It's finally here. After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. The name might be understated, but don't let that fool you—this console is packed with exciting new features and enhancements. At first glance, it may look similar to the original Switch, but a closer look reveals 30 fascinating details that showcase how Nintendo has evolved its beloved hybrid console. Let's dive into everything revealed in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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01 - The Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor but is slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con controllers are both taller, making the entire console about 15% bigger than the original Switch.
02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the previous generation have been replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey, giving the console a more refined, Steam Deck-like appearance.
03 - While the console is primarily grey, it retains a nod to the original Switch's colorful design with a ring of red and blue around each analogue stick. This color-coding extends to the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
04 - The Joy-Con no longer slide into place on rails; instead, they slot directly into the device via a protruding connector on the main unit. Rumors suggest that magnets, similar to Apple's Magsafe technology, might be used to secure the Joy-Con.
05 - Each Joy-Con features a new trigger system on the rear that releases the controller from the main unit. A brief demonstration video on Nintendo.com shows a piston-like component inside the Joy-Con that pushes it away from the console when the trigger is squeezed.
06 - The front of the Joy-Con retains the classic control layout with offset analogue sticks, direction buttons, A, B, X, and Y face buttons, Plus and Minus buttons at the top, and the square capture and circle Home buttons at the bottom.
07 - A new, unlabelled button below the Home button adds an element of mystery to the console's functionality.
08 - The L and R shoulder buttons and ZL and ZR triggers are in their expected positions. The ZL and ZR triggers appear deeper and more rounded, promising improved comfort and ease of use.
09 - The analogue sticks feature a low-profile design with a smaller inside ring radius and thicker, taller rims, likely enhancing thumb grip and support.
10 - The NFC Amiibo interface is not visible on the right-hand Joy-Con, though it may still be present. The IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con is absent, reflecting its limited use in Switch games.
11 - The internal edges of the Joy-Con retain the SL and SR buttons, allowing each to function as a standalone controller. These buttons are significantly larger, up to four times the length of those on the original Switch, promising easier use.
12 - The strip of four green LEDs indicating player assignment has moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.
13 - Between the SL and SR buttons, the connector port links each Joy-Con to the main console unit. Below it, the Sync button pairs the Joy-Con with the console.
14 - Above the connector, a small, clear lens suggests a laser sensor, potentially allowing the Joy-Con to function like a mouse. The trailer hints at this with Joy-Con moving like scurrying mice with their wrist-strap accessories.
15 - The wrist-straps return in a new design, matching the internal color splash of each Joy-Con with red and blue hues.
16 - The main console unit features a larger screen, though not as edge-to-edge as the Switch OLED. The display technology remains unclear, but it's a significant upgrade from the original Switch's display.
17 - The top edge of the device includes slightly redesigned 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, ensuring backwards compatibility with the original Switch's game cartridges.
19 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack adds intrigue. While the Switch 2 retains the bottom-mounted USB C port for docking and charging, this additional port might support new USB-based peripherals.
20 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch's rear-facing speakers, promising improved sound quality.
21 - The rear of the console features a new kickstand system that runs the entire length of the device. Though it looks somewhat flimsy, rubber feet on the console's edges may provide additional support. The kickstand can lock into multiple angles, including an upright position and a shallow angle.
22 - The Switch 2 can be docked and connected to a TV, with the dock resembling the original but with rounded corners to match the Joy-Con design and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
23 - A controller peripheral that the Joy-Con slot into is included, though it appears similar to the original, hopefully with ergonomic improvements.
24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a starting line for 24 racers, doubling the original Mario Kart 8's capacity.
25 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," suggests a more open and off-road racing experience.
26 - The trailer confirms ten characters in the roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, who appears briefly.
27 - The Switch 2 supports backwards compatibility with old Switch games, though some may not be supported, likely due to incompatible peripherals like those used in Ring Fit Adventure.
28 - The console is set to release 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, fans can experience the console firsthand at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, a worldwide tour from April to June. Starting in New York and Paris on April 4th, the tour will visit cities like London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul. The event is open to Nintendo Account holders who win tickets through a free ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.
These are the 30 key details revealed by the Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the Nintendo Switch 2 as we continue to cover this exciting new console.
