Nintendo Switch 2 launch: Everything you should know
Today, Nintendo launches its new hybrid console, Switch 2, which also connects to TVs. There are new and optimized games. Nvidia has developed the chip. Here's what you need to know. The Switch 2 is reportedly in high demand and not easy to get your hands on right now, but stock is still available in some countries and physical stores, so check your local retailers. But what do you actually get?What's new in Switch 2
FlatpanelsHD has already written extensively about Nintendo Switch 2, which is significantly more powerful than its predecessor. What you need to know:
- Switch 2 can be used handheld, with a tabletop stand, and docked to a TV screen. The improved Joy-Con 2 controllers have a new mouse function. The equipment is included in the box.
- Compatible with both Switch and Switch 2 games, both digital and physical cartridges.
- Switch 2 has a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with up to 120Hz and touch. There is 256GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD. Battery life is 2–6.5 hours, according to Nintendo.
- Nintendo Switch 2 supports up to 4K 60Hz or 1080p/1440p up to 120Hz when docked to a TV. Nintendo also mentions spatial 3D sound, VRR and HDR, but there are some significant limitations that you need to be aware of, as discussed in our article here.
- The processor is made by Nvidia (more in the next section).
- New games are coming that only work with Switch 2, along with optimized Switch titles. FlatpanelsHD has published a list of games and more details here – also with information on upcoming games. Titles include Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, Fortnite, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
- Games for Switch 2 will be more expensive with prices reaching up to 90 Euro and 80 dollar.
Switch 2 has three play modes. Photo: Nintendo
10x more powerful, according to Nvidia
Like its predecessor, Switch 2 is equipped with a chip from Nvidia, which claims that it delivers 10x higher graphics performance than the original Switch. The chip is a T239 built on Nvidia's Ampere architecture from 2020 – not the newer Ada Lovelace or Blackwell architectures. In terms of raw power, the 10x claim does not quite hold – 384/192 GFlops docked/handheld on Switch versus 3.1/1.7 TFlops on Switch 2 – but Nvidia's comment likely also takes into account the inclusion of newer graphics technologies like ray tracing, DLSS upscaling etc. Earlier this week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang went even further and claimed that the chip in Switch 2 delivers "the most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device". Last year's A18 Pro chip in iPhone 16 Pro exceeds 2.5 TFlops on paper, so it is unclear how Huang reached that conclusion. Testing of Switch 2 will show what it actually delivers. There is no doubt, however, that Switch 2 is far more powerful than its 2017 predecessor. The line-up of console games is evidence of that.
Switch 2 launches with new games like Mario Kart World
A Nintendo for better or worse
Switch 2 is the next generation from Nintendo, but it would be an exaggeration to call it the start of a new console generation – that will come with PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Switch 2 also does not match PS5 and Xbox Series X in terms of graphics performance, and the built-in LCD screen is a step back in several areas. Like its predecessor, Switch 2 should be bought for Nintendo's wonderful selection of games. If you want in on that, you can get it starting today, June 5, in the US, Europe, Oceania, parts of Asia, and more regions. It will come soon to more regions. Welcome, Switch 2!Nintendo Switch 2 – specifications
| Size | Approximately 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick (with Joy-Con™ 2 controllers attached). *The maximum thickness from the tip of the control sticks to the protruding parts of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.2 inches. |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately .88 lbs (Approximately 1.18 lbs with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached) |
| Screen | Capacitive touch screen 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen 1920x1080 pixels HDR10 support VRR up to 120 Hz |
| CPU/GPU | Custom processor made by NVIDIA. |
| Storage | 256 GB (UFS) *A portion of the storage is reserved for use by the system. |
| Communication features | Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6) Bluetooth In TV mode, Nintendo Switch 2 can be connected using the wired LAN port on the dock. |
| Video output | Output via HDMI connector in TV mode Maximum of 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps (TV mode) Supports 120 fps when 1920x1080/2560x1440 resolutions are selected Supports HDR10 *Maximum 1920x1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode, following screen resolution. |
| Audio output | Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch Output via HDMI connector in TV mode *Surround sound effect can be applied when outputting to headphones or to the built-in speaker (surround sound effect when outputting to the built-in speaker requires a system update). |
| Speakers | Stereo The independent enclosure structure provides natural, clear sound quality. |
| Microphone | Built-in microphone (monaural) Noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control provide a more comfortable voice chat experience. |
| Buttons | POWER Button/Volume buttons |
| USB-C® connectors | 2 USB-C® connectors The port on the bottom is used to charge the console and connect to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. The port on the top is used to connect accessories and/or charge the console. |
| Audio jack | 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard) Please note: Nintendo cannot guarantee functionality with all products. |
| Game card slot | Both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch game cards can be inserted. |
| microSD Express card slot | Compatible with microSD Express cards only (up to 2 TB) *microSD memory cards that are not compatible with microSD Express can only be used to copy screenshots and videos from Nintendo Switch. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensor located in Joy-Con 2 controllers Brightness sensor located in console |
| Operating environment | 41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity |
| Internal battery | Lithium-ion battery/5220mAh |
| Battery life | Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours *These are rough estimates. The battery life will depend on the games you play. |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours *While the system is in Sleep mode. |
