Switch 2 Outshines Original: 10 Key Improvements

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! This Wednesday marked a historic moment as the clouds parted and the sun shone down on us, bringing forth the divine creation of Shigeru Miyamoto: the Nintendo Switch 2. After years of speculation and whispers, the curtain has finally been lifted, revealing the much-anticipated successor to the beloved hybrid console.

While the sleek, compact, and powerful Switch 2 doesn't come with a miniature Reggie Fils-Aimé tucked inside its GPU, as some rumors suggested, it does bring a host of exciting upgrades. We spent an hour during the Nintendo Direct, meticulously analyzing every detail, screenshotting each image, and scrutinizing every frame of video to bring you concrete information on what the Switch 2 has to offer and how it surpasses its predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. Enhanced Graphical Power

   It's no surprise that the Switch 2 boasts significantly more graphical prowess than the original Switch. Every new Nintendo console typically outshines its predecessor (yes, even the Wii). Launched in 2017, the original Switch was not a graphical powerhouse compared to its contemporaries from Sony and Microsoft, and over time, it struggled with more demanding titles. The Switch 2 promises a vastly improved experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked resolutions reaching 4K, both supporting HDR, and frame rates extending to 120 fps. This upgrade paves the way for a broader range of games, as evidenced by EA's plans to bring soccer and football games to the Switch 2, and 2K's interest in wrestling and basketball titles. Third-party developers showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, highlighting the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. Nintendo's first-party offerings were equally impressive, promising stunning visuals.

2. GameCube Compatibility

   The Switch 2 introduces GameCube games to Nintendo Switch Online, but this feature is exclusive to the new console. Nintendo has effectively created a divide between the online experiences of the original Switch and the Switch 2. To enjoy some of Nintendo's finest retro titles, you'll need to upgrade. The initial lineup includes three iconic games: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2, featuring Link.

   Soul Calibur 2 is a gem that deserves to be experienced, especially with a friend.

3. Online Features

   In a historic shift, the Switch 2 embraces modern online features with open arms. The days of cumbersome Friend Codes are behind us, replaced by GameChat, a robust communication and visual sharing platform. A noise-cancelling microphone allows clear voice communication, while an optional desktop camera enables face sharing during gameplay, enhancing titles like Mario Party. Screen sharing across consoles is now possible, fulfilling a long-standing wish for a simpler, more direct way to play with friends.

   At last, Nintendo offers a seamless way to connect with friends online. The potential for games like Monster Hunter, where teams can benefit from shared screens, is enormous.

4. Magnetic Joy-Cons

   As rumored, the Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the Switch 2, rather than slotting in. The steel shoulder buttons on the controllers magnetically connect to the sides of the screen, securely locking them in place. A simple button press releases the magnetic grip, making it easier to detach the Joy-Cons without disrupting your setup.

5. Larger Screen

   The Switch 2 features a slightly larger 7.9-inch screen, which, combined with the sharper 1080p resolution, should enhance the gaming experience. The original Switch sacrificed screen size for portability, but the Switch 2 strikes a balance, giving players more room to enjoy the intricate details of their games.

6. Mouse Controls

   Nintendo introduced an innovative mouse feature for the Joy-Cons. When laid flat on a surface, the Joy-Con can be moved to control cursor movement, offering precise pointing and rotation. This feature is supported by launch titles like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4. While it might not be widely used beyond the initial launch window, it's an exciting addition for FPS enthusiasts, especially those accustomed to PC gaming.

   The potential for a game like Metroid Prime 4 with mouse controls is thrilling, and perhaps we'll see a Mario Paint sequel.

7. Increased Storage

   The Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch. However, with the increased graphical capabilities, game file sizes are expected to be larger, potentially offsetting the benefit. The memory is also faster to handle these larger files, and you'll need a new, faster memory card for additional storage.

8. Quality of Life Improvements

   Nintendo has listened to nearly a decade of feedback and made several quality-of-life enhancements. The Switch 2 now features two USB-C ports, with one added on top to facilitate charging while using the kickstand. A fan in the dock aids in cooling, and the analog sticks are larger with improved sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller includes an audio jack and assignable buttons. The adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is a subtle yet significant improvement for tabletop play, especially in challenging environments like airports or airplanes.

   This feature, combined with the new mouse controls, promises a more comfortable and versatile gaming experience.

9. Backward Compatibility and Enhanced Editions

   The Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, a smart move by Nintendo to encourage early adoption. Additionally, it supports special Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of certain titles, like Metroid Prime 4, offering enhanced features such as a higher-resolution Quality Mode or a faster frame rate in Performance Mode. If you own the original game, you can purchase a Switch 2 Edition upgrade to enjoy these new features. There's hope that even notoriously problematic games like Pokémon could see improvements with these enhancements.

10. Exclusive New Titles

    The Switch 2 is the only way to experience the latest games from Nintendo's top developers. Mario Kart World introduces a continuous world for racing and exploration, similar to Forza Horizon, and supports up to 24 carts, promising chaotic fun. Kirby's Air Riders, developed by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai, promises to elevate the series beyond its previous iterations. The Duskbloods, an original title by Hidetaka Miyazaki of FROM Software, offers a thrilling new experience exclusive to the Switch 2. And finally, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the triumphant return of the iconic character to 3D platforming, leveraging the Switch 2's more capable hardware to deliver a landmark adventure.

    Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong