1. Main Highlights from the Switch 2 Presentation

The Legend of Zelda ― one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises.

Tentatively, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to hit store shelves in early summer and will cost $450. This is one and a half times more expensive than the initial Switch, which was priced at $299 at launch. The company’s management justifies this with global improvements to the console, multiplied by inflation. It will notably feature a larger and better-quality screen, significantly more powerful hardware with DLSS support, improved Joy-Con 2 controllers, and its own Discord counterpart with voice and text chat called GameChat.

Official trailer from Nintendo:

  • Dimensions. The Switch 2 is larger than the original model — 114x272 mm compared to 102x239 mm, although the thickness remains the same. The weight has increased to 540 grams, which is almost 30% more than the original model, but less than the Steam Deck OLED and other portable Win/Linux-based devices.
  • Screen. The increased weight of Switch 2 is largely due to the larger 7.9-inch screen. The screen is not OLED, as many fans expected, but is a high-quality LCD with a resolution of 1080p (compared to 720p on the original), a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and HDR support. Following the company’s release logic, an OLED version is expected within a year or two.
  • Hardware. At the core of Switch 2 is a custom NVIDIA chip, details of which were not disclosed during the presentation. According to insiders, it is a Tegra T239 SoC with 8 cores and a GPU based on the Ampere architecture. The chip’s power is comparable to PlayStation 4, but with ray tracing and DLSS support. However, it is unclear whether it will be DLSS 2 with a standard upscaler or a more current version with an Optical Flow engine and a much-discussed frame generation system.
  • Memory. The Switch 2 is equipped with 256 GB of storage — 8 times more than the original Switch’s 32 GB, and 4 times more than the 64 GB of the OLED version. Considering support for large-budget heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy ― this is not much, so memory can be expanded using MicroSD Express cards. There is no data on the amount of RAM, but according to insiders, the Switch 2 is equipped with 12 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory.
  • Controls. The detachable Joy-Con controllers were one of the main features of the first Switch, so Nintendo’s engineers logically decided not to reinvent the wheel, but to slightly improve it. In Joy-Con 2, triggers have become adaptive, like on the PS5, vibration feedback is more precise, and the right stick supports mouse mode in docked mode. The controllers attach with magnets — they’re easy to remove and hold securely. Rumors about sticks with Hall sensors were not confirmed.

Full Nintendo Switch 2 presentation broadcast:

As with the original model, you can play on the console in portable mode or connect it to a TV in dock mode. In the first case, a picture with a resolution of 1080p + 120 Hz can be obtained, while in the second — the resolution can be increased to 4K, reducing the frequency to 60 Hz.

2. Games for Switch 2

Several major updates to popular Nintendo titles will be released for Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 presentation predictably began with exclusive games from Nintendo itself, which is why most people buy a Switch. Among the announcements were Mario Kart World with an open world, Metroid Prime 4, the Donkey Kong Bananza platformer, and a new installment of the Kirby Air Ride racing series. Updated versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were also showcased, with increased frame rates, improved graphics, and HDR support.


In addition to its own projects, Nintendo announced partnerships with EA, Activision Blizzard, CDPR, Bandai Namco, and other major publishers, and support for Cyberpunk 2077, FF7 Remake, Borderlands 4, Yakuza, and other popular blockbusters, including a new game by Yusuf Fares ― the spiritual successor to It Takes Two, titled Split Fiction, was announced at launch. However, the most buzz was generated by a completely new project from FromSoftware called The Duskbloods, which many Soulslike fans saw as a spiritual successor to Bloodborne.

In the context of a rather interesting catalog, many brand gamers were confused by Nintendo’s pricing policy: $70 for a digital version of a game, $80 for a physical cartridge. Moreover, even remasters of old games from the original Switch will cost the same. So the new Mario Kart World will actually cost about the same as the upcoming GTA 6. Judging by the reviews online, many fans were also excited by the paid collection of training mini-games Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour for $10.

3. First Impressions of the Console

You can play on the go with the Switch 2 or connect it to a TV like a regular console.

After the Nintendo Switch 2 presentation, bloggers and journalists were given the opportunity to try out the console for a few hours. Their impressions complement the official data, helping to create a more accurate portrait of the upcoming console.

In terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 takes a big step forward compared to the original Switch. Games like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World run at high frame rates (up to 120 FPS) without lags, and level loading takes place much faster. Also, the new hardware handles heavy non-Nintendo games much more confidently. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 delivers stable 30 FPS in 1080p with mixed medium-high graphics settings. Importantly, the frame rate is stable and does not drop even in hectic scenes with a large number of NPCs.

Nintendo also introduced a camera for video communication with friends alongside the console.

Joy-Con 2 has become larger and more convenient, with magnetic attachment instead of rails — the connection is reliable, and removing them is easier. The right stick in mouse mode sparked debate; some see potential for shooters, others deem it an experiment. The inclusion of a camera and GameChat enhances the co-op gaming experience. Although the camera does not always work as intended, and some users reported minor issues with image recognition. Among other small things, there’s a sturdy stand with flexible angle adjustment, a built-in microphone with noise suppression, high build quality, and a quieter cooling system than the Switch 1.

The console can now be charged through the top port without the need for a stand, although the charger from the first Switch is not supported. The built-in 5220 mAh battery lasts 6-8 hours depending on the load. While not revolutionary, it lasts longer than the original version or competitors. All data from the original console, including profiles with settings, screenshots, saves, and the games themselves, can also be quickly and easily transferred to Switch 2. This is a convenient feature for owners of the original Switch.

4. Should You Wait for Switch 2 or Opt for Something Else?

Nintendo Switch 2 compared to the original model.

Given the not-so-democratic price of Switch 2, expensive cartridges, and the fact that there are still several months left until the console’s release, the question arises whether it makes sense to wait? If you want to play right now, perhaps you should consider alternatives?

Nintendo Switch

The classic model with a 6.2-inch screen (720p) and TV mode support. It weighs 398 grams with Joy-Con attached, and the battery lasts up to 6 hours. Performance is limited, making it more suitable for hits from past years like The Witcher 3 or classic Nintendo games that focus on gameplay rather than graphics.

Nintendo Switch OLED

The premium version with a 7-inch OLED screen (720p) — bright colors, deep contrast, weighing 420 g with Joy-Con. The battery lasts up to 9 hours, but the hardware is the same as in the original model, so it cannot handle AAA blockbusters like Elden Ring. Overall, a good upgrade option with a more vibrant screen.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The compact little one (275 g) with a 5.5-inch screen (720p) and a battery life of up to 7 hours. There’s no TV mode, but it is the perfect choice for travel or children — lightweight, durable, and the cheapest. The same games are playable as on the larger Switch, but separate controllers are needed for Mario Party.

Nintendo Switch 2

Considering its powerful hardware and backwards compatibility with games from the original Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks preferable for users seeking a more versatile option capable of running both traditional Mario and Zelda, as well as AAA blockbusters like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.

x86 Alternatives

In recent years, the Nintendo Switch has faced many competitors.

The release of the Steam Deck in 2022 has revitalized the market, and currently, the Switch 2 has many interesting alternatives such as the Asus ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go S, MSI Claw, and the updated Steam Deck with an OLED screen. Typically, they are equipped with desktop x86 processors, run on Windows or Linux, and can play PC games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms. There are no Mario, Zelda, and other Nintendo games on them, but there is a huge catalog of Windows/Xbox games, plus almost all major hits from PlayStation 4. The pricing policy is usually less aggressive ($40-70 for new releases, $10-20 on sales) than Nintendo. However, these are heavier than the Switch 2, and the firmware is not as user-friendly, especially for casual users. Such handhelds will suit those who prefer full freedom in choosing games and don’t want to be bound to Nintendo’s ecosystem. If you are interested, we recently had a comprehensive article on this topic.

Popular Portable Consoles

5. Conclusion

Mini-review of the console by The Verge authors:

Let’s summarize. In general, there is no perfect portable console; it all depends on your preferences. Want to get acquainted with Nintendo games without cosmic overpayments? Take a look at a regular Switch or Switch OLED. The Switch Lite is also suitable if you don’t need the dock mode. Planning to refresh your gaming experience and replay Breath of the Wild on the road in 60 FPS mode? Be patient ― Switch 2 should be released on June 5th. For those not particularly concerned about Nintendo games but eager to move from computer to couch, the Steam Deck and its analogs should be of interest.