All the differences between the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Steven Rondina Published 16/01/2025

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed and with that comes the big question of the real differences between this next-gen console and the existing Switch.

At long last, Nintendo has revealed the Switch 2, the wildly popular and long-awaited successor to the Nintendo Switch. The console has been at the center of leaks and reports for years, which have gone from vague spec estimates to in-depth looks at the new hardware. It’s even been the subject of possible black market trading in China.

But now, at long last, Nintendo has shown fans what’s in store. The big question now is what are the actual differences between the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and is it worth getting?

Here’s a full breakdown of all the key changes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxLUf2kRQRE

Switch 1 vs Switch 2 specs differences; how much better is it?

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a significant specs upgrade relative to the existing Nintendo Switch.

Leaks following the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard lawsuit include estimates from Activision executives that the next-gen Nintendo console would have specs comparable to the PlayStation 4. Though the Switch 2 is a very different package from the PS4 technically, those estimates are effectively accurate.

The bad news is that this means that the Switch 2 will be significantly worse from a technical perspective than the PlayStation 5 or any part of the Xbox Series line of consoles. The good news is that, despite this, the technical improvements should allow it to host far more major multi-platform releases.

Not only that, but gamers who only own Nintendo hardware can look forward to a tidal wave of ports. Games like Persona 3 Reload, Elden Ring, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and Red Dead Redemption 2 could all make their way to the hardware. That’s not even counting any potential next-gen patches for Switch 1 games.

All Switch 2 hardware differences

The specs aren’t the only major changes. The Nintendo Switch 2 also brings a number of changes to the handheld’s hardware. These are largely set to be major quality-of-life improvements, especially for those who use the Switch 2 handheld. Here are all the biggest changes.

Switch 2 is larger, slightly heavier

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to have a superior form factor relative to its handheld console competition. While the Steam Deck has similar specs, it’s a chunky, heavy device next to the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 will be larger and heavier than the existing Nintendo Switch, but the differences aren’t going to be all that extreme. Side-by-side, the successor is clearly bigger than the original, but it’s not an especially radical difference.

Joy-Cons work differently

The Switch 2’s Joy-Cons were changed in several somewhat subtle ways. Though the overall layout is the same, there are some important tweaks.

Nintendo Switch 2 official console

First and foremost, the shoulder buttons were all changed. The L and R buttons are no longer frustratingly thin. Meanwhile, the ZL and ZR triggers are given a more modern feel. The SL and SR buttons used when playing on a single Joy-Con are also bigger and aren’t as deeply buried in the connecting rail.

On that front, Joy-Cons do not slide into the Switch 2. Instead, they effectively latch in from the slides. There’s also a new locking mechanism with a much larger button, located next to the triggers.

One of the first major hardware issues the Switch encountered was players gripping the Switch by the Joy-Cons could easily have it slide out and fall down at any time. The Switch 2 fixes that, at least in theory.

There’s a top USB-C port

One of the oddest issues with the original Nintendo Switch is how it couldn’t be played on a tabletop while charging. Thankfully, that’s changing with Switch 2.

The Switch 2 will have both a bottom and top USB-C port. The bottom port is once again primarily used to plug into the dock, but the top one will be usable when playing on a tabletop. This should be a massive quality-of-life improvement, especially for those who play the console while traveling.

The kickstand isn’t horrible anymore

The Switch 2 has a radically improved kickstand relative to the original Switch.

The original Switch’s kickstand was downright terrible. It pulled double duty as a microSD card cover, but wasn’t centered and wasn’t wide enough to reliably hold the Switch up. Even if it was, it became flimsy or broke off with even extremely light use. While the Nintendo Switch OLED Model fixed this, the base model stuck with this until the end.

Nintendo Switch OLED Model kickstand

Instead, the Switch 2 uses a U-shaped kickstand that runs from coast to coast on the bottom of the console, and up the sides. It also has a much greater range of motion, with the reveal trailer showing it folding out so the Switch 2 console can be played while it’s nearly horizontal. This suggests it will be much sturdier, though it’s possible that the OLED Model’s approach could go down as superior.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has a cooler, stronger dock

One of the key differences between the Nintendo Switch and the various handheld gaming PCs is the Switch having differentiated handheld and docked modes; that’s returning with the Switch 2. The dock is a bit different, though.

Rather than the boxy shape of the original, the Switch 2’s dock is a bit sleeker with a rounded shape. There’s also reportedly a much bigger jump in terms of processing power between handheld and docked mode for the Switch 2.

It also has an ethernet port, which is a welcome improvement from the original Switch’s dock requiring a Wi-Fi connection. This is going to be a major change for gamers who enjoy competitive multiplayer games, as everything from Guilty Gear Strive to Fortnite is better on a wired internet connection.

Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be worth getting?

The Nintendo Switch 2’s backwards compatibility, potential for third-party support, and major first-party titles will likely make it a great piece of gaming hardware.

It’s impossible to predict in advance how great a console will be, but the Switch was one of Nintendo’s greatest successes ever. The company seems to have learned from its mistakes with the Wii U and isn’t reinventing the wheel. The Switch 2 will be a proper successor to the console, with a similar value proposition for fans. Given just how well the original Switch sold, that’s likely to be a winning formula.

Mortal Kombat 1 on Nintendo Switch

The major knock against the Switch 2 is that it’s going to consistently be the worst way to experience major multi-platform releases. The original Switch got some major multi-platform releases throughout its lifetime, but games like Mortal Kombat 1, Hogwarts Legacy, and Apex Legends were mocked for their poor performance and graphics. While the Switch 2 compares more favorably to the PlayStation 5 than the Switch does, the Switch 2 is still set to be a markedly worse experience than its counterparts for AAA multi-platform releases.

But of course, multi-platform releases are just gravy when it comes to Nintendo consoles. The new console is set to be the exclusive home for future Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda, Smash, Metroid, and Pokemon games. That’s all it really needs to carry it.

Support for the existing Nintendo Switch is set to continue for at least a little while longer. There are still a few major releases from Nintendo coming down the pipe, most notably Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Glam indie titles like Haunted Chocolatier will most likely still find their way to Nintendo Switch.

While the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have both enjoyed a very strong life after their successors’ releases, however, that’s unlikely to be the case for the Switch. The existing hardware ran its course years ago, and both first and third-party developers will likely be much happier working on the new Switch 2.

Steven Rondina

About Steven Rondina

Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.

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