On Thursday, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch 2, its first new gaming platform in eight years. The successor to the wildly successful Nintendo Switch, the hybrid console brings a host of upgrades over its predecessor, including a larger screen, better graphics and performance, redesigned Joy-Con controllers, new social features, and more. After a series of leaks, the Switch 2 was fully revealed during a dedicated Nintendo Direct in April, detailing the platform’s design and features. The console launched on day one with a robust lineup of first- and third-party games supporting the platform, including Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction and Switch 2 versions of popular Switch games.
Nintendo Switch 2 price, availability
The Switch 2 launched in select markets on June 5, with eager fans lining up at retail stores in Japan, the United States and elsewhere. The hybrid platform is available in two bundles: the standard console, priced at $449.99 (approximately Rs. 38,600), and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle, priced at $499.99 (approximately Rs. 42,900). The Switch 2 is not officially available in India yet, but the imported device should be available through unofficial channels in the coming days at a considerable price.
Nintendo Switch 2 specs, features
Compared to the original Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to offer more power, better performance, and a host of new features. The platform runs on a custom Nvidia processor that handles CPU and GPU load. Nintendo and Nvidia have confirmed that the console supports Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology and ray tracing technology in games.
The Switch 2 comes with a larger display than its predecessor. It uses a 7.9-inch LCD touch screen that supports 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10 and variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, bringing a smoother gaming experience. The device comes with 256GB of internal UFS storage, part of which is reserved for the system. Users can expand the Switch 2’s storage capacity up to 2TB simply by using a microSD Express card.
When connected to a compatible TV via HDMI, Switch 2 supports video output at resolutions up to 3840×2160 (4K) at 60 fps. The console can deliver 120 fps in TV mode when lower resolutions are selected (1920×1080/2560×1440).
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with new GameChat feature
Photo credit: Nintendo
The device comes with plenty of connectivity options and ports, including 2 USB Type-C ports for charging, docking devices, and connecting accessories. The console comes with a game card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD Express card slot. The side of the Switch 2 docking station features two USB 2.0 ports, a system connector, an AC adapter port, an HDMI port, and a LAN port.
The Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, and comes with stereo speakers and a built-in mono microphone. Sensors on the Switch 2 include the accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensors located in the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Both Joy-Con 2 controllers support Bluetooth 3, and the right Joy-Con 2 also supports NFC. The new controller supports HD Rumble 2 and mouse functionality, and the console comes with GameChat functionality for in-game communication for online gaming.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 5,220mAh battery that is said to last between 2 and 6.5 hours, depending on the game you’re playing. Nintendo claims the console can be fully charged in just three hours in sleep mode. The Joy-Con 2 controller comes with a 500mAh battery that is said to last up to 20 hours of use. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge.
With the Joy-Con controllers attached, the Switch 2 measures 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches and weighs approximately 535.2 grams. The base measures 4.5 x 7.9 x 2 inches and weighs 381 grams. Finally, the Joy-Con 2 controllers measure 4.57 x 0.56 x 1.2 inches and weigh 65.2 grams (left) and 68 grams (right). The Nintendo Switch 2 box also includes a Joy-Con 2 strap and a Joy-Con 2 controller.