The much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 unveils a smarter way to play together

In terms of hardware, the most obvious upgrade on the Switch 2 is the new 7.9-inch LCD touch screen with 1080p resolution, HDR support and a 120Hz refresh rate. This means more vibrant colors, detailed graphics and smoother frame rates. The original Switch only has a 6.2-inch LCD and the OLED Switch comes with a 7-inch screen. The Switch 2 now supports TVs with up to 4K resolution and a maximum of 120fps in docked mode. 

The Switch 2 has a new CPU and GPU for faster rendering, higher resolution, increased loading speed and the power to run more demanding games that’s close to the level of a modern gaming PC. Onboard, there’s now 256 GB of internal storage that’s upgraded from the previous generation’s measly 32 to 64 GB. For additional storage, the Switch 2 uses faster microSD Express memory cards. The Switch 2 can also play physical and digital Switch games, making it backwards-compatible.

The Joy-Con 2 controllers now attach magnetically to the sides of the Switch 2 with a snap. The ergonomics of the controllers have been improved as well, with better-feeling joysticks and larger shoulder buttons.  Not only are they an improvement over the previous controllers, but the Joy-Con 2 controllers also have a new feature that can be game-changing: mouse mode. When turned on its side, the controllers can be used like a mouse. With supported games like the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, they can enable PC-like mouse control.

New to the Switch 2 is the GameChat feature. It’s an in-game voice chat that’s activated by pressing the C button on the Joy-Con 2 so gamers can talk to friends in multiplayer games. There’s no need for a headset since the Switch 2 has a built-in mic with noise-cancelling. A compatible webcam can be connected to the Switch 2 via USB-C to enable video chat.

Using the GameShare feature, players can invite others to play compatible games for a local multiplayer session even if they don’t have the game.

Seventeen titles will be available on launch day, including enhanced Switch 2 versions of new games and Switch exclusives. Mario Kart World is the latest version of the fun and fast Nintendo racing series that’s exclusive for the Switch 2. Some of the games available on launch are Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Split Fiction, Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, Fortnite, Street Fighter 6, Deltarune, Hogwart’s Legacy and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut.

Also available within the launch window period are Switch 2 exclusives such as Donkey Kong Bonanza and Drag x Drive and Switch 2 edition games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World.

Slated to be released in 2025 are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Drag x Drive, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders and The Duskbloods, which are all Switch 2 exclusives.

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