Overnight Nintendo made the Switch 2 official. The updated model now features an updated display, a better kickstand, magnetically attached Joy-cons, a 4K dock and much more.
Those of us who’ve enjoyed the Nintendo Switch since it’s launch back in March of 2017, just over 8 years ago.
The Switch has done well as a dual-purpose console and portable gaming device, offering something quite unique compared to PlayStation and Xbox.
New owners
For those who haven’t purchased a Switch yet, they’ll need to assess the new price tag and weigh that up against the current price tags. The entry point is as low as A$329 for the Nintendo Switch Lite, A$469 for the original Switch (inc dock) and A$539 for the Switch OLED model.
When we compare that with the new price tag of the Switch 2, it is quite a step up, starting at A$699, a growth of $230 from the standard Switch and $130 over the OLED edition. If you’d like to grab the Mario Kart bundle (you do), then it’ll cost a massive $769.95.
Should existing owners upgrade to Switch 2?
If you’re an existing owner, things get a lot more complex. Firstly, your existing investments in games will come with you, helping you to have content from day 1. There’s a number of new features which will draw in some, but is it enough for you? Leave a comment below.
The bigger screen is certainly a draw card at 7.9″ this is now larger than even the biggest smartphone (outside foldables), up from the original 6.2″.
A larger screen is certainly going to provide a more immersive experience, and thankfully Nintendo has managed to keep the thickness the same. The larger display (and battery) adds a little extra to the weight, with the Switch 2 adding 136 grams, for a total of 534 grams including Joy-cons.
The display of the Switch 2 increases the resolution from 1280 x 720 to 1920 × 1080. If you play the Switch 2 on the dock, connected to your TV, the system is capable of outputting content in 4K and with HDR support, the content is sure to look better than ever.
Thanks to upgraded internals, Nintendo can now offer 120 fps, although it won’t mean all games run at that speed automatically, look for developers to take some time to implement this.
Nintendo has rethought how the Joy-con controllers attach to the chassis. Previously they would slide into place, but with Switch 2, they’ll simply snap into position. These use strong magnets and we’re assured these don’t come off easily. To release, simply press a button on the back of the joy-con, which I imagine cuts an electrical signal to the magnet to release the Joy-con.
This is a better idea (assuming it works as advertised) and if you’re someone who goes back and forward between Switch modes a lot, this will definitely be a big upgrade.
I’ve always felt the thumbsticks and shoulder buttons a little small on the switch, so I’m glad to see the extra size of the Switch 2 was met with a corresponding scale up of these items. This should make for a better feel in the hand, although it’s still not as ergonomic as some of the thicker competitors, like the Lenovo Legion Go.
The Joy-cons pick up a new capability, to be used as a mouse, with a the example shown being a more precise aiming in a first person shooter. Personally I think most who are serious about FPS will not be using a switch. I would have preferred to see native Bluetooth support for a proper mouse and keyboard.
There is clearly now an accelerometer in the Joy-cons, as an example shown is the user moving it as if they’re taking a free throw in basketball. This has a throwback to the Wii controllers of old and something I’m very excited for, just hope developers come to the party.
Nintendo have now improved the sound (including 3D audio), added a built-in microphone for GameChat, which unfortunately does require a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription. You can use video chat by connecting a compatible USB-C Camera.
In the fine print, Nintendo answers an obvious concern with this feature, that one of access for children. Children must get approval from a parent of Guardian via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to use GameChat.
When you’re on the go, using the Switch hands-free is possible thanks to the kickstand. We are now on the 3rd iteration of Switch kickstands from Nintendo. The first was a stem that folded out, which worked, but it was a single angle and was easily knocked over. The second was on the OLED, where a large section of the rear section folded out. The Switch 2 refines that and has a large, wide kickstand, but is only a portion of the surround and can be adjusted at any angle, this reminds me a lot of the Surface Studio.
Dual USB-C ports is maybe one of the best upgrades on the Switch 2. While you’re unlikely to upgrade simply for a port, this does show that engineers at Nintendo are thinking about what it’s like to live with the Switch. This allows you to charge the Switch while using it in tabletop mode, or connect a USB-C camera. While most laptops offer ports on the side, given the removable Joy-cons, that’s simply not possible, so this is a great plan B.
With higher resolutions, comes increased demand for storage. There’s now 8x the storage capacity at 256GB, which Nintendo says is also faster than before.
There’s a new dock that supports 720, 1080, 1440 and 4K resolutions and HDR. Unfortunately that 4K resolution option comes at the cost of frame rate, when docked, the content will run at a max of 4K 60 fps. Interestingly the dock, now rounded on the edges, includes a fan (hopefully not loud). This is to help keep the console cool and performance stable.
Overall, there’s a number of changes to the Switch with the second version (third if you count the OLED), but are they enough to have everyone upgrading? Personally I think most people who own a switch will be happy with what they have, however those who bought early could easily justify an upgrade (to themselves) that they’ve got good value for money over the 8 years and it’s time to re-invest.
There were a lot of games announced today for Switch 2, however not all will be available day and date of launch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th, 2025, let us know in the comment if the features above will see you upgrading.
