Nintendo
Nintendo Switch 2 vs. original Nintendo Switch: Differences in size, performance and controllers
Larger size, new power and magnetic controls mark the evolution of Nintendo’s hybrid console.
A new generation, a new console. Nintendo has revealed all the details of the Nintendo Switch 2, and while at first glance it looks similar to the original Switch, there are significant changes. From the screen and controls to the power of the hardware, what changes and what stays the same? Here, we explain the main differences between the two generations of the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch 2: Evolution of the hybrid console
Eight years ago, Nintendo released the original Switch, a hybrid console that combined home and portable gaming in one device. Ultimately, the first generation had three versions: the standard Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch OLED. Though with minor differences from each other, these versions offered options depending on the type of gamer, from the portable model to the enhanced screen model.
Now, Nintendo Switch 2 introduces even more significant changes that redefine the gaming experience. Here is a comparison of its main features:
| Nintendo Switch (2019) | Nintendo Switch Lite | Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 102 mm x 239 mm x 13,9 mm | 91,1 x 208 x 13,9 mm | 102 x 242 x 13,9 mm | 166mm x 272mm x 13.9mm |
| Weight | 297 g (398 g with Joy-Con) | 275 g | 320g (420g with Joy-Con) | 401g (534g with Joy-Con 2) |
| Screen | Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 6.2-inch LCD Screen (720p) | Capacitive touch screen / 5.5 inch LCD(720p) | Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7.0 inch OLED screen(720p) | Capacitive touch screen / 7.9 inch wide colour gamut LCD screen (1080p) |
| Video output | 1920x1080p @ 60 FPS | — | 1920x1080p @ 60 FPS | 3840x2160, 60 fps |
| CPU/GPU | Nvidia Tegra X1 | Nvidia Tegra X1 | Tegra Nvidia | Custom processor made by NVIDIA |
| System memory | 32 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 256 GB |
| Internal battery | 4310 mAh | 3570 mAh | 4310 mAh | 5220 mAh |
| Communication features | Wi-Fi; NFC; MicroSD; Bluetooth 4.1 | Wi-Fi; NFC; MicroSD; Bluetooth 4.1 | Wi-Fi; NFC; MicroSD; Bluetooth 4.1 | Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6) / microSD Express/ Bluetooth |
| Price | $299 | $199 | $349 | $449 |
What about the Joy-Con 2?
The Joy-Con controllers have also undergone a major overhaul. They now connect to the console using a magnetic system instead of the sliding rails of the previous model, which promises a more secure and robust connection. The new Joy-Con 2 are slightly larger, which may be more comfortable for players with larger hands, and have larger SL and SR buttons. A notable new feature is the addition of a “C” button on the right Joy-Con, primarily for the GameChat function (Nintendo Switch Online subscription required). In addition, both Joy-Con 2 can be used as a mouse in compatible games thanks to a built-in optical sensor.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!