With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, many consumers have questions about the differences compared to its predecessor, the original Switch. These questions generally involve both technical specifications and the new features that the new console offers.
This next-generation device incorporates advanced functionalities, such as Ray Tracing and DLSS, in addition to featuring a larger screen with a high refresh rate, aiming to enhance the visual experience. Despite this, the previous model can still be a viable alternative for those looking for a portable video game console with good battery life and a more accessible price.
Tecnoblog details the main hardware and software changes between the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2.
Screen and Performance Evolution
The Nintendo Switch 2 advances by incorporating a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen, surpassing the 6.2-inch LCD display of the original Switch and the 7-inch OLED panel of the OLED model. In Portable Mode, the new console achieves Full HD (1080p) resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR support, providing sharper images. This represents an improvement over the previous generation's 720p at 60 Hz without VRR quality.
In terms of processing, the Switch 2 replaced the old Nvidia Tegra X1 chip with the modern Nvidia Tegra T239. This new chip integrates an ARM Cortex-A78C CPU and a custom Nvidia Ampere GPU, ensuring a significant leap in graphical performance compared to the first console.
When connected to a smart TV, the new hardware can achieve the desired 4K resolution with HDR support and high refresh rates with VRR. Additionally, it includes sophisticated features such as Ray Tracing and DLSS, resulting in realistic lighting, maximum fluidity, and highly detailed images.
Memory, Storage, and Audio
The performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 is boosted by 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS storage. This configuration considerably exceeds the modest 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC memory of the original Switch (or 64 GB in the OLED version).
In addition to the larger internal capacity for games, the new console supports up to 2 TB of microSD Express memory cards, which ensures drastically faster read and loading speeds when running all titles.
The sound experience has also been improved on the Nintendo Switch 2, which now features stereo speakers in a redesigned chassis for greater clarity, along with a mono noise-canceling microphone, surpassing the basic audio and lack of microphone on the first Switch.
When connected to the TV via HDMI, the new console transmits 5.1 channel surround sound, an improvement over the predecessor, delivering a more immersive and superior experience due to the new processor.
Controls and Connectivity
The new Joy-Con 2 replaces the old rail system with a modern magnetic attachment, featuring a larger and more ergonomic body. This accessory is also equipped with the unprecedented 'C' button, intended for accessing the communication system.
GameChat
A major innovation lies in the integrated mouse function in the controllers, which increases precision and elevates gameplay in first-person shooter (FPS) and real-time strategy titles, surpassing the initial model.
Wireless connectivity has been updated with the adoption of the Wi-Fi 6 standard, ensuring faster downloads and more stable connections compared to the original Switch's Wi-Fi 5. The console has also migrated from Bluetooth 4.1 to Bluetooth 5.2, offering greater range and lower latency when pairing accessories and wireless headphones.
Battery, Dimensions, and Dock
The Nintendo Switch 2 has increased its energy capacity with a 5,220 mAh lithium-ion battery, surpassing the 4,310 mAh of the original and OLED versions. Although the cell is larger, the battery life ranges between 2 and 6.5 hours, as graphically more demanding games consume more energy on the new generation. This time is below the Switch V2, which reaches up to 9 hours of use with an enhanced battery.
Structurally, the Nintendo Switch 2 has expanded dimensions of 16.5 cm in height by 27.1 cm in width with controls attached, exceeding the more compact measurements of 10.2 cm in height by 23.9 cm in width of the original and OLED models.
To support this larger structure, the new generation uses a significantly more robust kickstand, adjustable up to 150 degrees, eliminating the fragility of the first console's thin rod.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 dock is larger, measuring 11.43 cm in height by 27.2 cm in width, in contrast to the original Switch's 10.41 cm in height by 17.27 cm. An important addition is the built-in LAN Ethernet port, eliminating the adapters required in the previous generation.
With the updated HDMI connector, the base supports native 4K transmissions, releasing advanced features such as HDR and VRR directly to the television, surpassing the predecessor's Full HD limitation.
Communication and Sharing Features
GameChat is a native communication feature of the Switch 2 system, activated by the 'C' button on the Joy-Con 2. This functionality eliminates the dependence on the old mobile application required on Switch 1 to interact with friends during gameplay. This new feature allows group voice calls for up to 12 people with a built-in microphone, in addition to supporting screen sharing and video chat for up to 4 simultaneous players.
GameShare
GameShare is another native feature exclusive to the Switch 2, allowing a player with a physical or digital game to invite other friends to participate. This feature allows temporary sharing of sessions with up to four consoles that do not have the title. In local mode, sharing works with both the new device and the original Switch, but online transmission requires an active GameChat session between new-generation consoles.
Compatibility and Games
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers enhanced versions of previous-generation games, presenting sharper graphics, higher frame rates, and new control functionalities. Titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, for example, receive graphical options with better resolution.
Unlike the basic backward compatibility of Switch 1, this evolution optimizes the performance of the old catalog. However, updates and acquisition of optimization packs are determined by each developer.
The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains backward compatibility with almost the entire catalog of previous-generation games, allowing the execution of both physical cartridges and digital media acquired on the original Switch. This function ensures the complete maintenance of the user's library on the new console, although Nintendo advises checking the individual compatibility of each title and specific features like GameShare.
