Placing the device on its side allows you to roll it and aim. This will be implemented in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. All controller features will also be used in Drag x Drive.

Pro Controller

A Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will be available for order at launch. It has 2 additional buttons on the back—GL and GR. You can assign their functions yourself. Like the Joy-Con 2, this controller will feature an improved version of HD Rumble. The recommended price is $80.

Image: youtube.com

GameChat

The purpose of the C button on the right Joy-Con has been revealed. It’s used for GameChat—Nintendo’s own version of Discord. By pressing the button, you can call friends or other players in a lobby, as well as stream your screen. A video call feature is also available, but it requires a separate camera that we’ll discuss below.

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GameChat will be available for free to all console users until March 31, 2026. After that, only Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to use it.

GameShare

It’s no longer necessary for multiple consoles to have their own copies of a game for co-op. At Nintendo Direct, GameShare was shown—a system for sharing games with other devices. The owner can share copies with 3 Switch devices (even the first generation), making co-op play possible.

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Camera

We mentioned the camera earlier; now it’s time to discuss it. The camera itself is not included in the console package—it must be purchased separately for $50. However, the Switch 2 now allows you to connect a camera and call friends. This feature is implemented via GameChat. Accessory manufacturer Hori has already shown its version of the camera styled as a Piranha Plant.

Image: youtube.com

USB-port

To play in docked mode while using the camera, the Switch 2 has 2 USB Type-C ports. One is centered on the bottom, and the other is on the top edge of the console.

In addition to connecting the camera and other accessories, the top port can be used to charge the console while playing in portable mode with it resting on a table. You no longer have to buy stands with a cutout for the charger; you can just plug the cable in at the top.

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Game Upgrade

Almost all games for the first version of the Switch are backward compatible. Nintendo has also published 2 lists of games that will not work on the Switch 2:

Some games will also receive graphical and performance upgrades, though some of these upgrades will be paid. The cost is expected to be around $10–$20.

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Below is the full list of paid upgrades:

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There are also games that can be upgraded for free and without a subscription. Currently, the following list is confirmed:

A new type of cartridge was also announced at Nintendo Direct. Game-Key Cards are "empty" cartridges that don’t contain any game data themselves but are required for proper operation. There is no extra charge; when you buy this version, you receive a digital activation code for the eShop.

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The first games to support this system will be Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster and Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition. Both are scheduled for release on the console’s launch day—June 5.

GameCube

The Nintendo Switch 2’s emulation catalog will expand to include GameCube. These games will run at 1200×900 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The emulator will be available to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers.

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Here is the list of GameCube games that will be available on Switch 2 at launch:

Accessories

We will conclude with an overview of the accessories releasing alongside the console on launch day. Nintendo has already announced the full list:

Image: nintendo.com

That is all the known technical information about the Nintendo Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch Experience tour is currently underway, after which the console will be available for purchase. First impressions can already be found online. To wrap up our article, we suggest watching the video of the first stage of the Nintendo Treehouse: Live presentation.

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