Switch 2 Outperforms Original: 10 Key Improvements

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo fans! On Wednesday, the clouds parted, the sun rose, and the divine hand of Miyamoto graced us with the newest handheld marvel, the Nintendo Switch 2. After years of speculation, we finally have a clear look at this mysterious console hybrid.

Sadly, the rumors about packing a tiny Reggie into every GPU were untrue. However, after spending an hour glued to the Direct, dissecting every word, screenshotting every image, and poring over captured video for tiny clues, we can now provide solid facts about the Switch 2, showcasing how it leaves its beloved predecessor in the dust.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. 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. When the original Switch was released in 2017, it wasn't exactly cutting-edge compared to Sony and Xbox consoles. Eight years later, it struggles with demanding games. The Switch 2, however, promises a vastly improved experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates extending up to 120 fps. This upgrade should allow a broader range of games to come to the Switch 2, as evidenced by EA's decision to host soccer and football games on the platform, and 2K's intention to do the same with wrestling and basketball. Third-party developers showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, demonstrating the Switch 2's increased capabilities. Nintendo's new first-party offerings were simply gorgeous.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch 2 doesn’t

   GameCube games are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively on the Switch 2. Nintendo has effectively drawn a line between online experiences on the original Switch and the Switch 2. Those who want to play some of Nintendo's best retro games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2, complete with Link, will need to upgrade to the Switch 2.

   Soul Calibur 2 is an incredible game, especially with a friend.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

   A significant departure from Nintendo's past, the Switch 2 offers easy integration of online features commonly found on other platforms. The new GameChat feature provides rich communication and visual sharing options. A noise-cancelling mic picks up your voice, and an optional desktop camera lets you share your face in games like Mario Party. Screen sharing across consoles is also possible. This simple, straightforward tool for playing with friends is a welcome addition.

   

   This feature has huge potential, particularly for games like Monster Hunter, where teams can benefit from shared screens.

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

   As guessed, the Joy-Cons now magnetically snap to the Switch 2 body, rather than slotting in. The steel shoulder buttons on each controller attract to the magnetic facing along the sides of the screen, locking them together. A simple button press releases the magnetic grip. This feature is especially useful for those with home setups where removing Joy-Cons can be tricky.

5. A bigger screen

   The Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch screen with a sharper 1080p resolution. Given the nature of most Switch games, this slight increase in size should benefit most players. The original Switch sacrificed screen real estate for portability, but the Switch 2 strikes a better balance.

6. Mouse controls

   Nintendo introduced innovative Joy-Con mouse features, allowing a Switch 2 Joy-Con laid on its side to be used as a mouse. This feature is supported at launch by games like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4.

   While the mouse feature might not see much use beyond the launch window, it's exciting for games like Metroid Prime 4, especially for PC gamers who prefer mouse controls in FPS games.

7. More storage

   The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of external storage, a significant increase from the original Switch. However, with the Switch 2's enhanced graphics capabilities, game files will be larger, potentially offsetting the storage gain. The memory is also quicker to handle these larger files, meaning you'll need a new, faster memory card for supplemental storage.

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

   Nintendo has made several hardware tweaks based on nearly a decade of feedback. The Switch 2 now features two USB-C ports, with one added on top for charging in kickstand mode. A fan has been added to the dock for better cooling, and the sticks are larger with improved sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller includes an audio jack and assignable buttons.

   One of the most useful features is the adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode, making it easier to play in various environments. Coupled with the new mouse feature, this could enhance the experience of playing games like Civilization 7 on the go.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

   The Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, a smart move by Nintendo. It also supports special Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of certain Switch titles, like Metroid Prime 4, offering new features such as a higher-res Quality Mode or a faster frame rate in Performance Mode.

   If you already own the original game on Switch, you can purchase a Switch 2 Edition upgrade to enjoy these new features. Hopefully, this upgrade won't be too expensive. There's also potential for improved versions of notoriously janky Pokemon games.

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

    Mario Kart World adds continuous world traversal and increases the field size to 24 carts, promising chaotic fun. Kirby's Air Riders, directed by Sakurai, promises to be a thrilling revival of the Air Ride series. The Duskbloods, an exclusive Miyazaki game, looks to be a challenging and exciting addition to the Switch 2 library. And Donkey Kong Bananza marks a triumphant return to 3D platforming, showcasing the capabilities of the new hardware.

    Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

    AnswerSee Results