Switch 2 Outshines Original: 10 Key Upgrades

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo fans! The wait is over, and the divine hand of Miyamoto has blessed us with the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This new handheld marvel, unveiled on Wednesday, promises to redefine our gaming experience after years of speculation and anticipation.

While the Switch 2 boasts a sleek, compact design and impressive power, the rumor mill's wildest claim—that it includes a tiny Reggie in every GPU—turned out to be false. Yet, after dissecting every detail from the Direct, we can now share concrete facts about this console hybrid, highlighting how it surpasses its beloved predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Switch 2 Packs More Graphical Power
Though not a surprise, the Switch 2 significantly enhances the graphical capabilities over the original Switch. Launched in 2017, the first Switch was no powerhouse compared to its contemporaries, and by 2025, its limitations were evident. The Switch 2 promises handheld resolutions up to 1080p and docked resolutions up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates extending to 120 fps. This upgrade opens the door for more demanding games, as evidenced by EA's commitment to bringing soccer and football games to the platform, and 2K's plans for wrestling and basketball titles. Third-party showcases, including games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, and Nintendo's stunning first-party offerings, demonstrate the Switch 2's robust capabilities.
Switch Plays GameCube Games, Switch 2 Exclusively
The nostalgia of GameCube games arrives on Nintendo Switch Online, but only for the Switch 2. This move creates a clear distinction between the online experiences of the two consoles. With three iconic titles available at launch—The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 (featuring Link)—Switch 2 owners can relive these classics in style.
Soul Calibur 2, in particular, is a gem that promises endless fun when played with a friend.
Switch 2 Embraces the Internet
The most groundbreaking feature of the Switch 2 is its robust online integration, a significant departure from Nintendo's past offerings. GameChat introduces a suite of communication and visual sharing tools. With a noise-cancelling mic and an optional desktop camera, players can engage in real-time voice and video chats, share screens, and enhance their multiplayer experiences. This feature promises to revolutionize games like Monster Hunter, where teams can collaborate more effectively.
Talk to your friends, see them, and enjoy seamless online gaming with the Switch 2.
Magnetic Joy-Cons
A long-rumored feature, the Switch 2's Joy-Cons now attach magnetically to the console. This innovation not only makes the Joy-Cons easier to attach and detach but also enhances the user experience, especially for those with home setups where docking can be cumbersome.
A Bigger Screen
The Switch 2 features a slightly larger 7.9-inch screen, ideal for its enhanced 1080p resolution in handheld mode. This increase in screen size will provide a more immersive experience for the visually rich games that Nintendo is known for.
Innovative Mouse Controls
Nintendo's enthusiasm for the Switch 2's new mouse control feature is infectious. By laying a Joy-Con on its side and moving it on a flat surface, players can enjoy precise pointing and rotation, a feature supported by games like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4. This innovative control scheme could be a game-changer for fans of first-person shooters and strategy games.
While its long-term use remains to be seen, the mouse feature adds a unique twist to the Switch 2's gameplay options.
Enhanced Storage
With 256GB of external storage, the Switch 2 addresses the storage limitations of its predecessor. However, with larger game files due to increased graphical fidelity, players may need to invest in faster memory cards to fully enjoy the console's capabilities.
Quality of Life Improvements
Nintendo has listened to user feedback over the years, making several enhancements to the Switch 2. These include two USB-C ports (one on top for charging in kickstand mode), improved cooling with a dock fan, larger sticks, and enhanced sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller also features an audio jack and assignable buttons, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Notably, the adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is a welcome addition for tabletop gamers, making it easier to play in various environments.
More Choices for Gamers
The Switch 2 is backward compatible with the original Switch's library, a crucial feature for new console adoptions. Moreover, it supports special Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of certain titles, such as Metroid Prime 4, offering options like a higher-res Quality Mode or a faster frame rate in Performance Mode. Owners of the original games can upgrade to these enhanced editions, hopefully at a reasonable cost.
These enhancements could also improve notoriously janky games like the Pokémon series, offering a smoother experience.
Exclusive New Games
The Switch 2 introduces exciting new titles from some of the best developers in the industry. Mario Kart World combines the beloved racing series with open-world exploration, supporting up to 24 karts in a race. Kirby's Air Riders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, promises to revitalize the Air Ride series. And The Duskbloods, a new title from FROM Software, blends the intensity of Bloodborne with the gothic charm of Castlevania, promising a challenging yet thrilling experience.
Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------
The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong
AnswerSee Results
Finally, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the triumphant return of the iconic character to 3D platforming. With Nintendo's recent successes in this genre, Bananza is poised to be a landmark adventure, showcasing the Switch 2's capabilities to the fullest.