The original Nintendo Switch, since its launch in 2017, has deeply influenced the gaming industry with its hybrid concept and exclusive game library. But with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, gamers are eager to know: what does this new iteration have in store? Here’s a detailed comparison based on the available information.
Design and Ergonomics
The Switch 1 comes as a 6.2-inch LCD tablet with detachable Joy-Con controllers and a dock for TV connectivity. In contrast, the Switch 2 adopts a refined design: the screen size increases to around 8 inches but remains an LCD for the initial version. The Joy-Con are larger, featuring magnetic attachment for better ergonomics and more intuitive use. The Switch 2’s dock might offer 4K output, thanks to technologies like Nvidia’s DLSS.
Graphics Performance and Processor
The original Switch uses an Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset, which, while adequate for its time, shows its limitations with newer games. The Switch 2 promises a revolution with a new SoC based on Nvidia’s Jetson Orin technology, with speculations around 12GB of RAM. This upgrade would not only better manage games in handheld mode but also implement advanced technologies like DLSS and ray tracing, offering console-level graphics.
Battery Life
Battery life was a critical point for the first Switch, with significant variation depending on models and games. With the Switch 2, the increase in performance could theoretically reduce battery life, but hardware and software optimizations are expected. The balance between power and battery longevity remains to be seen.
Compatibility and Game Library
One of the big questions was backward compatibility, and the good news is that the Switch 2 will be compatible with Switch 1 games, potentially with visual enhancements. Players can thus enjoy their existing libraries with an enriched experience. Moreover, the Switch 2 should usher in new titles optimized for its power, promising unprecedented gaming experiences.
Connectivity and Accessories
The Switch 2 will keep the USB-C port from its predecessor but introduce Joy-Con with optical sensors and a new button, paving the way for innovative game interactions. The question of connectivity remains open, with rumors of better online management and possibly Ethernet support through the dock.
Summary of Technical Specifications
Nintendo Switch 1 (2017)
- CPU: ARM Cortex-A57, 1.020 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia Tegra X1
- Portable Mode: 307 MHz, 0.157 TFLOPS
- Docked Mode: 768 MHz, 0.393 TFLOPS
- RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 32 GB internal eMMC storage, expandable via microSDHC card
- Display:
- Size: 6.2 inches
- Type: LCD
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels (portable), 1920 x 1080 pixels (docked)
- Battery:
- Capacity: 4,310 mAh (V1), 4,310 mAh (V2 standard), 4,510 mAh (V2 with larger battery)
- Life: 2.5 to 6.5 hours (V1), 4.5 to 9 hours (V2 with improved battery)
- Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Nintendo Switch 2 (2025 – Speculation)
- CPU: Expected to be multi-core, under 1.8 GHz (details not fully confirmed)
- GPU: Nvidia T239
- Portable Mode: 561 MHz, 1.72 TFLOPS
- Docked Mode: 1,007.3 MHz, 3 TFLOPS
- RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5X at 7500 MT/s
- Storage: 256 GB with UFS 3.1, expandable via microSD Express
- Display:
- Size: Approximately 8 inches (rumored)
- Type: Likely LCD, though OLED speculated
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)
- Battery: Improved over Switch OLED model; exact capacity and life not confirmed but expected to be better
- Connectivity: USB-C (with an additional port for charging), HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (unspecified version)
These specifications show a significant improvement in terms of performance and capacity, making the Switch 2 much more competitive with consoles of its generation while maintaining the original Switch’s portable philosophy.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 emerges as a logical but significant evolution of the original Switch. With increased power, a redesigned form factor, and assured compatibility with existing games, it could attract not only new players but also retain those already enamored with the first model. Fans eagerly await more details, but one thing is certain: the Switch 2 is set to raise the bar for what playing on a hybrid console means.
Stay tuned for the next official presentation to discover all the specifics and possibly the first impressions of this promising Switch 2.
