The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed, and despite details being relatively sparse outside of an in-depth look at the official render and the console in motion, we can still gleam some information about what makes this Switch system different. After months of leaks that either become true, false or are still unknown, we’ve decided to compile all we know so far about what new features the Switch 2 officially has, what Nintendo themselves have teased, and what rumors are completely unconfirmed or unfounded at this time.
Confirmed: New Attachment Method For Joy-Cons
We’ve heard for a while that the Joy-Con controllers will be different this time around, and it seems that’s true! In the short first-look video we got, the new Joy-Con controllers are shown snapping in to the side of the new Switch console itself, compared to the original controllers we have now which slide onto the system through the metallic side rails. This feature and the visuals of the Joy-Cons fully confirm the leaks that magnets will also play a role in clasping the new Joy-Con to the Switch 2.
Confirmed: Backwards Compatibility And Cartridges
The end of the Switch 2 preview video shows an informational graphic confirming backwards compatibility both physically and digitally with original Nintendo Switch games. This also confirms the return of the cartridge slot in the Switch 2, but what we don’t know yet is how these cartridges will look. As Switch 2 will have exclusive games that are not reverse-compatible, it’s expected that the cartridges may have a slight change in form to make them unable to enter an original Switch, much like the change from DS to 3DS cartridges.
Confirmed: New Ways To Charge And Play
The Switch 2 will have USB-C charging ports on both the top and the bottom of the system. This is a huge upgrade, as previously the only one was on the bottom, operating as both a dock connector and charger port. Playing games or trying to stand your Switch up on a surface while charging was very tedious on the base Switch, but now the device can charge from the top in handheld, and dock at the bottom in TV mode!
Confirmed: Bigger Screen, Smaller Bezels
The new Switch 2 is set to feature a screen significantly bigger than the original Switch or its alternative versions. Based on prior leaks that are now confirmed, the Switch 2’s screen size is approximately 8 inches with a very thin bezel. For comparison, the base Switch was 6.2 inches, and the OLED version is 7 inches. Bigger is better for visuals, but may be a little less portable.
Highly Likely: Mouse-Style Joy-Con Control Method
A leak last week showcased the Switch 2 Joy-Con’s new features, and a mouse-like optical sensor was included. This led to speculation that the Joy-Con would be useable as a mouse, which today’s Switch 2 preview event made seem even more likely. At one point in the video, the Joy-Con are shown being flipped on their side, attached to the controller grips, and slid around a surface in a way very similar to how a computer mouse is used. There was no true confirmation, but the otherwise accurate leak combined with the official visuals make this highly likely.
Unconfirmed: C-Button Existence And Functionality
The prototype Switch 2 console that was setting the internet on fire last week was strikingly accurate, and all its features were confirmed but one. The mock-up Switch 2 had a new square button below the Home one on the right Joy-Con, that was marked with a large ‘C’. This same button is visible during the video preview of the Switch 2, but is mysteriously unmarked with no symbols or letters. The leak is likely real in regards to the existence of a C-button, given there is a new button on the Joy-Con that wasn’t there before, but Nintendo seems to be keeping its identity a mystery for now.
Unconfirmed: Screen Material (OLED vs LCD)
The Switch evolved through its life cycle, starting with a default LCD screen before eventually being replaced by the OLED model as the go-to default Switch. Early supply chain leaks however have suggested the screen on the Switch 2 is an LCD one, reverting back to the slightly less impressive technology. There was no confirmation either written or visual of what type of screen the system has, but expectations should be tempered considering the supply chain leaks. LCD screens get better every year, so we’re sure an LCD Switch 2 will at least look better than the original Switch.
Unconfirmed: Dock And Joy-Con Backwards Compatibility
The Switch 2 has the same structure as the base Switch, with Joy-Con controllers and a dock. What isn’t clear at this point however is whether these will be compatible at all across Switch generations. Whilst there are no side rails to insert original Switch Joy-Cons, could they still function as a wireless controller on Switch 2? Likewise, would a Switch fit into a Switch 2 dock or are there limitations that would block compatibility? We don’t officially know yet, so these features remain unconfirmed.
And that’s our list of Switch 2 features that we know are real, along with some that seem likely but we still need to hear more from. What features do you want to see come to the Switch 2? Keep your eyes on GameLuster for more breaking gaming news and Nintendo coverage!