The Next Level of Play: Nintendo Switch 2 vs. The Original
Nintendo has officially ushered in a new era of hybrid gaming with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, a significant upgrade from the beloved original.1 While maintaining the core concept of seamlessly transitioning between handheld and TV modes, the Switch 2 brings a host of enhancements under the hood and in its design, promising a more powerful and immersive gaming experience.2
Power and Performance: A Leap Forward
The most anticipated improvement in the Switch 2 lies in its processing power. Gone are the days of the original Switch’s custom Nvidia Tegra processor, which, while revolutionary for its time, showed its age with more demanding titles. The Switch 2 boasts a new, custom Nvidia processor with a more modern architecture, delivering a reported 10x graphical performance boost over its predecessor.3 This translates to sharper graphics, faster load times, and the ability to run games at higher resolutions and frame rates.4
While the original Switch primarily operated at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, the Switch 2 elevates the experience with a native 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K output when connected to a TV (for select games). This jump in visual fidelity is a welcome change for players seeking more detailed and vibrant worlds.
Display Differences: LCD vs. OLED
One notable point of contention for some is the display technology. The original Switch had a 6.2-inch LCD screen, later complemented by the Switch OLED model with its vibrant 7-inch OLED display.5 The Switch 2, however, features a 7.9-inch LCD screen.6 While larger than the original LCD and offering impressive brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate, it doesn’t quite match the deep blacks and infinite contrast offered by the OLED model of the original Switch.7 For those prioritizing absolute black levels and color vibrancy, the Switch OLED still holds an edge in display quality, though the Switch 2’s larger size and higher resolution still make it a significant upgrade over the base model.
Redesigned Joy-Cons and Enhanced Usability
The iconic Joy-Con controllers have also received a significant overhaul. The Switch 2 features magnetic Joy-Cons, a departure from the rail system of the original, promising a more secure and intuitive attachment.8 These new Joy-Cons also incorporate mouse-like controls via optical sensors on the connection rails, opening up new gameplay possibilities for genres like first-person shooters.9 Furthermore, a new “C button” on the Joy-Cons introduces a “GameChat” feature, enabling video and voice chat with other players, though this may require a Nintendo Switch Online membership after a free trial period.10
The console itself sees subtle but impactful design changes. The Switch 2 is slightly larger and heavier, accommodating its bigger screen.11 It also features a much-improved, wider U-shaped kickstand for more stable tabletop play and a second USB-C port for increased versatility. The dock, too, has been refined with rounded edges and an internal fan to aid in cooling during extended gaming sessions.
Storage and Battery Life: Mixed Bag
Internal storage sees a substantial upgrade, with the Switch 2 offering 256GB compared to the original’s 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED model).12 This provides more room for digital games and updates right out of the box. However, the Switch 2 moves to microSD Express cards for expandable storage, which are more expensive than the standard microSD cards used by the original.13
Battery life is an interesting comparison. While the Switch 2 packs a larger 5,220mAh battery (compared to the original’s 4,310mAh), the increased power and larger screen mean that its actual battery life is estimated to be shorter than the original Switch, ranging from 2-6.5 hours depending on the game.14 However, a new battery preservation feature aims to prolong the overall lifespan of the battery.15
Backward Compatibility and New Features
One of the most welcome announcements for existing Switch owners is the Switch 2’s full backward compatibility with most original Switch games. This means players won’t have to abandon their existing game libraries. Beyond that, the Switch 2 introduces GameCube support via a classics library, launching with titles like F-Zero GX and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.16 The eShop has also seen minor adjustments, making it easier to filter sales and see favorite games on the home screen.
Price and Availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, with an introductory price of approximately $450 USD.17 This is a higher price point than the original Switch’s launch price of $300, reflecting the technological advancements and increased manufacturing costs.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
The Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniably a significant upgrade over the original. With its enhanced performance, sharper display, redesigned Joy-Cons, and array of new features, it provides a more robust and immersive gaming experience. While the lack of an OLED screen might be a slight disappointment for some, the overall improvements make the Switch 2 a compelling proposition for both new buyers and those looking to jump to the next generation of Nintendo’s hybrid console. It builds upon the successful foundation of the original Switch, solidifying Nintendo’s unique position in the gaming landscape.