that’s all that changes

This January 16, 2025, Nintendo finally lifted the veil on its highly anticipated Switch 2 through a presentation video full of new features.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 is official: here are the first images and new features

If the Kyoto firm still remains mysterious about the technical characteristics, the power or even the price of its new console, this first presentation offers us a detailed overview of the developments in terms of design and ergonomics.

The video allows us to discover a console which, while remaining faithful to the DNA of the Switch, brings its share of hardware changes.

What we know

First, the Switch 2 is taller, wider and thicker than the Switch.

Above the Switch 2, we find a new USB-C port. There are therefore two USB-C ports, so as not to be bothered when the console is charging and being used in your hands at the same time.

The kickstand also has a new design: it is more U-shaped. The Switch 2 dock has a more rounded design. And, like the original Switch, there will also be a separate controller grip that you can snap the Joy-Cons into.

In the video, the Joy-Con controllers are black with colored accents, and they attach to the side of the console instead of sliding. There is a new button below the home button on the right Joy-Con, which had appeared in leaks.

The video also appears to show the Joy-Cons being used in a similar way to a mouse. It would work the same as your computer mouse. This is what the video suggests, with a Joy-Con placed on its edge.

And the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con are larger than on the original Switch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible, meaning Switch games will work on the new one. The video confirms that the Switch 2 plays both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, as well as Switch 2 exclusive games obviously.

Nintendo will finally create a new Mario Kart. However, we don’t know much about it. There is currently no title or details about the game. It’s been a long time since this happened. Mario Kart 8 originally launched in 2014 on the Wii U, before an enhanced edition launched on the Switch three years later.

What we don’t know

The original Nintendo Switch is equipped with a 6.2-inch LCD screen with HD definition. The OLED version brought a first improvement with a 7-inch OLED screen, and the same definition, but offering more vivid colors and deeper blacks.

The Switch 2, according to available information, has a larger screen (the exact size is not yet confirmed), probably LCD technology, according to rumors. One of the expected improvements concerns the definition, which could reach 1080p in portable mode, although Nintendo has not yet confirmed this characteristic.

We have not yet had confirmation of the chip used, certainly an Nvidia chip which would have the performance of a PS4 Pro or an Xbox Series S. But, once again, nothing has been confirmed in the video presented . No details on on-board technologies, including DLSS-type super-sampling technologies.

We have no information on the planned line up, that is to say the list of new games for the launch of the console… apart from the images of Mario Kart.

You will have to wait for the Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025 to find out the complete technical characteristics, the price, and the precise release date. For now, only the year 2025 is confirmed as the launch window.

Nintendo has planned its console in several cities, including Paris… from April 4 to 6 at the Grand Palais.

To go further
The Nintendo Switch 2 is official: here are the first images and new features