In the highly anticipated Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo unveiled plenty of new, exciting details about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, its features, and its software lineup. The biggest news is that we won’t need to wait long for the console, it’s set for release on June 5th, with pre-orders beginning April 9th at 12pm ET at Best Buy Canada.
Nintendo Switch 2 hardware details
The hour-long showcase delved right into the hardware details of the Nintendo Switch 2, covering its new display size, buttons, and other features. Let’s take a closer look at what the new hardware will offer.
New, bigger HDR display
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p HDR LCD screen with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. It has approximately double the pixels of the original Nintendo Switch. It also has a more vivid display, with higher contrast and colour expression, thanks to its high dynamic range panel. This means bright areas on your screen will have greater vibrancy, whereas dark areas will be deeper and more defined, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 storage and port upgrades
The new hardware offers 256GB of high-speed internal storage, 8x the size of the original console’s 32GB, so there’s more room to play. It also features two USB-C ports for charging and a new extra input for accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.
Redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers and 4K dock
With the Nintendo Switch 2 dock, connect to a TV and play in up to 4K resolution (frame rates capped at 60 fps for 4K output). Support for HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps let you enjoy vivid colour, clarity, and smooth gameplay. It also includes a built-in fan to maintain lower operating temperatures during extended play sessions.
The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers introduce new features, including a “C button” that activates the new “GameChat” social feature. This allows players to communicate with friends during gameplay and share screens. The new controllers are also larger than the original Joy-Cons and now attach via magnets.
Additionally, the Joy-Con 2 controllers can function similarly to a computer mouse. By sliding the controllers across various surfaces, such as a table or clothing, you can achieve more precise on-screen movements. This design offers a versatile input method to enhance gameplay in genres requiring precise aiming or navigation. For instance, in first-person shooter games, like the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, you can use the Joy-Con 2 in mouse mode for more accurate targeting.
Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and updates
New hardware brings exciting games, and the Nintendo Switch 2 offers many incredible titles I can’t wait to play. Exclusive titles are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Both games leverage the console’s advanced features, and the visuals already look incredibly vibrant and detailed in both games.
We got a more in-depth overview of Mario Kart World, an open-world Mario Kart game featuring dynamic weather and support for up to 24 racers. It will be a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
We also got our first look at Donkey Kong Bananza: a new 3D platformer that looks absolutely stunning. In this adventure, you’ll guide Donkey Kong through expansive underground environments, utilizing his strength to smash through levels, scale walls, and uncover hidden areas.
Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers backward compatibility with most original Nintendo Switch games, allowing you to play your existing libraries on the new console. However, certain titles may not be compatible because of hardware differences, such as the absence of the IR sensor in the new Joy-Con controllers. So keep this in mind when purchasing titles you are considering playing on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Enhanced titles
In addition to backward compatibility, Nintendo is introducing paid upgrade packs for select existing Nintendo Switch 2 games to enhance their performance and introduce new features on the Nintendo Switch 2. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree will receive the Jamboree TV upgrade, adding modes and mini-games that utilize the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, built-in microphone, and other Nintendo Switch 2 accessories. Similarly, titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will have Nintendo Switch 2 Editions featuring improved graphics and performance, along with new companion apps to assist players in their adventures.
Pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 9 at Best Buy Canada!
The Nintendo Direct presentation offered an exciting look at the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting its advanced hardware features and exciting games. The announcement also showcased exclusive titles, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, and many exciting third-party games. Keep it locked on the Best Buy Blog for pre-order information and Nintendo Switch 2 news as it happens. Game on!
