Nintendo just revealed so much about the Nintendo Switch 2 during its latest Direct, but we have learned even more since the hour-long presentation ended, including the new console’s tech specs. While we still have a lot of questions, let’s break down what’s new with the Switch 2.
This had been touched on before, but Nintendo reiterated that this new system will feature a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen that is capable of outputting at 1080p (1920×1080). This is a big upgrade from Switch 1’s 6.2-inch screen, the Switch OLED’s 7-inch screen (although we will miss OLED!), and the Switch Lite’s 5.5-inch screen.
There is also support for HDR10 and VRR up to 120 Hz, which means games can jump up to 120fps if they and your setup allow it.
It was also confirmed that slotting the Switch 2 to its new dock will allow games to be played in 4K (3840×2160) at 60fps or 1080p/1440p (1920×1080/2560×1440) at 120fps. We know these higher-end graphics are made possible by a “custom processor made by NVIDIA,” but sadly we are currently given no further details in regard to Switch 2’s CPU/GPU.
What was revealed, however, was the battery life. The Switch 2’s internal battery is a Lithium-ion battery with 5220mAh, and this will allow for approximately 2 – 6.5 hours of battery life and a charge time of three hours when in Sleep mode. Nintendo noted these are “rough estimates” and that the “battery life will depend on the games you play.”
This battery life is just about the same as the launch model Switch 1 as it boasted a range of 2.5 – 6.5 hours. On the other hand, the Switch 2’s battery life is a downgrade from the three newer Switch models – Nintendo Switch (4.5 – 9 hours), Nintendo Switch – OLED Model (4.5 – 9 hours), and Nintendo Switch Lite (3 – 7 hours).
Elsewhere, we learn that the Switch is approximately 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick with the Joy-Con 2 attached. This translates to a weight of roughly .88 pounds without Joy-Con 2 and 1.18 lbs with them attached.
The weight of the Switch 2 is an exact match for the current Switch 1 model, but it is both taller and longer than any current model with Joy-Con attached;
- Nintendo Switch 2 – 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick / .88 lbs
- Nintendo Switch – 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x .55 inches thick / .88 lbs
- Nintendo Switch – OLED Model – 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x .55 inches thick / .93 lbs
- Nintendo Switch Lite – 3.6 inches tall x 8.2 inches long x .55 inches thick / .61 lbs
Speaking of Joy-Con, we sadly don’t get the confirmation that they are using Hall Effect joysticks that would likely prevent the drifting issues many Switch owners experienced. They very well may use them, as it was hinted at in a patent from 2023, but we’ll have to wait to find out for sure.
On the audio front, the Switch 2 supports linear PCM output 5.1ch. If you want a surround sound effect, that can also be enabled via headphones of the built-in speaker after a system update.
For storage, the Switch 2 will feature 256 GB of internal storage, which is another upgrade from the 32 GB available on the Switch and Switch Lite and the 64 GB on the Switch – OLED Model. Another big difference here is that the Switch 2 will require microSD Express cards for up to 2TB of extra storage, meaning the microSDXC cards the current Switch models support will not be able to be transferred over to the new console.
To wrap up, it was also revealed the Switch 2 will support Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6), it will have 2 USB-C ports, a 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard), and a built-in monaural microphone with noice cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control.
For more, check out our recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, how much the new system will cost, a list of the launch games we know so far, and when Switch 2 pre-orders start.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
