Rejoice, fellow Nintendo fans! On Wednesday, the gaming world was blessed with the long-awaited reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, a new handheld marvel that promises to elevate our gaming experiences to new heights. After years of speculation, we now have a clear picture of this innovative console hybrid, courtesy of the visionary Shigeru Miyamoto.

While the Switch 2 is sleek, compact, and powerful, the rumors about it containing a tiny Reggie in every GPU turned out to be untrue. However, after meticulously analyzing every detail from the Nintendo Direct, we can now share solid facts about the Switch 2 and how it surpasses its predecessor in numerous ways.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch

   It's no surprise that the Switch 2 boasts significantly improved graphics over the original Switch, a trend consistent with Nintendo's history of console upgrades. The original Switch, launched in 2017, was not a powerhouse compared to its contemporaries from Sony and Xbox, and it has shown its limitations with demanding games over the years. The Switch 2 promises a vastly improved experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates extending up to 120 fps. This upgrade should attract a wider variety of games, as evidenced by EA's decision to bring soccer and football games to the platform, and 2K's plans for wrestling and basketball titles. Third-party developers showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, demonstrating the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. Nintendo's first-party offerings looked stunning, setting the stage for a new era of gaming.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch doesn’t

   The beloved GameCube games are now accessible through Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively on the Switch 2. This move creates a clear distinction between the online experiences of the original Switch and the Switch 2. To enjoy classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 (featuring Link), you'll need to upgrade to the Switch 2. These three titles alone are a compelling reason to make the switch.

   Soul Calibur 2 is a gem, and playing it with a friend is an experience not to be missed.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

   A significant departure from Nintendo's past, the Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a robust set of communication and visual sharing features. With a noise-cancelling mic and an optional desktop camera, you can now easily connect with friends, share your face in games like Mario Party, and even share screens across consoles remotely. This long-awaited feature set promises to enhance multiplayer experiences, making it easier than ever to play with friends.

   

   The potential for games like Monster Hunter, where teams can benefit from shared screens, is immense. Nintendo's embrace of these online features marks a new era for the company.

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

   As anticipated, the Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the Switch 2, a feature that enhances the user experience. The steel shoulder buttons on each controller magnetically connect to the sides of the screen, and a simple button press releases them. This is particularly useful for setups where removing the Joy-Cons without dislodging the entire console can be challenging.

5. A bigger screen

   The Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch screen, a welcome upgrade that complements the higher 1080p resolution. While larger screens can sometimes be a drawback for handhelds, the increased size should benefit most players, especially given the detailed nature of Switch games.

6. Mouse controls

   Nintendo showcased an innovative feature allowing a Switch 2 Joy-Con to function as a mouse when laid on its side. This feature, supported by launch titles like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4, offers precise pointing and rotation. While it may not be widely used beyond the launch window, it's an exciting option for FPS enthusiasts and could be a game-changer for titles like Metroid Prime 4.

   The mouse feature adds a unique twist to Nintendo's repertoire, and I'm eager to see how it enhances gameplay, especially in Metroid Prime 4.

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 necessitated by the console's enhanced graphics, this may not be as substantial an upgrade as it seems. The memory is also faster, which is crucial for handling larger game files, and you'll need a new, faster memory card for supplemental storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2

   Nintendo has listened to user feedback over the years and made several quality-of-life improvements to the Switch 2. It now features two USB-C ports, including one on top for charging in kickstand mode, and a fan in the dock for better cooling. The sticks are larger, and sound capabilities have been enhanced. The Switch 2 Pro Controller includes an audio jack and assignable buttons, and the adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is a game-changer for tabletop play.

   These subtle yet impactful changes make the Switch 2 a more versatile and user-friendly device.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

   The Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, a feature that should boost sales in its first year. Additionally, it supports special Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of certain titles, like Metroid Prime 4, which offer enhanced features such as a higher-res Quality Mode or a faster frame rate in Performance Mode. If you already own the original game, you can purchase a Switch 2 Edition upgrade to enjoy these new features. This could also improve notoriously janky games like Pokémon.

   The Switch 2 Editions promise to enhance your gaming library, making the upgrade even more appealing.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth

    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, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, promises to revitalize the Air Ride series. The Duskbloods, an exclusive Miyazaki game, blends elements of Bloodborne and Castlevania, ensuring a thrilling experience. And Donkey Kong Bananza marks a triumphant return to 3D platforming, showcasing the Switch 2's capabilities.

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

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

    AnswerSee ResultsNintendo's developers have been excelling in 3D platforming, and Donkey Kong Bananza is poised to be a landmark adventure, showcasing the full potential of the Switch 2's hardware.