Switch 2 Beats Original with 10 Upgrades

Great news for Nintendo fans! On Wednesday, Nintendo unveiled its latest handheld marvel, the Switch 2, ending years of speculation. While sleek and powerful, contrary to rumors, it doesn’t include a miniature Reggie Fils-Aimé inside every GPU. After thoroughly analyzing every detail from the Direct presentation, we can now share concrete facts about how it surpasses its predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 Images

1. Switch 2 Delivers Major Graphics Performance Boost

A predictable yet crucial upgrade—Nintendo’s consoles always improve on their predecessors. Though the original Switch wasn’t cutting-edge in 2017, eight years later, its hardware limitations were undeniable.

The Switch 2 promises handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked at 4K with HDR, and framerates reaching 120 fps. These enhancements pave the way for more diverse game ports, evident in EA and 2K’s plans to bring sports titles to Switch 2.

Third-party showcases like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6 highlight its capabilities, while Nintendo’s first-party titles look stunning.

2. Switch Plays GameCube Games—Switch Doesn’t

The iconic GameCube library comes to Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively for Switch 2 owners. This division means retro enthusiasts must upgrade to enjoy classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2—complete with Link.

Soul Calibur 2 remains phenomenal—playing it with a friend is an absolute blast.

3. Switch 2 Embraces Modern Online Features

The biggest surprise? Nintendo finally streamlined online integration with GameChat—a robust communication suite featuring voice chat, video sharing via an optional camera, and remote screen sharing.

This overhaul opens possibilities, especially for games like Monster Hunter, where teamwork thrives on shared visuals.

4. Magnetic Joy-Cons Eliminate Hassle

Confirmed: Joy-Cons now attach magnetically instead of sliding into place. Steel shoulder buttons click securely against the console’s magnetic edges, simplifying docking and undocking.

5. A Larger, Sharper Display

The 7.9-inch 1080p screen balances portability and clarity, offering more room for intricate game worlds.

6. Mouse Controls Add Precision

A quirky but promising addition—sliding Joy-Cons across surfaces enables mouse-like inputs. Launch titles like Civ 7 and Metroid Prime 4 support this feature.

As a PC gamer, I’m thrilled at the prospect of mouse-controlled Metroid Prime 4.

7. Expanded Storage Comes With Trade-Offs

The Switch 2 boasts 256GB of storage—more than its predecessor—but game file sizes will also grow, nearly offsetting the upgrade.

8. Quality-of-Life Enhancements Shine

Two USB-C ports, improved cooling fans, larger joysticks, and enhanced audio refine the experience. The Pro Controller now includes an audio jack and customizable buttons.

Subtle touches like adjustable kickstand angles make tabletop gaming far more convenient.

9. Backward Compatibility and Enhanced Editions

Switch 2 supports original Switch games and offers "Switch 2 Editions" with upgrades like Quality/Performance modes—available as paid upgrades for existing owners.

Let’s hope these enhancements fix notorious underperformers like Pokémon.

10. Exclusive Must-Play Games

Mario Kart World introduces open-world racing for 24 players—chaotic bliss. Kirby’s Air Ride gets a Sakurai-led revival, while FROM Software’s eerie Duskbloods looks groundbreaking.

Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For?

The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

AnswerSee Results

Donkey Kong Bananza redeems Nintendo’s flawed legacy with polished 3D platforming.