It's finally here! After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest marvel: the Nintendo Switch 2. The name might sound familiar, but don’t let its understated moniker fool you. At first glance, it may seem similar to its predecessor, but a closer look reveals a host of intriguing updates and enhancements. In fact, we've uncovered 30 fascinating details that showcase how Nintendo has evolved its beloved hybrid console, and we're excited to walk you through each one.
From a brand-new face button to innovative ways to utilize the Joy-Con, the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer has given us a comprehensive look at what's in store. Let's dive into the details:
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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01 - The Switch 2 retains a similar form factor to its predecessor but is slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con controllers are now taller, with the console being about 15% bigger overall.
02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past have been replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey, reminiscent of the Steam Deck, giving the console a more refined look.
03 - While the overall color scheme is muted, the Switch 2 pays homage to the original's red and blue Joy-Cons with a colorful ring around each analogue stick. This not only adds a touch of flair but also serves as a color-coding system for easy Joy-Con attachment.
04 - The Joy-Con no longer slide onto rails; they directly slot into the console with a connector on the main unit plugging into a port on the Joy-Con. Rumors suggest magnets, similar to Apple's Magsafe, hold the Joy-Con in place.
05 - A newly-designed trigger system on the back of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment from the main unit. A brief demonstration video on Nintendo.com shows a piston-like mechanism pushing the Joy-Con away upon squeezing the trigger.
06 - The classic control layout on the Joy-Cons remains unchanged, with offset analogue sticks and familiar button placements, including Plus and Minus buttons at the top and the square capture and circle Home buttons at the bottom.
07 - A new, mysterious unlabelled button sits below the Home button, leaving us eager to discover its purpose.
08 - The L and R shoulder buttons and ZL and ZR triggers are in their expected positions, with the triggers appearing deeper and more rounded for improved comfort and ease of use.
09 - The analogue sticks maintain their low-profile design but feature a smaller inner ring radius and taller rims for better thumb grip.
10 - The NFC Amiibo interface seems absent from the right Joy-Con, but it could still be included as it was on the original Switch. The IR sensor, however, appears to have been removed, likely due to its minimal use in previous games.
11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con suggest continued support for individual Joy-Con use, now with significantly larger buttons for enhanced usability.
12 - The strip of four green LEDs indicating player assignment has moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.
13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons also houses a Sync button for pairing the Joy-Con with the console.
14 - A clear lens above the connector port hints at a potential laser sensor, enabling mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Con, as shown in the trailer with the wrist-strap accessories.
15 - The wrist-straps return with a new design, featuring red and blue colors matching the internal color splash of the Joy-Con.
16 - The main console unit boasts a larger screen, though not as expansive as the Switch OLED. The display technology remains a mystery, possibly utilizing an LED panel in the base model.
17 - The top edge of the device retains the power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill split into three vents.
18 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, suggesting backward compatibility with the same form factor as the original Switch.
19 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack adds intrigue, as its purpose remains unclear alongside the existing bottom-mounted USB C port for docking and charging.
20 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch’s rear-facing ones, promising improved sound quality.
21 - A redesigned kickstand spans the entire length of the console's rear, with multiple angle adjustments and rubber feet for stability.
22 - The Switch 2 can still be connected to a TV via a dock, which is similar to the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
23 - A controller peripheral for the Joy-Cons is included, though its design appears similar to the original, hopefully with comfort enhancements.
24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, suggesting a larger scale with 24 racers compared to Mario Kart 8's 12.
25 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," features an American-inspired design with more open and off-road sections.
26 - Ten confirmed characters for the game include Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario.
27 - The Switch 2 supports backward compatibility, though some games may not be supported, possibly those requiring peripherals incompatible with the new Joy-Con design.
28 - The console is set to launch sometime in 2025, likely not before June.
29 - More details, including a potential release date, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.
30 - Following the Direct, the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour will allow hands-on interaction starting April 4th in New York and Paris, and visiting cities like London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul. The event is open to Nintendo Account holders through a free-to-enter ticket ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.
These are the 30 key details unveiled by the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to cover everything about the Nintendo Switch 2 in the coming months.
