Rejoice, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! On Wednesday, the clouds parted, the sun shone brightly, and the divine hand of Shigeru Miyamoto graced us with the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. After years of speculation, we finally have a clear picture of this remarkable console hybrid.

While the Switch 2 is sleek, compact, and powerful, the rumors of a tiny Reggie Fils-Aimé packed into every GPU are, sadly, untrue. However, after spending an hour during the Nintendo Direct dissecting every word, screenshotting images, and analyzing captured video, we can now provide you with solid facts that showcase how the Switch 2 surpasses its beloved predecessor in numerous ways.

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 the original Switch, a trend consistent with Nintendo's history of enhancing each new console. The original Switch, released in 2017, couldn't compete with the graphical prowess of Sony and Xbox consoles, and after eight years, it struggled with demanding games. The Switch 2 promises a vastly improved experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates reaching up to 120 fps. This upgrade should attract a wider variety of games, as evidenced by EA's decision to bring soccer and football games to the Switch 2, and 2K's plans for wrestling and basketball titles.

   Third-party developers showcased current-gen games, demonstrating the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities, including titles like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6. Nintendo's first-party offerings were equally impressive, promising a visually stunning gaming experience.

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

   The beloved GameCube games are now available through Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively on the Switch 2. This move creates a clear distinction between the online experiences of the original Switch and the Switch 2, compelling retro game enthusiasts to upgrade. Currently, three iconic titles are available: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2, featuring Link.

   Soul Calibur 2, in particular, is a must-play, especially with friends.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

   A significant departure from Nintendo's past, the Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a feature-rich communication and visual sharing system. With a noise-cancelling mic and an optional desktop camera, players can communicate and share screens across consoles. This long-awaited feature promises to enhance multiplayer gaming, as seen in potential applications like Monster Hunter.

   

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

   A welcomed improvement, the Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the Switch 2, making it easier to connect and disconnect without the hassle of slotting them in. This feature is especially useful for those with home setups that might otherwise require removing the entire console from the dock.

5. A bigger screen

   The Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch screen, enhancing the gaming experience without sacrificing portability. This increase in size, coupled with a sharper 1080p resolution, ensures that games look better and more immersive.

6. Mouse controls

   Nintendo's innovative Joy-Con mouse feature allows for precise pointing and rotation when the controller is laid on its side. This feature, supported at launch by games like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4, offers a unique control option that could be particularly appealing to PC gamers.

   While the long-term viability of this feature remains to be seen, it's exciting to see Nintendo experimenting with new control methods.

7. More storage

   The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original. However, with the increased graphical capabilities, game files will be larger, potentially offsetting the storage benefit. The memory is also faster, which is crucial for handling larger game files, and 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 listened to user feedback over the past decade and made several quality-of-life improvements to the Switch 2. Features include two USB-C ports, a fan in the dock for better cooling, larger sticks, and improved sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller also sees enhancements, including an audio jack and assignable buttons.

   The adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is particularly useful for tabletop play, especially in challenging lighting conditions or tight spaces.

   

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

   The Switch 2 is backward compatible with the original Switch games, following in the footsteps of successful backward compatibility on Xbox and Nintendo's own history. Additionally, certain Switch titles, like Metroid Prime 4, will have special Switch 2 Editions, offering new features such as a higher-res Quality Mode or a faster frame rate in Performance Mode.

   Owners of the original game can upgrade to these new editions, though we hope the cost won't be prohibitive. These enhancements could also improve the notoriously janky Pokémon games.

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

    Mario Kart World introduces a continuous world similar to Forza Horizon, allowing players to race and explore freely, with a field size increased to 24 carts. The game promises chaotic fun, and we can't wait to dive in.

    Kirby's Air Riders, teased at the end of the show, surprised fans with the involvement of Masahiro Sakurai, promising a revitalized take on the Air Ride series. Finally, The Duskbloods, initially mistaken for Bloodborne 2 or a Castlevania title, turned out to be an entirely original game from FROM Software, exclusive to the Switch 2.

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

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

    AnswerSee Results

    Donkey Kong Bananza marks the triumphant return of the King of Kong to 3D, offering a landmark adventure built on the more capable hardware of the Switch 2. With Nintendo's recent success in 3D platforming, Bananza is poised to be a standout title.