The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, so we're clarifying the differences between the new console and the original, even if some details are yet to be confirmed.
After years of anticipation, the has finally and while has stuck to the same style we all know and love with its new console, there are plenty of well-needed changes coming too. While we're yet to have a Nintendo Switch 2 release date or a confirmed price, we have confirmation that the device will be coming in 2025, with a Direct planned for April 2, 2025, that should provide us with more details.
The Nintendo Switch 2 trailer alone provided us with a lot of information about one of the most anticipated new consoles of the decade. But, with no price confirmed, some people may still be on the fence about whether or not they want to upgrade. We're comparing the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 to its predecessor, so if you're unsure of the differences, we've got you covered.
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Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 – design and specsThe original had a very distinct design that shaped present-day handheld gaming. It had a screen in the middle, with two detachable controllers, allowing you to play in handheld or docked mode. The screen measures 6.2 inches and is LCD with a 1280 x 720 resolution, which outputs 1080p (FHD) when docked. The model, which was released in 2021, had a slightly bigger 7-inch OLED screen rather than LCD.
The Nintendo Switch 2 keeps the familiar format we all know and love, with a screen in the middle and two detachable controllers. The Nintendo Switch 2 trailer shows that the screen is obviously larger, and while we don't have a confirmed size yet, leaker suggest it'll be 8.4 inches, which is a significant jump. The same leaker also suggests it'll have a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 4K output when docked.
From the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer, we know that the Joy-Cons on the device will be magnetic rather than slotting into the side of the screen, similar to the . They will also be larger in size, matching the new bigger screen. You'll also get a new kickstand on the rear of the device and a new unknown button on the face of the device, making for a fresh feel while remaining familiar.
We don't know anything specific about the internals of the device in terms of specifications. However, we do know that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible and play brand new games specific to the new generation, which suggests it will be more powerful than its predecessor. Hopefully, after an eight-year wait, it'll be by a significant margin.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 – priceThough we don't have a confirmed price for the Nintendo Switch 2 just yet, it's likely we'll find out more details at the Direct event coming up in April. As of yet, we can only speculate based on the information we have. The original Nintendo Switch launched with a price tag of £279.99 / $299.99 / AU$469.95. However, we assume that the Nintendo Switch 2 has some major upgrades, meaning it'll likely launch at a higher price point.
I would suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 price will be around £359.99 / $389.99 / AU$610. However, this is just an estimate based on the upgrades we know are coming to the new console. An indicator of this price point is the launch price of the Nintendo Switch OLED, which had some improvements and came in at £309.99 / $349.99 / AU$539, so it's likely the Nintendo Switch 2 price will be even higher.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 – gamesWhile not providing us with too much information, the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer did, in fact, let us know that the brand-new device will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch games and use exactly the same cartridges. However, a small disclaimer at the bottom of the video stated, "Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2," suggesting there might be some limits. However, more information will be revealed at a later date. This might mean hanging onto your original Nintendo Switch for a short while longer so you can continue playing your old favourites.
Alongside the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, the trailer also showed us a brand new Kart game, which will hopefully launch with the device. Fingers crossed, we have more titles included in the release line-up for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 – verdictOverall, we know there are some major upgrades to the Nintendo Switch 2. However, with a price point and internal specs yet to be confirmed, it might be worth holding onto your original Nintendo Switch until the Direct event in April, before deciding to upgrade. Another reason to stick with the OG, at least for the time being, is that some previous-generation games might not be playable on the new device, but again, let's wait and see!