Nintendo Switch 2 Guide: Ultimate Resource

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

Switch 2 builds on the foundation of the original Switch with more power, a larger screen. and other improvements over its predecessor.

It maintains the same basic design as the current console. Detachable controllers attach to the sides of a touchscreen, tablet-like device that’s also playable on a TV. The base console is a touchscreen tablet-like device with a kickstand, two USB-C ports (one on top and the standard one below).

Switch 2 Tech Specs

Switch 2’s tech specs (technical specifications) are improved over the previous models, making it the most powerful Switch. You can see that from the bigger battery size alone.

Below you’ll find a breakdown of Switch 2’s hardware components.

Switch 2 New Features

4K Output and Upscaling via the new Dock

Switch 2 has a new dock which can output a 4K signal while docked to your TV, a significant upgrade over the original Switch. Upscaling tech means games should look much better on a 4K display than on a standard Switch.

Here are the dock’s basic features and dimensions:

Larger screen, higher resolution and refresh rate

Switch 2’s screen is bigger than the original system, measuring 7.9 inches diagonally compared to Switch OLED’s 7″ and the original console’s 6.2″ LCD. Switch 2’s panel isn’t an OLED, though.

Switch 2’s panel has a variable refresh rate (VRR) capable of 120Hz – that’s up to 120 frames per second. Not every game is going to be capable of that, of course, but technically the system can do it.

Switch 2 also supports HDR10 for tighter contrast between light and dark areas.

GameChat

GameChat is a voice chat feature allowing up to 12 people to chat while playing games on Switch 2. The mic is in the console itself and activated by pressing the ‘C’ button. The mic appears to function similarly to the old Wii Speak accessory for Wii. The feature is also compatible with the optional Switch 2 camera, enabling you to share video.

You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use GameChat, although it will be free to anyone with a Switch 2 until 31st March 2026.

GameShare

As the name suggests, GameShare lets you share compatible games with other Switch 2 and Switch 1 systems using just one copy of the game.

There’s only a small list of compatible games at the time of writing, but there should be more coming in the future.

Switch 2 UI

The new console features an updated user interface and menu setup, although it’s very similar to Switch 1’s menu – just a lot faster!

More Switch 2 Hardware Articles, Guides, and FAQs

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Controllers

A new Switch means new controllers. The Switch 2’s Joy-Con are a little larger than the previous ones – and hopefully a lot less prone to drift!

Switch 2’s controllers feature a bunch of improvements over the old Joy-Con, including magnetic attachment, mouse-like functionality, and a new button which has various functions linked to the new GameChat and GameShare features.

More Switch 2 Joy-Con Guides and FAQs

Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Here are the headline Switch 2 launch games, plus others scheduled to arrive during the ‘launch period’ and later in 2025:

You’ll find the full launch lineup in our guide of all day one releases, and for even more titles heading to Switch 2, check out our rundown of every announced Switch 2 game. We’ve also got a list of games that are compatible with Mouse Mode.

Switch 2 Edition games

Separate from regular backwards compatibility, “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games” will also be available, adding new modes, functionality, and generally enhancing select Switch games by taking advantage of Switch 2’s extra power.

Announced first-party Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games include:

Game-Key Cards

Essentially, Nintendo’s new Switch 2 Game-Key Cards, which you’ll purchase in a physical box, are game carts which operate as a ‘key’ to download the digital version of a game and must be inserted when you want to play that digital game, even though the data isn’t stored on the card.

Virtual Game Cards

Virtual Game Cards will allow Switch and Switch 2 owners to more easily share digital games between consoles.

Backwards Compatibility

Nintendo has built up an impressive library of games for Switch since 2017, and Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with most Switch 1 games, although Nintendo has released official lists of Switch games with issues being investigated.

If you’re looking for something to play on the new system, there are loads of Switch 2-compatible options. Our Best Switch Games guides highlight the best of the best – here’s a handful of our most popular:

More Switch 2 Game Guides and FAQs

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

There’s a new Switch 2 Pro Controller, a Switch 2 Camera, and there will doubtlessly be many other accessories produced by Nintendo and third-party manufacturers in the coming months – here’s where we’ll put them.

Something very important to note: standard micro SD cards won’t work on Switch 2 – you’ll need a Micro SD Express card with faster transfer speeds than the older cards. And if you don’t have a 4K TV, you might want to investigate one of those.

Nintendo Switch 2 Online

Nintendo Switch Online is the company’s subscription service, and this service will be available on Switch 2 just as the other Switch consoles. GameCube games will be exclusive to Switch 2.

NSO enables online play in games that have that mode, with a variety of games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, N64, and Genesis / Mega Drive. Exclusive online multiplayer games such as Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99 are also available.

Nintendo Switch 2 FAQ

Before we wrap things up, let’s answer a few common Switch 2 questions.

Does Switch 2 replace the first Switch?

The current Switch will likely exist alongside Switch 2 for some time, possibly several years. That’s not unusual for a new Nintendo console.

The Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units, and — as with previous Nintendo consoles such as the Wii and the 3DS — developers will continue to support it for some time following the introduction of a Switch successor.

Backwards compatibility also means that Switch 2 players can still buy and play ‘old’ Switch games, which should sound good to publishers.

Nintendo has announced two Switch 1 games that will launch in 2026 — Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream — indicating its plans to support the system beyond Switch 2’s release.

Should I wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 to be released before buying a Switch?

Do you already own a Switch? If so, you should wait for the Switch 2 before considering an upgrade.

Now the new Switch has been fully unveiled, you’ll have a better idea of the new features and software it will offer and you’ll be able to make an informed purchase decision.

If you don’t currently own a Nintendo Switch, it’s an excellent system with an exceptional library. Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 will play existing Switch games, therefore you can start building your game collection now, knowing they will be compatible with the new hardware.

What was the Nintendo Switch 2’s codename?

References to the codename ‘Muji’ were found in software development kits in May 2024, although members of Famiboards suggested in September that ‘Ounce’ was the Switch 2’s codename.

The Switch 2 hardware, accessories, and game cards carry the retail product code ‘BEE’.

Switch 2 History – A Timeline

Switch 2 was officially revealed on 16th January 2025, yet Switch ‘2’ rumours — and before that, Switch ‘Pro’ rumours — circulated for almost as long as its predecessor had been on store shelves.

It wasn’t until May 2024 that Nintendo announced its intentions to reveal a Switch successor before the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year.