After years of anticipation, Nintendo has officially launched the Nintendo Switch 2, a significant evolution of its popular hybrid console. Now available for purchase, the new system boasts a host of powerful upgrades and innovative features designed to enhance the gaming experience for both new and existing players.
The console is built around a custom NVIDIA Ampere GPU, making it substantially more powerful than its predecessor. It features 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, which is a significant boost. The Switch 2’s new 7.9-inch LCD screen delivers a sharp 1080p resolution and supports a 120Hz refresh rate with HDR and VRR. When docked, the console can output up to 4K resolution at 60 fps, finally bringing high-resolution gaming to the Switch platform.
In terms of design, the new console is similar in form factor but introduces key changes. The Joy-Con controllers now attach with a magnetic snap, replacing the original rail mechanism, and feature a new “C” button for a built-in Game Chat system. These controllers also include a new mouse-like pointer function, allowing for more precise control. The console itself has a built-in microphone and a redesigned kickstand.
A major selling point is the console’s full backwards compatibility. Not only can you play both physical and digital games from the original Switch library, but Nintendo is also issuing firmware updates and developer patches to ensure many older titles receive performance boosts and run smoothly on the new hardware. The game lineup at launch includes Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, with highly anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A confirmed for release by the end of 2025.
