Nintendo Switch 2 Unveils 4K Gaming, Enhanced Battery, and More Storage

Nintendo recently shared exciting details about the Nintendo Switch 2 during its latest Direct, with additional insights emerging post-presentation, including the console’s technical specifications. While some questions remain, here’s a breakdown of what’s new with the Switch 2.

Previously hinted at, Nintendo confirmed the new console boasts a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen, delivering 1080p resolution (1920x1080). This marks a significant leap from the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen, the Switch OLED’s 7-inch display, and the Switch Lite’s 5.5-inch screen, though the absence of OLED may disappoint some.

The system supports HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz, enabling games to reach 120fps under optimal conditions.

When docked, the Switch 2 can output games in 4K (3840x2160) at 60fps or 1080p/1440p (1920x1080/2560x1440) at 120fps, powered by a custom NVIDIA processor. Specific details about the CPU/GPU remain undisclosed.

The console features a 5220mAh Lithium-ion battery, offering roughly 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime, with a three-hour charge in Sleep mode. Nintendo noted these are approximate figures, varying by game.

This battery life aligns closely with the original Switch (2.5–6.5 hours) but falls short of newer models: Nintendo Switch (4.5–9 hours), Nintendo Switch OLED (4.5–9 hours), and Nintendo Switch Lite (3–7 hours).

The Switch 2 measures approximately 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick with Joy-Con 2 attached, weighing 0.88 pounds without Joy-Con and 1.18 pounds with them.

The Switch 2’s weight matches the original Switch but is taller and wider than all current models with Joy-Con attached:

Regarding Joy-Con, there’s no confirmation on Hall Effect joysticks to address past drifting issues, though a 2023 patent suggests potential use, pending verification.

For audio, the Switch 2 supports 5.1ch linear PCM output, with surround sound available via headphones or the built-in speaker after a system update.

Storage sees a major upgrade with 256 GB of internal memory, compared to 32 GB for the Switch and Switch Lite, and 64 GB for the Switch OLED. The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for up to 2TB of additional storage, incompatible with the microSDXC cards used by current models.

Additional features include Wi-Fi 6 support, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard), and a built-in monaural microphone with noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control.

For more details, explore our recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, pricing information, confirmed launch games, and pre-order details.

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