Nintendo Switch 2: What’s New?

19 Feb Nintendo Switch 2: What’s New?

Beyond its exclusive game library, Nintendo knew that the original Switch was approaching the end of its lifecycle, especially considering its hardware lagging behind competitors like Microsoft, Sony, PC, and even mobile devices.

With increasing leaks from industry insiders, pressure mounted on Nintendo to make a major announcement. On Thursday, January 16, Nintendo finally unveiled the successor to the Switch via a social media video. The name? Nintendo Switch 2.

A Bigger Screen and Joy-Cons
The video begins with a size comparison between the original Switch and the new model. Both the screen and Joy-Cons are significantly larger, a long-requested feature.

It then showcases the console’s ports and button layout, which remain largely similar to the original Switch, except for a new USB port on the top, next to the headphone jack.

Another notable change is the kickstand. The original Switch’s flimsy kickstand was a common complaint. While the Switch OLED introduced a wider, sturdier stand, the Switch 2 redesigns it again, this time with a wide but hollow structure.

Improved Joy-Cons
The new Joy-Cons are larger, with bigger buttons, addressing another major complaint from Switch 1 users. A mystery button has been added below the HOME button, but its function remains unknown.

Nintendo also changed the base color palette:

• Gray body with pastel red/blue accents on the analog rings and sides
• Thicker side edges with enlarged SL and SR buttons
• Player indicator LEDs repositioned upwards instead of forward

New Features: Optical Sensor & Magnetic Attachment

Two new elements appear on the side edges:

• A central port
• An optical sensor, similar to a computer mouse
• Leaks suggested that the new Joy-Cons could function as a mouse, seemingly confirmed in the video, where they move across a flat surface like a PC peripheral.

Unlike the original rail-based Joy-Con connection, the Switch 2 introduces a magnetic side attachment.

New Dock and Grip
The video also reveals the new dock (front view only) and a larger grip for attaching the Joy-Cons. The dock features more rounded upper edges, while the grip simply increases in size.