Summary
With a design that doesn’t stray too far from the original, theNintendo Switch 2has the benefit of feeling familiar and new at the same time. It’s a similar approach that worked for Microsoft when transitioning from an Xbox One to the Xbox Series X and S. It’s a smooth process that ensures that those making the upgrade won’t get lost in the menu screens.
Despite the similarities, the Switch 2 genuinely appears to be a significant upgrade, featuring just enough enhancements to establish its status as anext-generation Nintendo system. This list will focus on some of the best new features and enhancements on the Nintendo Switch 2.
1Backwards Compatibility
Play Switch And GameCube Games
Backwards compatibility is important for fans moving from the first Switch generation to the newer hardware. It also ensures new Switch 2 owners have an already massive library of games that includesThe Legend of Zelda, Mario Galaxy,theXenobladeseries, and more.
2The Faster eShop
You Can Finally Browse The Nintendo eShop With Ease
One of the biggest complaints aimed at Nintendo’s eShop is that, even since the 3DS, the shop has been slow to load, resulting in a sluggish, frustrating experience overall. Just browsing the shop, watching the trailers, and checking out the screenshots is now more accessible due to the speed.
Accidentally backing out of the shop on the original Switch was excruciating because players would have to wait for the eShop to load all over again. Thankfully, this has been resolved on the Switch 2, and browsing for your next purchase is much easier.
3Use The Joy-Cons As A Mouse
Provides A Great Option For First-Person Shooters Or Point-And-Click Adventures
For players who enjoy the idea of connecting their Switch 2 to a monitor and navigating the eShop or playing games with mouse-like controls, the Switch 2 has this feature. Fans can disconnect one of the magnetic Joy-Cons and tilt it so the index finger is placed on the L or the R button. A cursor will appear on the screen, and you can navigate to your home screen and the eShop with the mouse controls.
It would be the perfect way to play point-and-click games on the system, but in the meantime, several Switch 2 games utilize mouse controls, such asBravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Metroid Prime 4, Civilization 7,and more.
4GameChat
Chat With Your Friends On The Switch 2
GameChatallows Switch 2 users to chat with their friends by pressing the littleC buttonon the Switch 2. Switch’s GameChat is free for users until March 2026. After that, a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online Membership will be required to use it.
GameChat allows up to 12 players to chat at the same time, and up to four players can share their game screen at the same time. Players can chat without playing games by pressing the C button after sending and receiving an invitation.
5Better Sound Quality
Improved Audio On Handheld Mode And The TV
The original Nintendo Switch had decent sound quality in handheld mode, but it didn’t compare to handheld PCs like the Steam Deck. However, the Switch 2 offers fantastic sound in handheld mode, truly enhancing the arcade-like experience ofgames likeMario Kart World,as well as the ambiance ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, along with the impressive orchestral music ofXenoblade Chronicles.
The Switch 2 provides Virtual Surround Sound when used in handheld mode, as well as Headphone Virtual Surround Sound for games that support 5.1-channel surround sound. Additionally, it features 5.1-channel Linear PCM, which allows it to play uncompressed surround sound audio with compatible systems.
6More Powerful
Significantly Outperforms The Switch
Nintendo stopped chasing power equality with its rivals when the Wii outsold the PS3 and Xbox 360. Instead, they concentrated on developing party and family oriented games such asWii Sports,which attracted a more casual audience. At the same time, they continued to cater to their core fanbase with titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Mario Kart Wii,andNew Super Mario Bros. Wii.That hasn’t changed to a degree, because the Switch 2 is still less powerful than the contemporary PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. However, according to Nvidia, it has created a custom processor that is ten times more powerful than the Switch.
In terms of power, it’s comparable to the Steam Deck, capable of running games likeCyberpunk 2077andFinal Fantasy 7 Remakewith some minor cutbacks here and there. Although the Steam Deck is a handheld PC that offers a lot more customization and control to its users than a console, the Switch 2 is capable of playing games in 4K resolution when docked and supports HDR. In handheld mode, it can achieve 1080p at 120Hz. Although the Switch 2 utilizes Nvidia’s DLSS AI upscaling to achieve 4K, this performance is still impressive for a device primarily designed as a handheld console.
7Design Quality And Size
Bigger And Sleeker Design
Without firsthand experience with the Switch 2, it may appear to be just a larger version of the original Switch. However, it feels more comfortable in your hands and has a more modern appearance, resembling the latest tablets. The Joy-Con 2 controllers blend seamlessly with the screen and overall design. Several factors contribute to the improved feel and look of the Switch 2:
