Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: the 10 differences to remember
This time, it's the right one. After months of intense rumors, Nintendo has finally lifted the veil on its brand new portable console, the Nintendo Switch 2. If the Japanese manufacturer has not really done originality when choosing the name of his machine, he however treated his copy in terms of console itself. We also give you all the details in our article dedicated to the launch of this Switch 2. But perhaps you ask yourself what it really brings compared to the first Switch, released in 2017. To satisfy your curiosity, here is an overview of the major differences between the two generations of consoles.
1 – A really bigger screen
The Nintendo Switch 2 retains its hybrid format which made the success of the first generation, but now offers a significantly larger screen, 7.9 inch. Beyond the size, the other characteristics also progress with a resolution that goes from HD 720p to Full HD 1080p and a rate of refreshment of the screen which doubles, from 60 Hz to 120 Hz. On the other hand, the OLED technology of the Switch is not kept, which is really unfortunate. From there to say that Nintendo probably reserve it for a future Switch 2 OLED, there is only one step …
2 – Joy -Con totally redesigned
Nintendo has completely revised the design of Joy-Con, these console game controllers. The Joy-Con will now set themselves magnetically on the sides of the console instead of sliding as on the previous model. To detach them, just press a button. This new approach should offer better grip and more reliable connection. The SL and SR buttons of Joy-Con are also larger than on the original Switch. Likewise, the sticks are larger and a new vibration engine, HD Rumble 2, has been integrated.
3 – The GameChat service and its new C button
This one had seen him coming. Nintendo has launched a sacred pavement in the fed up of the multiplayer game with its new GameChat function, which will allow you to communicate with friends and family in the middle of the game.
A microphone on the console records your voice. Nintendo promises that, even when the console is not nearby, the user's voice will be transcribed perfectly, thanks to filters reducing ambient noises. It is also possible to launch a video sharing on your screen and see those of others. It also works when users each play on a different game. The size of these screens is also configurable. Just press this C button to cut the microphone again. If you have a child, you can configure this function to validate whenever he or she wants to use GameChat.
Not all games will be compatible with this new function, but the manufacturer promises that many titles will be updated quickly. There is also a new mode that takes advantage of GameChat and the camera in Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. If you already have the game, it will be possible to update it via a paid update.
Finally, a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online will be necessary to take advantage of the GameChat function, but that Nintendo decided to offer the service until March 31, 2026. After that, you will have to go to the checkout. But that will give you time to get your own idea … and potentially become addicted.
4 – Use mouse
The Joy-Con of the Nintendo Switch 2 can be used in a whole new way, like a computer mouse. Obviously, this promises an upheaval of playability for many genres, especially for strategy games or FPS. To present this feature, Nintendo preferred to rely on Drag X Race, a funny title. We would also have liked to see a Call of Duty 6 point the tip of his nose …
5 – A portable PS4 Pro?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is (fortunately) much more powerful than its predecessor, released in 2017 … whose performance was already behind at the time. The Japanese manufacturer, however, keeps the same philosophy since its latest birthday does not intend to rub shoulders with PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X in terms of power. Nintendo did not spread too much on the subject during the presentation, but his Switch 2 seems as powerful as the PS4 Pro. It is in any case able to theoretically display a resolution of up to 4K, and HDR is also supported in TV mode.
And when we see what the Japanese manufacturer was able to offer us with the aging equipment of his first switch, we can't wait to discover what his teams can do with all this additional power.
6 – Double USB -C connectivity
The Nintendo Switch 2 has two USB-C ports, located on the upper and lower slices of the console. This double connectivity makes it possible not to be embarrassed when the console loads and that it is used at the same time in your hands, or placed on a table, in portable mode.
7 – A redesigned crutch
The rear crutch of the console has been redesigned and now has a large U -shaped shape. This new design should offer better stability when the console is placed on a flat surface in table mode, thus ending one of the problems of the original switch whose crutch was often criticized for its fragility. In addition, the inclination angle has been extended.
8 – A new Mario Kart exclusively
Nintendo will finally offer a new Mario Kart World, exclusively for the Switch 2. After the phenomenal success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, initially released on Wii U in 2014 then on Switch in 2017, fans were looking forward to this new opus which should take advantage of the technical capacities of the new console. A Nintendo Direct will be dedicated to Mario Kart World.
As explained in more detail here, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in pre -order from April 9, 2025, a week after its official presentation, for an exit scheduled in June 2025. For Parisian players, Nintendo will organize test sessions at the Grand Palais, from April 4 to 6, 2025.
9 – A new camera!
Sold separately, a whole new on foot will allow players to appear directly in GameChat. Users automatically appear to be cut, or in the form of small miniatures in the interface. As also said, some games, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, will take advantage of this camera.
10 – The GameCube arrives in the additional pack of the Nintendo Online
Subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack will be able to enjoy an exclusively platform with the integration of the GameCube. For the launch, the publisher announced the following games: Windwaker, Soulcalibur 2, F-Zero GX, Super Mario Sunshine, Mario Smash Football, Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Luigi Mansion and a few others. A gamecube controller will also be launched in parallel, only for subscribers to the service.
