Photo: Nintendo
Nintendo announced the Switch 2 at its latest Direct event, set to launch on June 5. The new Switch 2 is a major improvement from its predecessor released eight years ago as it comes with a larger display, bigger internal storage and magnetic Joy-Con controllers.
It will introduce new features such as GameChat, which allows users to share their screen and make video chat and voice calls, and a new “C” button.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch
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Display
The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch, 1080p LCD screen, which is larger than its predecessors’ models. While the Switch Lite has the smallest screen (5.5 inches, 720p), the original Switch has a display panel of 6.2 inches. The OLED version extends to 7 inches with a 1080p display when docked.
Performance and battery
The company has yet to disclose technical details about Switch 2’s Nvidia chipset, stating that it has, “significantly improved CPU and GPU performance,” as compared to its prior models. It will allow for 4K gameplay at up to 60 frames per second or 1080p at up to 120 frames per second in handheld mode.
The prior models were powered by a custom version of Nvidia’s Tegra X1 chipset that used an octa-core Arm CPU and a Maxwell-based GPU which outclassed smartphones at the time but lagged behind consoles such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at the time.
Nintendo says that the Switch 2’s battery ranges from 2.5 to 6.5 hours depending on the usage and takes around 3 hours to charge. The battery of Switch 1 and OLED lasted longer as it ranges between 4.5 to 9 hours with a similar charging time of 3 hours.
Storage, dock and other hardware
The new handheld console comes with 256 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2 TB using a microSD Express card. This storage capacity is eight times greater than that of the Switch 1 and four times larger than that of the Switch OLED.
The console’s dock has a built-in Ethernet port similar to the Switch OLED’s dock and comes with a pair of USB Type-C ports and an HDMI port.
It has a USB Type-C port on the handheld top and a built-in microphone with noise cancellation. This allows users to talk to their friends using Nintendo’s new GameChat feature, enabling screen sharing and hopping on a video call using Switch 2’s new camera.
The kickstand has been changed to a new, redesigned U-shaped adjustable kickstand that extends to the width of the display. Nintendo has also unveiled a new Pro Controller with rear buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a new “C” button that can be used to enable video calls and voice chats with other players.
Games and software
One of the original Switch’s strengths when it launched was the dozen titles available. More games, some exclusive to the Switch, will be launched by the end of 2017. As of this writing, Nintendo has announced several game titles for the Switch 2, such as first-party games like Mario Kart World and third-party games like Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077.
The company has also announced that many improved, “Switch 2 Edition,” games will be available at launch, most notably, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom,” along with a few select GameCube games that will be available with the Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
One of the advantages of the Switch 2 as compared to older versions is its backward compatibility with most Switch 1 games. However, Nintendo said some older games, such as Doom: Eternal, NBA 2 K25, and Rocket League, may face in-game compatibility issues.
Pricing
The Switch 2 will be $499 at launch, with an option to buy a bundled version with the Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World at the same price. The original Switch will remain priced at $299.99, while the OLED model will be priced at $349.99.
Similar to the Switch 2 deal, Nintendo often sells discounted bundles that include a Switch OLED, three months of Nintendo Switch Online, and specific games.
The side-by-side hardware specifications of the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch 1, and Switch OLED are provided below:
| Specifications | Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Custom Nvidia chipset (Details yet to be announced) | Nvidia Tegra X1 custom chipset | Nvidia Tegra X1 custom chipset |
| Display | 7.9-inch LCD | 7-inch OLED | 6.2-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 (docked) 1,920 x 1,080 (handheld) | 1,920 x 1,080 (docked) 1,280 x 720 (handheld) | 1,920 x 1,080 (docked) 1,280 x 720 (handheld) |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB (Expandable up to 2 TB) | 64 GB (Expandable up to 2 TB) | 32 GB (Expandable up to 2 TB) |
| Ports | 2x USB-C / 3.5mm (handheld) 2x USB-C / HDMI / ethernet (dock) | USB-C / 3.5mm (handheld) 2x USB 2.0 / USB-C (power adapter) / HDMI/ ethernet (dock) | USB-C / 3.5mm (handheld) 3x USB 2.0 / USB-C (power adapter) / HDMI (dock) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No | No |
| Game card slot | Switch 2 and Switch cartridges | Switch cartridges | Switch cartridges |
| Battery life | 2 to 6.5 hours | 4.5 to 9 hours | 4.5 to 9 hours |
| Starting Price | $449.99 | $349.99 | $299.99 |
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