Here's What’s New In The Nintendo Switch 2 Gaming Console

The Nintendo Switch 2 was finally launched for the masses on June 5, 2025, after creating a lot of buzz. Thanks to the demand for it, at first, some stores faced shortages in stocking the hybrid video game console.

So, what made it so popular?

Well, it brings a lot of improvements that change the way portable games are played. Along with the core hardware, Nintendo has also released important day-one updates and a great launch package that shows off the console's new features.

Let's dive into the latest updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, shall we?
 

What’s The Latest In The Nintendo Switch 2?

Finally, Nintendo showed its next-generation game console, a big improvement over its previous handheld gaming device, Switch. Especially as this came after years of unconfirmed rumours, leaks, and a lot of online speculation.

The new gaming system, released all over the globe in June, has better graphics, controllers, and more existing Switch games that can be played on it.

Instead of starting from scratch, the Nintendo Switch 2 is an improvement on the original Nintendo Switch console. It was first mentioned in January and then fully shown off at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event in April, along with 22 launch games.

So, what makes the Switch 2 special?
 

What's Under The Hood Of Switch 2?

Beyond the original buzz and excitement, the Nintendo Switch 2's real magic lies in its core hardware. Let's explore the core specifications that made this evolutionary leap possible:
 

Size	The Switch 2 is about 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and.55 inches thick (with the Joy-ConTM 2 controllers connected).
Weight	Approx. 0.88 lbs
Screen	Capacitive touch screen 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen 1920x1080 pixels HDR10 support VRR up to 120 Hz
CPU/GPU	Custom processor made by NVIDIA.
Storage	256 GB (UFS)
Communication Features	LTE (Wi-Fi 6) wireless network Connectivity Bluetooth The Nintendo Switch 2 can be connected to the TV using the dock's wired LAN port.
Video Output	Output via HDMI connector in TV mode Maximum of 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps (TV mode) Supports 120 fps when 1920x1080/2560x1440 resolutions are selected Supports HDR10 (maximum 1920x1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode)
Audio Output	Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch Output via HDMI connector in TV mode (surround sound effect can be applied when outputting to headphones or built-in speaker)
Speakers	Stereo A natural, clear sound is produced by the separate enclosure structure.
Microphone	Integrated microphone (monaural) Eliminating noise and sound and adjusting the volume automatically make voice chat more comfortable.
Game card slot	The game cards can be put into either the Nintendo Switch 2 or the Nintendo Switch.
Internal battery	Lithium-ion battery/5220mAh
Battery life	Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours (depends on what games you play and for how long)
Charging time	Approx 3 hrs

With the technical specifications out of the way, we’re sure the gamer want to know what games they can actually run, right?
 

What Games Can You Play On Switch 2?

Here are all the games for which Nintendo has announced Switch 2 Editions:
 

• Mario Kart World

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• Donkey Kong Bananza (available July 17)

• Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (available July 24)

• EA Sports Madden NFL 26 (available August 14)

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (available August 28)

Although those games will be improved for the new system, you can already buy Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Civilization 7. Later this year, other games are expected to come out in Switch 2 Edition and other versions.

This brings up a question: how many games Switch 2 can hold?


Well, that depends on the games you want to buy and play.

Consider Mario Kart World. At 23.4 GB, it's just under 10% of the Switch 2's current onboard storage. Therefore, you don't need a MicroSD Express card to store ten copies of that game.

Still, Donkey Kong Bananza only takes up about 10GB, which means you can fit more than 20 copies of that game on the Switch 2. More games will fit on your machine if you only play independent games and smaller games.

Basically, it's hard to say until we know more about the game’s sizes.

Despite this minor limitation, storage is not the only aspect on which the Switch 2 improves from the original Switch. Dive in!
 

How Does The Switch 2 Compare To The Switch 1?

The Nintendo Switch 2 hit the stores, and at the time of writing, the system seems like a good replacement for the original Switch, with user reviews positive so far.

So, should get the Switch 2, or stick to the older handheld if you have the Switch 1?

Let’s check the difference:
 

• Price

  The Switch 2 costs $449.99, which is more than any other Nintendo system. That's a lot to ask when the Switch costs $299.99, the Switch OLED costs $349.99, and the Switch Lite, which can only be used in your hand, costs only $199.99. It's still less expensive than a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X, but not by much.

• Design And Build

  As expected, the design is not that fundamentally different from the older Switch. Both systems are tablets that come with controllers that can be taken off and a dock that lets you use the device as either a handheld game console or a home console linked to a TV.

• Joy-Con

  The Joy-Con 2 controls for the Switch 2 feel like the originals. Eight buttons on the face, two triggers, an analog stick, and two buttons for menu, catch, and home. There are two Joy-Cons set up so that you can play with both at the same time. It's nice, that the analog sticks on the newer Joy-Con are a bit bigger.

• Screen

  The screen on the Switch 2 is bigger and better in almost every way. It's 7.9 inches and has a 1080p screen, which means it has twice as many pixels. Depending on which Switch 1 model you compare it to, it's bigger by 2.5 to 0.9 inches, has twice the refresh rate (120Hz), and looks great in real life.

• Processing Power

  Depending on the game and settings, the Switch 2 can show images in 4K60 or 1080p120 when docked. It's the first Nintendo device that can get 4K resolution or frame rates faster than 60 frames per second. It's still not clear how often it can hit those numbers. Still, the images on the Switch 2 are much clearer and smoother than on the Switch 1.

• Storage

  With the Switch 2, you won't need a microSD card right away, but you will need a microSD Express card. The Switch 2 has 256GB of space, a lot better compared to Switch with 32GB and Switch OLED with 64GB storage.

• Voice Chat

  Voice chat is available on the Switch 2, but not on the Switch. A new C button on the right Joy-Con 2 turns on GameChat, the built-in messaging system. After pressing it, you can speak to in-game friends using the console's integrated mic.

• Accessibility Features

  On the Switch 2, there is a new accessibility menu that lets you turn on different features that will make it easier for people who have trouble seeing, hearing, or speaking to use the system. Depending on your needs, you can change the size of system text, turn on and off-screen zoom, flip colors or turn them into grayscale and use a speech-to-text screen reader. The Switch only has a menu for changing how the buttons work.

That's a big change! Isn't it?

So, it's now up to you to decide whether to stay with Switch 1 or invest in the new version with latest features.

To make your choice simpler, let's talk about some of Switch 2’s key features.
 

 

What Are The Standout Features Of The Switch 2?

Technically, the Nintendo Switch 2 has the same 13.99 mm diameter as the original Switch and a 7.9-inch screen. In terms of resolution, its LCD screen offers 1080p, works with HDR, and can reach up to 120 frames per second with a variable refresh rate.

Although a note makes it clear that mouse mode only works with games that are suitable, the Joy-Con controllers are bigger now and can be used like a mouse, with the switches staying magnetically attached to the console.

Nintendo has revealed that the seemingly mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con, located below the home button, controls a brand-new feature called GameChat. Although it was seen in early leaks and videos, this square button with a "C" on it has now been publicly explained.

The officially released Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, an add-on that fits next to your TV and lets you have video chats through GameChat. It also has features that allow you to place your face on top of the game or as a separate video feed.

Along with online play and chat, Nintendo Switch 2 will have a feature called "GameShare" that lets one owner of a game share it directly with up to three other Switch 2 or original consoles. That feature will only work with certain games, with Super Mario Odyssey and Captain Toad Treasure Tracker included in the list.

The GameChat tool lets you talk on the phone, share your game screen, and video chat with other people while you play. However, a parent or guardian needs to be involved in the set-up and use of GameChat by players aged 15 and younger and for all supervised accounts. Smart device app Nintendo Switch Parental Controls lets parents see their child's chat logs, which includes who they played with and for how long.

Additionally, Nintendo is releasing a GameCube controller that Nintendo Switch Online members will be able to get with the Switch 2 device. Pretty cool, right?
 

So, Is It Time to Evolve Your Gameplay?

As we've seen, the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't just an improvement but a monumental step forward, like the apes in Rise of the Planet of the Apes going beyond what they thought was possible. Featuring stunning 4K graphics and a 120Hz screen, as well as smart Joy-Con 2 controllers and ground-breaking features like GameChat and GameShare, this system really is a step forward.

When compared to its predecessor, it shows big improvements in processing power, storage, and usability, which makes its higher price tag worth it for the experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just a console. It's a statement about how we'll interact with computers, play games, and explore places in the future. So, you can either stick with what you own or switch 2 the next big thing in gaming!