Rejoice, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! The long-awaited day has arrived, and the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled. After years of speculation, Nintendo's latest console hybrid has been revealed, promising to deliver a new era of gaming joy. While the rumors of a tiny Reggie in every GPU turned out to be untrue, the Switch 2 still packs an impressive array of features that set it apart from its predecessor. We've spent hours dissecting every detail from the Direct, and now we can share the solid facts with you.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch The Switch 2 boasts significant graphical enhancements, a standard expectation for next-gen Nintendo consoles. Unlike the original Switch, which struggled with demanding games by 2025, the Switch 2 supports handheld resolutions up to 1080p and docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates up to 120 fps. This upgrade opens the door for a broader range of games, including EA's soccer and football titles and 2K's wrestling and basketball games. Third-party developers showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, demonstrating the Switch 2's capability to handle demanding software. Nintendo's first-party titles looked stunning, promising a visually richer gaming experience.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch 2 doesn’t The Switch 2 introduces GameCube games to Nintendo Switch Online, but this feature is exclusive to the new console. This means that to enjoy classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 with Link, you'll need to upgrade to the Switch 2. Although only three games are available at launch, they are highly acclaimed titles that enhance the retro gaming experience.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet A significant highlight of the Switch 2 is its enhanced online features, a departure from Nintendo's past practices. The new GameChat system offers robust communication and visual sharing capabilities, including a noise-cancelling mic and an optional desktop camera for sharing your face during gameplay. This feature set allows for screen sharing across consoles and promises to enrich multiplayer experiences, such as in Monster Hunter, where teams can strategize more effectively.

4. Magnetic Joy Cons One of the anticipated features of the Switch 2 is the magnetic Joy-Cons. These controllers now snap onto the console magnetically, making them easier to attach and detach. This design improvement is particularly beneficial for those with home setups where removing Joy-Cons can be cumbersome.

5. A bigger screen The Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch screen, offering a more immersive gaming experience without sacrificing portability. The higher resolution and larger display are ideal for showcasing the intricate details of Switch games, enhancing the overall visual experience.

6. Mouse controls Nintendo introduced a unique mouse control feature using the Joy-Con. By laying a Joy-Con on its side and moving it across a surface, players can control the cursor with precision. This feature is supported by launch titles like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4, providing an exciting new way to play, especially for fans of FPS games.

7. More storage The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of external storage, a significant increase from the original Switch. However, with the larger game files due to enhanced graphics, this might not be as substantial an upgrade as it seems. The memory is also faster, necessitating quicker memory cards for supplemental storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2 Nintendo has refined the Switch 2 based on user feedback, adding two USB-C ports, a fan in the dock for better cooling, larger sticks, and improved sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller now includes an audio jack and assignable buttons. One of the most practical enhancements is the adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode, making tabletop play more enjoyable in various environments.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices The Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, ensuring a smooth transition for existing owners. Additionally, certain Switch titles are getting Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, such as Metroid Prime 4, which offer enhanced features like Quality Mode and Performance Mode. Owners of the original games can purchase an upgrade to enjoy these new features on the Switch 2.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth The Switch 2 introduces exciting new titles that showcase its capabilities. Mario Kart World allows for continuous world exploration and races with up to 24 carts, promising chaotic fun. Kirby's Air Riders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, promises to revitalize the Air Ride series. The Duskbloods, an exclusive title by FROM Software, offers a thrilling new experience. Donkey Kong: Bananza aims to redeem the franchise with a landmark 3D adventure, built to leverage the Switch 2's advanced hardware.