Nintendo has shared a wealth of information about the Switch 2 during its latest Direct, and we've gathered even more details since the hour-long presentation wrapped—including the new console's technical specifications. While many questions remain, let’s take a closer look at what’s new with the Switch 2.
This was mentioned previously, but Nintendo has confirmed that the new system will come with a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen capable of 1080p output (1920×1080). That’s a major step up from the original Switch's 6.2-inch display, the Switch OLED’s 7-inch screen (though we’ll miss OLED technology), and the Switch Lite’s 5.5-inch screen.
The console also supports HDR10 and VRR at up to 120 Hz, which means compatible games can run at up to 120fps depending on your setup.
It was also confirmed that placing the Switch 2 into its new dock will enable gameplay in 4K (3840×2160) at 60fps, or at 1080p/1440p (1920×1080/2560×1440) at 120fps. These higher-end visuals are reportedly powered by a “custom NVIDIA processor,” though exact details regarding the CPU and GPU are still under wraps.
On the battery front, the Switch 2 includes a 5220mAh Lithium-ion battery, which is estimated to provide between 2 and 6.5 hours of gameplay, with a full recharge taking roughly three hours in Sleep Mode. Nintendo notes that these are “approximate figures” and actual battery life “will vary depending on the games you play.”
This estimated battery life is very similar to that of the original launch model Switch, which offered 2.5 to 6.5 hours. In comparison, the Switch 2's battery life falls a bit short of the three more recent Switch variants—the standard Nintendo Switch (4.5–9 hours), the Nintendo Switch OLED Model (4.5–9 hours), and the Nintendo Switch Lite (3–7 hours).
Physically, the Switch 2 measures approximately 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick when the Joy-Con 2 controllers are attached. The unit weighs around 0.88 pounds without the Joy-Con 2 and 1.18 pounds with them connected.
The Switch 2 is the same weight as the current Switch 1 model, but it's both taller and wider than any existing Switch version when Joy-Con are attached;
Nintendo Switch 2 -4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick / .88 lbsNintendo Switch - 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x .55 inches thick / .88 lbsNintendo Switch - OLED Model - 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x .55 inches thick / .93 lbsNintendo Switch Lite - 3.6 inches tall x 8.2 inches long x .55 inches thick / .61 lbs
Unfortunately, we didn't get official confirmation that the Joy-Con 2 will use Hall Effect joysticks, which would help prevent the drifting issues reported by many Switch owners. A 2023 patent did hint at this possibility, so we’ll have to wait for more information.
In terms of audio, the Switch 2 supports linear PCM 5.1-channel output. Surround sound effects can also be enabled through headphones or the built-in speakers following a system update.
For storage, the Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal memory—a significant upgrade over the 32 GB in the standard Switch and Switch Lite, and the 64 GB in the Switch OLED Model. Another key difference: the Switch 2 will use microSD Express cards for expanded storage up to 2TB, meaning the microSDXC cards used by current Switch models won't be compatible with the new system.
Other features confirmed include support for Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6), two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard), and a built-in mono microphone with noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control.
For additional coverage, check out our Nintendo Switch 2 Direct recap, details on pricing, the list of announced launch titles, and when pre-orders begin.
