The Nintendo Switch 2 will go on sale this June 5 in U.S. stores, but what new features does this device bring, and how will it outperform the competition?
We answer both questions with the details below:
- Improved display
- Greater graphical power and performance
- Backward compatibility
- New game cartridges
- Continued hybrid design
- Better battery life and storage
How could it outperform the competition
Switch 2 is expected to surpass competitors like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go in terms of battery life, portability, price, and exclusive games such as Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon.
It will also outclass the PlayStation Portal in portability, as the PS Portal only streams content, while the Switch 2 is a fully portable, standalone console.
Furthermore, the Switch 2 will have an edge over mobile phones with emulators (like iPhones and Androids), which require users to install apps to emulate consoles such as Game Boy, PlayStation, Nintendo 64, or Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 (Expected)
| Feature | Nintendo Switch / OLED | Nintendo Switch 2 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Docked Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K with DLSS |
| Portable Resolution | 720p (OLED: better colors) | Likely 1080p |
| Graphics Performance | Nvidia Tegra X1 | Custom Nvidia chip with DLSS |
| Storage | 32 GB (original), 64 GB (OLED) | 128–256 GB internal |
| Cartridge Support | Switch cartridges | New generation cartridges (backward compatible) |
| Backward Compatibility | Not applicable | Full backward compatibility is expected |
| Battery Life | 4.5–9 hours | Improved battery efficiency |
| Controllers | Joy-Con (drift issues) | Updated Joy-Cons or a new, improved design |
| Display Size | 6.2″ (original), 7″ (OLED) | Around 8″ (LCD or OLED later) |
| Hybrid System | Yes | Yes |
| Online & Multimedia | Basic Nintendo Online | Expected improvements (TBD) |
