The Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025, represents Nintendo’s next-generation hybrid gaming console and brings significant upgrades over the original system released in 2017. This comparison explores the key differences in hardware, performance, features, and compatibility between these two systems to help gamers understand what’s changing and whether the upgrade is worthwhile.
Hardware Specifications and Design
Physical Design and Display
The Switch 2 features a significantly more significant form factor than its predecessor, measuring approximately an inch wider and half an inch taller. The most noticeable upgrade is the 7.9-inch LCD, which is 1.6 times larger than the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen. Despite the larger size, the Switch 2 maintains a slim profile while offering about double the pixel counts of the original model.
The new model weighs approximately 1.1 pounds with Joy-Con controllers attached, making it around 34% heavier than the original Switch. Nintendo has also implemented a full-body kickstand that covers the entire back of the console and can be adjusted to multiple angles, addressing one of the most criticized design elements of the original Switch.
Internal Components
Under the hood, the Switch 2 represents a true generational leap with vastly improved components:
| Component | Switch 2 | Original Switch |
| CPU | Cortex-A78C | Cortex-A57 |
| GPU Architecture | Ampere (with RT & Tensor Cores) | Maxwell 2.0 |
| CUDA Cores | 1536 | 256 |
| Streaming Multiprocessors | 12 | 2 |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR5X | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Memory Bus Width | 128-bit | 64-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 120 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |
The Switch 2 utilizes a custom NVIDIA processor featuring dedicated RT Cores for ray tracing, and Tensor Cores for AI-driven features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This represents nearly a 10x improvement in graphics performance compared to the original Switch.
Performance Capabilities
Resolution and Frame Rates
The Switch 2 brings substantial improvements to resolution and frame rate capabilities:
- Handheld mode: Up to 1080p at 120Hz with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and HDR support.
- Docked mode: Up to 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at up to 120Hz.
By comparison, the original Switch was limited to:
- Handheld mode: 720p at 60Hz
- Docked mode: 1080p at 60Hz (though many games run at lower resolutions)
Advanced Display Features
The Switch 2 introduces several premium display technologies to the Nintendo ecosystem:
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology helps prevent frame skips and flickering.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) allows excellent contrast between light and dark areas.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC support for smoother gameplay.
Loading Times and Processing Speed
The Switch 2 delivers significantly faster loading times and better overall performance thanks to its improved CPU, GPU, and faster memory. The system also features a built-in cooling fan in the dock to help stabilize performance during extended play sessions in docked mode.
Storage and Expansion
The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, eight times larger than the original Switch’s 32GB. This increased capacity addresses one of the most significant pain points of the original system, which often required immediate memory expansion for most users.
Switch 2 introduces a significant change for additional storage by supporting only microSD Express cards, which offer faster data reading speeds than traditional microSD cards. This means that existing microSD cards used with the original Switch won’t be compatible with the Switch 2.
Battery Life and Power
Perhaps surprisingly, the Switch 2’s battery life represents a step backwards compared to current Nintendo Switch models. The system houses a 5220 mAh lithium-ion battery with an estimated 2 to 6.5 hours’ runtime, depending on usage conditions. This is shorter than the current Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED models, which offer 4.5 to 9 hours per charge.
Switch 2’s battery life is comparable to the original 2017 Switch model before Nintendo released the 2019 refresh, which has improved battery efficiency. Charging time is approximately three hours while in sleep mode.
Controllers and Accessories
Joy-Con 2 Controllers
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers accompanying the Switch 2 feature several ergonomic improvements:
- Larger overall size, providing better grip and comfort for many users.
- Slightly larger analogue sticks and face buttons.
- A magnetic attachment system is used instead of the original rail mechanism, eliminating wobble.
- Enhanced rumble capabilities for improved haptic feedback.
The larger size of the Joy-Con 2 controllers makes them more comfortable when used individually in a horizontal orientation for multiplayer games. However, despite these improvements, many users may still prefer the dedicated Pro Controller for extended gaming sessions.
Compatibility with Original Accessories
Nintendo has confirmed that existing Joy-Con controllers and peripherals, including the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, will be compatible with the Switch 2 via wireless connection. This backward compatibility with accessories provides added value for existing Switch owners.
Backwards Compatibility
Game Compatibility
Switch 2 offers backward compatibility with physical and digital games from the original Switch, although it has some caveats. Not all original Switch games will be fully compatible with the Switch 2 at launch, and Nintendo has identified over 100 titles that may have compatibility issues initially.
Interestingly, the Switch 2 hardware is not directly backwards compatible with Switch 1 hardware. Instead, it uses a hybrid approach between software emulation and hardware compatibility to “translate” the Switch 1 game for the new hardware in real time.
Enhanced Versions and Updates
Some original Switch games will receive dedicated “Switch 2 Editions” with enhanced features and higher resolutions. Additionally, Nintendo has announced that a selection of first-party titles will receive free updates to improve performance on the Switch 2, including popular games like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Pokémon Scarlet/Violet.
Pricing and Availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, at $449.99, with preorders starting on April 9 in North America and April 8 in Europe. A special bundle, including Mario Kart World, will be available for $499.99.
This represents a significant price increase over the original Nintendo Switch family:
- Original Nintendo Switch: $299.99
- Nintendo Switch OLED: $349.99
- Nintendo Switch Lite: $199.99
Advanced Features
Audio Improvements
The Switch 2 features enhanced audio capabilities with more natural, more precise sound quality and better balance. Players can experience more immersive, three-dimensional spatial sound when playing in handheld or tabletop mode.
AI and Ray Tracing
Thanks to the dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores in the custom NVIDIA processor, the Switch 2 supports:
- Real-time ray tracing for lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows.
- AI-driven DLSS for boosting resolution while maintaining image quality.
- AI-powered face tracking and background removal features for video chat and streaming applications.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a substantial generational leap over the original Nintendo Switch in almost every technical aspect. With significantly improved processing power, graphics capabilities, a larger display, expanded storage, and new features like ray tracing and DLSS, the Switch 2 positions itself as a modern gaming platform capable of more technically demanding games.
However, the upgrade has some trade-offs, including a higher price point, reduced battery life compared to current Switch models, and the requirement for new microSD Express cards for storage expansion. The backwards compatibility with original Switch games, while present, also comes with some limitations that may be resolved over time.
For existing Switch owners considering an upgrade, the decision will likely depend on how much value they place on the improved performance and new features versus the higher cost. For newcomers to Nintendo’s hybrid console ecosystem, the Switch 2 offers a significantly more capable device that builds upon the successful foundation laid by its predecessor.
References:
Nintendo Switch 2 Features – NintendoNintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch Comparison Chart – IGN
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1 Tech Specs Compared – CNET
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1 Hands-on – Mashable
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1 – PCMag