30 Details From the Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Trailer

It’s finally here! After months of whispers and speculation, Nintendo has unveiled its next-generation console: the Nintendo Switch 2. While the name is understated, a closer look reveals a console brimming with exciting refinements to the beloved hybrid design. We’ve dissected the reveal trailer, uncovering 30 key details showcasing Nintendo's evolution.

From redesigned Joy-Con with innovative features to a larger screen and potential new control schemes, let's dive into everything revealed.

Nintendo Switch 2 - A First Look

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01 - The Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor, albeit slightly larger. The console itself is noticeably bigger, and the Joy-Con have increased in height, resulting in an estimated 15% overall size increase.

02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors are gone, replaced by a sleek, dark grey aesthetic across the entire console, lending it a more sophisticated, almost Steam Deck-like appearance.

03 - Color isn't entirely absent; a ring of color around each analog stick—matching the original Switch's red and blue—adds a stylish touch and serves as a color-coding system for easy pairing (red to red, blue to blue). This color accent is also visible on the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con.

04 - The Joy-Con attachment method has changed. Instead of sliding onto rails, they now directly slot into the console, connecting via a protruding connector on the main unit that plugs into a port on the inner edge of each Joy-Con. Rumors suggest magnetic attachment, similar to Apple's MagSafe.

05 - A redesigned trigger mechanism on the rear of each Joy-Con releases the controller from the console. A piston-like action pushes the controller away when the trigger is squeezed.

06 - The classic button layout is preserved: offset analog sticks, directional buttons, A, B, X, Y face buttons, plus and minus buttons, and the capture and home buttons.

07 - A new, unlabeled button sits below the home button—its function remains a mystery for now.

08 - The L/R shoulder buttons and ZL/ZR triggers are in their familiar positions. The ZL/ZR triggers appear deeper and more rounded, potentially improving comfort and ease of use.

09 - The low-profile analog sticks feature a smaller inner ring radius and thicker rims, likely enhancing grip and thumb support.

10 - The NFC Amiibo interface appears absent (though potentially hidden), and the IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con is also missing.

11 - The SL and SR buttons remain, allowing independent Joy-Con use. Significantly larger than their predecessors, they promise improved usability.

12 - The four green player indicator LEDs are present, now located on the forward-facing edge of the connector.

13 - The connector port, Sync button, and another intriguing component are located between the SL and SR buttons.

14 - A small, clear lens above the connector is possibly a laser sensor, suggesting potential mouse functionality for the Joy-Con. The trailer hints at this with the wrist-strap accessories, making the Joy-Con resemble mice.

15 - Redesigned wrist straps return, featuring red and blue accents matching the internal Joy-Con coloring.

16 - The main console features a larger screen, though not quite edge-to-edge like the Switch OLED. The display technology remains unconfirmed.

17 - The top edge retains a similar layout: redesigned power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a three-vent ventilation grill.

18 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, suggesting backwards compatibility with existing Switch cartridges.

19 - A new USB-C port is present on the top edge, alongside the headphone jack—its purpose is currently unclear.

20 - Downward-firing speakers replace the rear-facing speakers of the original Switch, potentially improving audio quality.

21 - The rear features a new, full-length kickstand, appearing somewhat flimsy but potentially stabilized by rubber feet. It seems to offer multiple adjustable angles.

22 - The Switch 2 is dockable, with the dock resembling the original but featuring rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.

23 - A Joy-Con attachment peripheral is included, mirroring the original design.

24 - The trailer showcases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a 24-racer starting line, significantly larger than Mario Kart 8's 12-racer limit.

25 - A sign reading "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit" hints at a new track with an American theme and potentially more open environments.

26 - Ten characters are confirmed: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario.

27 - Backwards compatibility is confirmed, though some games may be unsupported, possibly those using peripherals that directly connected to the original Switch's Joy-Con.

28 - A 2025 release window is announced.

29 - A Nintendo Direct on April 2nd will reveal more details.

30 - A worldwide "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" hands-on tour will take place between April and June, with ticket raffles opening January 17th.

This comprehensive overview covers the key features revealed in the Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for further updates!