After an initial teaser back in January, Nintendo has finally revealed more about its Switch successor, the Switch 2.
So, what’s really new with the Nintendo Switch 2? Should you consider upgrading if you’re still sporting the original Switch or Switch OLED?
We’ve compared the specs of the Nintendo Switch 2 to its predecessor, so you can clearly see the main differences between them here. Keep reading to see what’s new in Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch and make your own predictions as to whether the new console will make it to our best game consoles list.
For more information, make sure you check out our Joy-Cons 2 vs Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch 2 details you may have missed guides.
Pricing and availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available globally from the 5th June 2025 with a starting RRP of £395.99/$449.99. Although Nintendo has previously stated that pre-orders won’t go live until 8th April, the console is currently available to pre-order from select retailers in the UK, such as Argos, Very and Amazon, with the latter on an invitation basis.
The Nintendo Switch is still available with an RRP of £259.99. As it launched nearly a decade ago, it’s not impossible to find price drops and bundle deals to save a bit of money.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a new dock
Much like the Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 is playable in three different ways: handheld, tabletop and TV mode via the included dock. Nintendo has upgraded and enhanced the Switch 2’s dock so it’s not only bigger than the original, but it has a few new tricks up its sleeve.
While the original dock supported up to 1080p resolution when connected to compatible TVs, the Switch 2’s dock supports up to 4K when in TV mode. Not only that, but the dock also supports HDR, VRR and up to 120 fps, although keep in mind that frame rates cap at 60 fps for 4K output.
Plus, the dock also sports a built-in fan that keeps the system cool and helps stabilise performance when playing on the big screen.
Left ImageRight Image
The Nintendo Switch 2 supports performance upgrades for its games
Nintendo explained that there are different types of Nintendo Switch 2 games: Switch 2 games, compatible Nintendo Switch games and Switch 2 Edition titles. With over 60 games announced specifically for the Switch 2, these titles will take advantage of the performance boost of the new console, including processing capability, speed, graphics performance and more.
For example, Mario Kart World, which is launching alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, will see HDR compatibility while Metroid Prime 4 will feature mouse controls and the option to explore the world in 4K at 60fps or full HD at 120fps.
Switch 2 Edition games are titles that were originally released with Nintendo Switch and will soon receive upgraded versions for the upcoming Switch 2. Nintendo explains these game upgrades will include improved visuals, unique ways to play and more.
Nintendo showcased Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition as a prime example of the latter. The upgrade expands on the 2024 base game and adds new Switch 2-specific features like mouse controls, audio recognition and gameplay with the camera.
Switch 2 games won’t be playable on the original Switch, but most Switch games will be playable on the Switch 2.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition
Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Image Credit: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 has updated Joy-Cons
The Nintendo Switch 2 now includes revamped Joy-Cons, which are fitted with a plethora of new features. Firstly, the Joy-Cons 2 are slightly larger than the original Joy-Cons, with bigger SL and SR buttons and larger joysticks too for more comfortable gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy Con 2 above Joy Con
The Joy-Con 2s have larger SL and SR buttons to the original Joy-Cons. Image Credit: Nintendo
There’s also the addition of the C button on the right Joy-Con 2 which enables the use of Nintendo’s new Game Chat features so you can communicate with friends during online gaming.
While the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons slide into either side of the console’s frame, the Joy-Cons 2 now attach magnetically to the Switch 2. Nintendo explains that the magnets are on the main body of the console, while the larger SL and SR buttons are made from steel to form a magnetic circuit that “won’t easily detach”.
However, for multiplayer gaming you can remove the Joy-Cons simply by pressing the release button at the back of the console.
Finally, the Joy-Cons 2 are now almost entirely black, with just an accent of the trademark blue and red under each controller’s analogue stick and on the inner-side too.
For a more in-depth look, we’ve put together a dedicated guide to the Joy Con 2 vs Joy Con.
C button on Joy Con 2
C Button on right Joy-Con 2. Image Credit: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 is bigger
One of the most notable differences is that the Nintendo Switch 2 is considerably larger than the original Nintendo Switch, measuring in at 7.9-inches compared to 6.2-inches (or 7-inches for the OLED variant). Despite being bigger, the Nintendo Switch 2 retains the same 13.9mm thickness of its predecessor.
The display itself is an LCD; unfortunately, it doesn’t sport an OLED like the upgraded Switch model that arrived a few years after the original model.
Nintendo has said the screen will be more vivid and offer HDR support too. Plus, the Switch 2’s display will boast almost double the amount of pixels as the Switch, as it’s now 1080p and up to 120 fps in compatible titles for a smoother gameplay experience.
Size aside, the Switch 2 notably now includes a second USB-C port at the top of the device, which is a nice addition, as it allows you to more comfortably charge your console while you game.
Switch 2 7.9 inches and Switch 6.2 inches
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Image Credit: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 now supports a camera
Following on from the above, the second USB-C port of the Switch 2 can also house the brand new Nintendo Switch 2 camera, or any other compatible USB-C camera. With a USB-C camera connected to the Switch 2, you can appear on screen and video chat while gaming during Game Chat.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Image Credit: Nintendo
Game Chat is a new feature on the Nintendo Switch 2 which lets a group of up to 12 users chat while gaming. Not only can you share your screen with your fellow gamers in real-time, even if you’re playing different titles, but you can also show your face while gaming. In fact, some titles will use your camera feed too, to show real life reactions.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a built-in microphone
To support the aforementioned Game Chat feature, you won’t need to invest in an additional microphone as the Switch 2 now has one built in. Found at the top of the console, the Switch 2’s microphone can recognise and pick up your speaking voice even from a distance. Plus the microphone uses noise cancelling technology to help filter out background and game sounds too.
Microphone highlighted on the Nintendo Switch 2
Built-in microphone on Nintendo Switch 2. Image Credit: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB storage
Anyone with a Nintendo Switch will likely have struggled with the console’s measly 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Fortunately, the Switch 2 has rectified this issue and offers eight times the amount of storage, with a whopping 256GB support for keeping digital downloads, game data and more.
If you do need more space, then it’s worth noting that the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards, which make high speed data transfers possible. This means that regular microSD cards used for Nintendo Switch will no longer be supported.
Early Verdict
It’s fair to say that we’re excited about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While we wish it did sport an OLED screen, the Switch 2 will still boast a bigger design, improved Joy-Cons and Game Chat feature that’s supported by the built-in microphone.
Of course, considering the Nintendo Switch received a near perfect 4.5-star rating from us, it’s fair to say the Switch 2 will have a lot to measure up to. However, at this early stage, we’re keen to see how it fares.
We’ll be sure to update this article once we get our hands on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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