14 differences between Nintendo Switch 2 vs 1

Since the Nintendo Switch (hereinafter referred to as Switch 1) was released in 2017, it has achieved great success worldwide with its unique hybrid design combining handheld and home console.

In June of this year, Nintendo launched the new Switch 2. Will this new console continue the success of the Switch 1? What are the upgrades and changes?

What’s true and what’s false about all the Switch 2 rumors and leaks over the past year?

This article will compare the Switch 1 and Switch 2 in terms of hardware, performance, gaming experience, and other aspects.

1. Changes to the game console screen

The Switch 2 screen brings several improvements. The screen size is significantly larger, up from the 6.2-inch screen of the Switch 1 to 7.9 inches.

The Switch 1 has a maximum output resolution of 720p on the screen, while the Switch 2 will support 1080p output and claims to support VRR (variable refresh rate) and a 120-frame gaming experience.

2. Maglev Joy-Con

Over the past few years, players have gotten used to the Switch 1’s Joy-Con slide rail design, but the Switch 2 will revolutionize that.

The Switch 1 Joy-Con connects to the console via a side rail, while the Switch 2 Joy-Con will be magnetically attached. Hold down the new button near the trigger when removing it.

Nintendo guarantees that the magnetic controller will not fall off by itself.

3. Mouse functions

This is another major improvement to the Switch 2Joy-Con controller, which has been mentioned several times in previous leaks.

The new controller has a sensor on the side, so you can just lay the Joy-Con horizontally on a flat surface and use it like a mouse.

The Switch 1 supports three modes: console mode, mainframe mode, and desktop mode, while the Switch 2 will add a “mouse mode”.

4. The C key and GameChat

Switch 2 introduces an important new feature: the C key, which is tied to GameChat.

Press this key to call up the chat menu, which allows players to make voice or video calls during the game (external accessories are required).

Unfortunately, after the free trial period ends, GameChat will only be available to Nintendo Membership (NSO) subscribers.

5. More Joy-Con improvements

Nintendo has also made other improvements to the Switch 2’s Joy-Con.

The Switch 1 SL/SR buttons have been criticized for being too small, and the Switch 2 slightly expands the area of these two buttons.

The Switch 2 has a larger joystick and an official promise to significantly improve on the original’s much-maligned “stick drift” problem.

6. PRO handle improvement

Switch 2 has a new Pro controller, with the main changes being the addition of a C button and a 3.5mm audio port (a major flaw in the original Pro controller).

In addition, the GL/GR button with customizable functions is added to the handle.

7. Switch 2 Supports 4K

In terms of technical specs, the Switch 2 will be Nintendo’s biggest generational leap since the GameCube.

The Switch 2 will completely change the situation, even though the hardware of the Switch 1 was already outdated when it was released in 2017.

The console supports 4K resolution output, which was completely impossible with the original.

8. Support raytracing and DLSS

Rumors of Switch 2’s use of Nvidia’s DLSS technology have been circulating for years (it was even originally linked to the rumored “Switch Pro”), but now it’s finally been officially confirmed.

Given that its hardware specs are even lower than the Xbox Series S, DLSS is key to achieving 4K. Additionally, Switch 2 also supports ray tracing.

9. A Volute 3D Sound Expert

The Switch 2 upgrade isn’t limited to visual performance. On the audio side, in addition to a larger volume and higher quality speakers, the Switch2 supports 3D sound effects in both console mode and handheld mode.

10. Switch 2 Games

The new console’s power will not only lead to better graphics, but also benefit existing Switch games. While the exact plan is up to the publisher, some titles will be released as a “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” —— optimized for Switch 2, with varying improvements in picture quality and pricing.

11. Internal Storage

Switch 2’s built-in storage space has been greatly improved: from 32GB on Switch 1 to 256GB (though Switch 2 games will also be larger).

In terms of storage expansion, the host no longer supports ordinary microSD cards, but needs to use new microSD Express cards.

12. Switch 2 Battery Life

The Switch 1 will have a full battery life of 4-10 hours (depending on usage), while the Switch 2 will have a full battery life of 2-6.5 hours. In terms of charging time, the official estimate is 3 hours to fully charge, which is basically the same as the first generation.

13. Base Size

The Switch 2 dock is 4.5 inches high, 7.9 inches wide, and 2 inches thick, slightly larger than the original dock (4.1 inches high, 6.8 inches wide, and 2.12 inches thick).

In addition, the new base has an Ethernet interface to facilitate the direct connection of network cables.

14. GameCube games join NSF

The long-awaited NGC game will finally be added to the Nintendo Membership (NSO) Game Library on June 5— but only for Switch 2 users.

The original Switch “Premium Membership” includes NES, SNES, N64, MD, GB/GBC/GBA games, while the Switch 2 membership will also include NGC games.

The first lineup includes Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Ability 2, F-Zero GX, followed by Luigi Mansion, Mario Sun, Pokémon XD: Dark Cyclone, and others.

Switch 2 has significant improvements in terms of hardware, screen, performance, etc., especially a stronger processor, higher resolution, better gaming experience, etc. 

For those who haven’t bought the Switch 1 yet, the Switch 2 is a better choice. 

For those who already own the Switch 1, whether to upgrade depends on how much exclusive content and improved experience the new model can bring.

Overall, the Switch 2, as a successor to the Switch 1, is expected to remain an important player in the gaming market with its stronger hardware performance and possible 4K support.