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 a closer look reveals a host of exciting updates and enhancements to the beloved hybrid console. We've identified 30 key details from the reveal trailer, and we're excited to share them all with you.
From a new face button to innovative ways to use the Joy-Con, here's everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2.
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 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 red and blue controllers with a colorful ring 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, may be used to secure the Joy-Con.
05 - A new trigger system on the rear of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment from the main unit. A brief demonstration video on Nintendo.com shows a piston-like component that pushes the controller away 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, and the square capture and circle Home buttons.
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 for better thumb grip and support.
10 - The NFC Amiibo interface is not visible on the right-hand Joy-Con, but its presence is not ruled out. The IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con seems to be absent, likely due to its limited use in games.
11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con indicate that the Switch 2 will support individual Joy-Con use. These buttons are significantly larger, up to four times the length of those on the original Switch, for easier use.
12 - The strip of four green LEDs that indicate player assignment has moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.
13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons links each Joy-Con to the main console unit. Below it is the Sync button for pairing, and above it is a small, clear lens that might function as a laser sensor, allowing the Joy-Con to be used like a mouse.
14 - The wrist-straps have been redesigned in red and blue to match the internal color splash on each Joy-Con.
15 - The main console unit features a larger screen, though not as edge-to-edge as the Switch OLED. The display technology remains undisclosed, but it's hoped to be a bright OLED screen.
16 - 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.
17 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, indicating that the Switch 2's game cartridges will be compatible with the original Switch due to backwards compatibility.
18 - A new USB-C port next to the headphone jack on the top edge adds intrigue. Its purpose is unclear, as the Switch 2 also has a bottom-mounted USB-C port for docking and charging.
19 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch's rear-facing speakers, promising improved sound quality.
20 - The rear of the console features a new kickstand system that runs the entire length of the device. It appears somewhat flimsy but is supported by rubber feet and can lock into multiple angles.
21 - The Switch 2 can be docked and connected to a TV, with the dock resembling the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
22 - A controller peripheral that the Joy-Con slot into is included, though it looks similar to the original, which was often criticized for comfort.
23 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a starting line for 24 racers, doubling the original Mario Kart 8's capacity.
24 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," appears to be set in an American-style environment with more open space and off-road sections.
25 - The trailer confirms ten characters in the roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario.
26 - Backwards compatibility is supported, though the trailer notes that "certain games may not be supported," likely due to incompatible peripherals like those used in Ring Fit Adventure.
27 - The Switch 2 is set to launch in 2025, with no specific date given yet.
28 - More details, including a potential release date, will be revealed during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd.
29 - 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-to-enter ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.
30 - These are the 30 key details from the Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage on IGN as we approach the console's release.
