The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled, showcasing an impressive lineup of games, but its internal specifications are just as noteworthy. Nintendo has provided comprehensive tech specs on its website, affirming the console as a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This new handheld device combines increased size and enhanced hardware capabilities.
Dimensions and Design
The Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than the original model, measuring 6.5 inches in height and 10.7 inches in length with the Joy-Cons attached. In contrast, the original Switch stands at approximately 4 inches in height and 9.4 inches in length. Weighing around 1.18 lbs, the Switch 2 is heavier than its predecessor, which weighs 0.88 lbs, yet lighter than the Steam Deck LCD at 1.5 lbs.
Display Features
The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch capacitive touch screen, surpassing the original Switch’s 6.2-inch and the Switch OLED’s 7-inch displays. The screen resolution has been upgraded to 1080p from the previous 720p, and it supports variable refresh rates (VRR) of up to 120 Hz, with HDR10 support on the way. However, details regarding screen brightness remain unspecified.
Joy-Con Controllers
The redesigned Joy-Con controllers for the Switch 2 magnetically attach to the device’s sides, adding a new feel to the user experience. They are slightly heavier, with the left Joy-Con weighing about 2.3 ounces and the right about 2.4 ounces, compared to the original’s weights of 1.7 and 1.8 ounces, respectively. Notably, the new Joy-Cons incorporate a mouse sensor for enhanced functionality, alongside a redesigned C button for GameChat. Although these controllers do not feature Hall-effect joystick technology, Nintendo assures improvements in durability.
Each Joy-Con comes equipped with a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, and the right Joy-Con has NFC capability. Battery life is estimated at 20 hours, with a full charge taking approximately 3.5 hours.
Storage Options
With 256 GB of internal flash storage, the Switch 2 offers significantly more space than the original Switch’s 32 GB. Users can further expand storage with microSD Express cards, supporting up to 2 TB with faster read speeds compared to the original model’s microSDHC and microSDXC compatibility.
Performance Specifications
The Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor, suspected to be a Tegra T239 model, which places its processing power on par with older consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It is anticipated that the system will utilize upscaling technology, enabling 720p visuals to be enhanced to 4K resolution when docked.
Furthermore, the device is rumored to include 12 GB of RAM, further enhancing its capabilities.
Battery and Charging
The battery life for the Switch 2 ranges from approximately 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on game usage, which is slightly less than earlier models. However, it maintains the same three-hour charging time. Users can enable settings to slow the battery charge at 90% to help prolong its life.
Connectivity and Docking
Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6 for improved download speeds, and its dock includes a wired Ethernet port for stable internet connectivity. The dock resembles the original’s but is slightly larger, allowing for 4K video output at 60 frames per second. Additional features in the dock include two USB ports and HDMI connectivity.
Accessibility Features
The Switch 2 introduces several new accessibility options, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities tailored for GameChat. Users can also adjust text size and remap buttons for a more personalized experience.