Launching in June for $450, the Nintendo Switch 2 up its game with 4K support in docked mode and up to 120fps in docked, handheld and tabletop mode. It also supports HDR and VRR.
Nintendo's successor to the Switch builds on the winning formula that has made it more popular than both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
After confirming in January that Switch 2 will be larger than the original and backwards compatible with both digital and physical Switch games, Nintendo has now announced launch timing, pricing and technical details.
- "Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch," said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. "With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches."
Switch 2 connects to the TV via the dock. Photo: Nintendo
Gaming at up to 4K
Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 supports 4K resolution at 60fps over HDMI 2.0. However, not all games will run in 4K, obviously. The console is powered by a custom Nvidia processor, but details remain scarce. It will however not match the raw power of the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
In docked mode, Switch 2 can output up to 120fps at 1080p or 1440p over HDMI to a TV or monitor, though, again, only select games will support 120fps. Some games will let the user select between performance or quality modes.
In handheld mode, it supports up to 1080p at 120fps on the built-in 7.9-inch LCD panel with 1920x1080 resolution.
Nintendo has also confirmed that Switch 2 will support VRR for smoother gameplay and HDR10 for an expanded range of color and luminance. However, HDR will not be practically possible on built-in LCD panel, so an HDR-capable TV, such as an OLED or a miniLED LCD with zone dimming, will be required.
Additionally, Nintendo has announced "spatial 3D sound" with "even more immersive, three-dimensional sound", but it is unclear what it means since spec sheet only lists linear PCM output up to 5.1. Support for spatial audio appears to be related to a future system update.
Switch 2 has three play modes. Photo: Nintendo
Three play modes
In addition to handheld and TV modes, Switch 2 has a tabletop mode, allowing users to place the console on a surface with an adjustable tilt. It can also be charged while in this mode via a port on the top.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been improved with a new C button on the right controller for starting voice chats with friends.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically to the console and can also function as a mouse when slid on a surface. Both controllers can be used as mouse inputs, enabling new gameplay possibilities, though implementation will depend on game developers.
The Joy-Con 2 controller doubles as a mouse
Launching in June 2025
Switch 2 will come bundled with Joy-Con 2 controllers, a dock for TV connectivity, and cables.
It will launch on June 5 in the US for $450 or $500 with Mario Kart World included.
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® Ports | 2 USB-C® Ports
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. |
|---|
FlatpanelsHD
