"Switch 2 Outshines Original: 10 Key Improvements"

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! This Wednesday marked a pivotal moment in gaming history as the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled. After years of speculation, we now have a clear glimpse into this new handheld marvel. While the rumors of a tiny Reggie Fils-Aimé inside every GPU were debunked, the excitement during the Direct was palpable. We analyzed every detail, from screenshots to video captures, to bring you concrete information about this successor to the beloved original Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 Images1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch

It's no surprise that the Switch 2 boasts significantly improved graphics over its predecessor, a trend consistent with Nintendo's history of console upgrades. The original Switch, launched in 2017, was not on par with the powerhouses from Sony and Xbox and has shown its limitations with newer, more demanding games. The Switch 2 promises a leap forward with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates reaching 120 fps. This upgrade opens the door for a broader range of games, with EA and 2K planning to bring their sports titles to the platform. Third-party showcases included titles like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, highlighting the console's enhanced capabilities. Nintendo's first-party offerings looked stunning, setting the stage for a new era of gaming on the Switch 2.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch doesn’t

Nintendo Switch Online now includes GameCube games, but this feature is exclusive to the Switch 2. This creates a clear divide in online experiences between the two consoles. For those eager to relive classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 (featuring Link), an upgrade to the Switch 2 is necessary. These games are not just nostalgic hits; they're masterpieces that deserve a second life on modern hardware.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

The most groundbreaking reveal of the week wasn't about new games or features but about Nintendo's leap into modern online gaming. Gone are the days of cumbersome Friend Codes; the Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a comprehensive suite of communication and visual sharing tools. With a noise-cancelling microphone and an optional desktop camera, players can now chat and share screens across consoles. This long-awaited feature promises to enhance multiplayer experiences in games like Monster Hunter, where teamwork is key.

At last, Nintendo has made it easy to connect and play with friends online.

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

The Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the Switch 2, a feature that's both innovative and practical. This design simplifies the process of attaching and detaching the controllers, especially useful in docked setups where space can be limited. The magnetic grip ensures a secure connection while still allowing for easy removal.

5. A bigger screen

The Switch 2 features a slightly larger 7.9-inch screen, which, combined with the higher 1080p resolution, should enhance the visual experience of its detailed games. This increase in screen size strikes a balance between portability and playability, catering to the demands of modern gamers.

6. Mouse controls

Nintendo introduced a unique mouse control feature with the Switch 2, allowing players to use a Joy-Con as a mouse on a flat surface. This innovative approach is supported at launch by titles like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4. While the long-term adoption of this feature remains to be seen, it offers an exciting alternative for fans of first-person shooters and strategy games.

7. More storage

The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, a significant increase from its predecessor. However, with the demand for larger game files due to enhanced graphics, this may not feel like a huge leap. The console also features faster memory to handle these larger files, and players will need to invest in compatible, high-speed memory cards for additional storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2

Nintendo has taken user feedback to heart, making several enhancements to the Switch 2. The console now includes two USB-C ports, one on top for charging in kickstand mode, and an added fan in the dock for better cooling. The larger sticks and improved sound capabilities enhance the overall user experience. The Switch 2 Pro Controller also gets an upgrade with an audio jack and assignable buttons, promising a more versatile and comfortable gaming experience.

One particularly useful feature is the adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode, perfect for gaming in various environments.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

The Switch 2 is backward compatible, ensuring a smooth transition for existing Switch owners. This feature not only makes the new console more appealing but also follows the successful model set by Microsoft with Xbox. Additionally, certain Switch titles like Metroid Prime 4 will have Switch 2 Editions, offering enhanced modes such as a higher-resolution Quality Mode or a faster Performance Mode. Owners of the original games can upgrade to these editions for a fee, providing an incentive to upgrade without repurchasing the entire game.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth

The Switch 2 lineup includes highly anticipated titles like Mario Kart World, which introduces a continuous world akin to Forza Horizon and supports up to 24 carts in races. Kirby's Air Riders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, promises a fresh take on the Air Ride series. The Duskbloods, a new title from FROM Software, looks to be an original Miyazaki experience exclusive to the Switch 2. And, of course, Donkey Kong Bananza aims to redeem the franchise with a landmark 3D adventure, leveraging the Switch 2's superior hardware.