Nintendo unveiled new details about the Nintendo Switch 2 in a livestream today. It’s bigger, faster, and has new features like magnetic controllers. Below is everything you need to know about the successor to our longtime favorite handheld gaming console.
Related
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled
The console itself is bigger, with a 7.9-inch screen compared to the original’s 6.2-inches. Some of the most dramatic changes are focused on performance — both the built-in screen and new docking station support higher resolutions (1080p and 4K respectively), faster refresh rate (120Hz) and HDR. The console also comes with much more built-in storage: 256GB compared to the original’s 32GB.
The new Joy Con 2 controllers are larger and attach to the console magnetically. Plus they can each be used like a mouse in certain games. The controller has a new C-button, which activates new Game Chat features. This allows you to chat with friends and family online using the console’s built-in microphone.
Nintendo also announced new exclusive titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders and The Duskbloods as well as support for games like Elden Ring, Hades II, Split Fiction, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 and more.
You can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 by itself for $449 or you can purchase a bundle, which includes the all-new Mario Kart World, for $499.
Will Nintendo Switch games work on Switch 2?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games along with new Switch 2 titles. Certain titles may not be supported or fully compatible, according to the brand. You can also share Nintendo Switch 1 games to your Nintendo Switch 2 console virtually through the new Virtual Game Cards system.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology including recent stories on smartwatches, streaming devices and handheld gaming consoles. For this piece, I leveraged my experience covering new launches and gaming products to better understand the latest news about the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
