Nintendo Switch 2 – Hardware and Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 was fully unveiled during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct yesterday, and there’s a ton to unpack. While it’s not a revolutionary leap into uncharted territory, it’s a carefully crafted evolution of the original Switch, refining and enhancing nearly every aspect of the hybrid console that took the gaming world by storm back in 2017.

From its upgraded display to innovative new features, the Switch 2 builds on its predecessor’s strengths while introducing some surprising twists. Let’s break it all down.

Familiar Foundations – What’s Returning

The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t stray too far from the blueprint that made the original a hit. The hybrid design—playable in handheld, tabletop, or TV mode—remains intact, with a familiar silhouette that fans will instantly recognize.

Gyro controls are back for motion-based gameplay, and NFC support ensures seamless amiibo compatibility. The Pro Controller returns, too, albeit with some upgrades we’ll get into later. It maintains that ergonomic feel for those who prefer a traditional gamepad.

Nintendo isn’t fixing what isn’t broken: keeping the core identity of the Switch alive while piling on meaningful improvements.

Handheld Mode – Bigger and Better

In handheld mode, the Nintendo Switch 2 steps up with a 7.9-inch 1080p display, a noticeable jump from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p screen (or the OLED model’s 7-inch 720p). It supports up to 120fps and HDR, promising smoother gameplay and richer visuals. Nintendo emphasized maintaining the same thickness as the original Switch, keeping it portable despite the larger screen.

The Nintendo Switch 2’s kickstand has been overhauled into a sturdier, more adjustable design—goodbye to the flimsy popsicle stick from the original Switch. A built-in microphone offers voice chat capabilities, while a second USB-C port (one on top, one on bottom) opens the door for peripherals like the Nintendo Camera or third-party webcams alongside flexible charging positions.

Enhanced handheld speakers and 3D audio support for TV and headphones introduce an impressive audio experience whether you’re on the go or playing at home.

TV Mode – Powering Up with 4K

When docked, the Nintendo Switch 2 aims high with support for up to 4K resolution, 120fps, and HDR—leaps beyond the original’s 1080p, 60fps cap. While exact hardware specs remain under wraps, Nintendo and Nvidia have revealed new information confirming that DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is being utilized with the Nintendo Switch 2 and that the console will support Ray Tracing and VRR.

The impressive AI-powered upscaler is helping the console punch above its weight to hit those lofty targets.

The new dock includes a built-in fan, likely boosting clock speeds for improved performance in TV mode. Despite full details not announced as of this writing, this setup suggests that Nintendo is serious about delivering a more competitive big-screen experience.

Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller– Refined Controls

The Joy-Con 2 controllers are a significant upgrade over their predecessors. Larger control sticks and buttons—including much-needed, beefier SL and SR buttons—address the cramped feel of the originals. They now attach magnetically rather than slide onto rails, offering a secure snap that feels modern and reliable.

The standout feature? Mouse controls. By sliding a Joy-Con 2 across a surface, it doubles as a mouse, opening up new gameplay possibilities. Nintendo is already exploring this in first-party titles and boon for mouse-centric genres like 4X strategy games like Civilization VII, FPS titles like Metroid Prime 4, and RTS games.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller evolves, too, adding customizable GL and GR grip buttons on the back so you can keep your thumbs on the sticks at all times. It also provides a headphone jack for voice chat support or to keep the volume down when late-night gaming. It’s a solid upgrade that blends familiarity with fresh functionality.

Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller, Cont’d – Drift Be Gone

If you’re among the countless players who endured the frustration of stick drift with the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con and Pro Controllers—trust me, I’ve had my fair share of woes—you’ll be pleased to know that Nintendo appears to have addressed those concerns.

According to VGC, who reached out to a Nintendo spokesperson about the stick drift issue, the response was promising:

“The control sticks for Joy-Con 2 controllers have been revamped, boasting enhancements like improved durability.”

Industry leaks hinted at the inclusion of hall-effect sticks, though no official word has confirmed this yet. Regardless, it’s a relief to see Nintendo not only recognize the problem but also take steps to address it.

If you need an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 for local multiplayer, they will run you $89.99 and if you want to step up your game with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, that will set you back $79.99. Both are $10 increases over their predecessors, which seems to be a common trend with the Switch 2.

Storage – Up To Speed (and Capacity)

Storage gets a major boost with 256 GB of “fast storage” (likely UFS 3.1) which rivals the Xbox Series consoles’ Max SSD speeds. It’s a massive leap from the original Switch’s 32 GB (or 64 GB in the OLED model), ensuring quicker load times and room for more games.

Expandable storage comes via microSD Express Cards—faster and pricier than standard microSD cards, which won’t be compatible. These high-speed cards are built to handle the demands of current-gen titles, though they’ll cost you more than the old standard. An extra 256GB will run you about $49.99 with the prices doubling as you double the storage amount.

Battery Life – Holding Steady

Battery life is estimated at 2 to 6.5 hours according to Nintendo’s website, a considerably lower minimum, but still mostly within the original Switch’s respectable range. With a 5520mAh battery—up from the 4310mAh of the first Switch—you’d expect a boost, but the added power draw from the upgraded hardware seems to keep it in check.

Graphically intensive games like Mario Kart World might hover around 2 hours, while lighter titles like Deltarune could stretch closer to 6.5. It’s not a leap forward, but it’s solid for a handheld pushing these specs and in line with most modern PC handhelds.

GameChat and C Button: Late, but Great

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a C button on the right Joy-Con 2 and the new Pro Controller. This button operates GameChat—a Discord-like party chat system that utilizes the built-in mic on the console (with noise cancelation, taking advantage of Nvidia’s Tensor Cores) or a headset. It’s not just catching up to the competition; with camera integration and in-game implementation, it’s surpassing them.

Using the C button, you can seamlessly voice chat with friends, whether you’re racing in Mario Kart World together or playing completely separate games. Screen sharing is also a staple part of this social feature. Have your friends share their screens to see what’s happening in their games whether you’re playing together or flying solo. You can also utilize the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera peripheral (or compatible webcam) to see your friends’ faces as you belt them with a red shell in Mario Kart. It’s a polished, modern take on a feature Nintendo’s been slow to embrace—until now.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – Somehow, Kinect Returned

The Nintendo Switch Camera is a delightful surprise, plugging into that second USB-C port to offer motion-based gameplay reminiscent of the Xbox Kinect or Playstation EyeToy. As someone who loved the Kinect’s quirky potential, this hits me right in the nostalgia feels.

Using Nvidia’s Tensor Cores, the camera seamlessly crops out your background and tracks your face so that you are always perfectly in view. The only gameplay implementation we’ve seen so far is with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Party: Jamboree, showing off Kinect like minigames that will have your flailing your arms and moving frantically. It’s definitely a bold move that could carve out a unique niche for the Switch 2.

GameShare – A Consumer-Friendly Throwback

GameShare brings back the spirit of the Nintendo DS’s Download Play in a big way. With one copy of a compatible multiplayer game, you can play locally or online with up to three friends who don’t own it—essentially giving them temporary access as if they did. It’s a brilliantly consumer-friendly feature, outshining last week’s Virtual Game Card announcement in tems of practicality.

After learning about the price of some Nintendo Switch 2 games, this is a godsend and could make certain games more cost effective if you decide to split the price amongst your friend group. I always thought this was a weird ommission from the original Switch, so I’m hyped to see the feature return in a big way.

UI and eShop – A Subtle Refresh

The Nintendo Switch 2’s UI and eShop get a facelift, though they stick close to the original’s layout. The home screen still seems to prioritize recent games over folders and the all games menu (a personal gripe), but new options are available for all the new features announced, including GameChat and Virtual Game Card. I’m still holding out hope that some catchy music will grace our ears as we navigate the system this time around.

The eShop, currently a sluggish mess filled with shovelware, has undergone a vibrant makeover, swapping the orange hue for the Nintendo red we know and love. It would be disappointing if that’s all that changed, but the new layout also introduces “Game Finds for You,” a recommendation system based on your play history.

It’s unclear if it solves the curation problem plaguing the Switch eShop, but it’s a step forward. With the Nintendo Switch 2’s leap in hardware capabilities, the eShop’s lag should be non-existent too.

GameCube NSO – A New (Old) Addition

Exclusively for Switch 2, GameCube games join the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack—no extra tier required. This is surprising, as I thought Nintendo would create a new tier to encompass GameCube titles, much like they did after adding N64 and GBA emulation.

Launch titles like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Eternal Darkness, and Luigi’s Mansion fulfill a long-standing fan request, adding serious value to the subscription. It’s a nostalgic cherry on top of an already stacked package.

Closing Thoughts – A Stellar Evolution

The Nintendo Switch 2 may not reinvent the wheel, but it’s the most impressive evolutionary leap we’ve seen in a console in years. From its stunning handheld display to 4K TV prowess, refined controls, and forward-thinking features like GameChat and GameShare, it’s a worthy successor to the original’s 150-million-unit legacy.

Priced at $449.99 (or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World), it launches June 5, 2025, with pre-orders kicking off April 9, 2025. For more in-depth Nintendo Switch 2 coverage, stay tuned to Lords of Gaming