Switch 2 Outshines Original: 10 Key Improvements

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo fans! On Wednesday, the gaming heavens opened, and the divine hand of Miyamoto bestowed upon us Nintendo's latest handheld marvel, the Switch 2. After years of speculation, we now have a clear glimpse of this mysterious console hybrid.

Sadly, despite the sleek, compact, and powerful design, the rumors about a tiny Reggie in every GPU are untrue. However, after spending an hour during the Direct, dissecting every word, capturing every image, and analyzing every video frame for clues, we can now provide you with solid facts about the Switch 2 and how it surpasses its beloved predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch

   This revelation, while expected, is significant. Every next-gen Nintendo console typically improves over its predecessor, and the Switch 2 is no exception. Launched in 2017, the original Switch was not a cutting-edge powerhouse compared to Sony and Xbox consoles, and it now struggles with demanding games. The Switch 2 promises a vastly improved experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and frame rates extending up to 120 fps. This upgrade should allow a wider variety of games to come to the Switch 2, as evidenced by EA's decision to bring soccer and football games, and 2K's plans for wrestling and basketball titles. Third parties showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, demonstrating the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. Nintendo's first-party offerings are simply stunning.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch doesn’t

   The beloved GameCube games are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively on the Switch 2. This move creates a clear distinction between the online experiences on the original Switch and the Switch 2. Those eager to enjoy classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 (with Link) will need to upgrade to the new hardware.

   Soul Calibur 2 is a gem, and playing it with a friend is an experience not to be missed.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

   A major highlight of the Switch 2 reveal is its advanced online features, a significant departure from Nintendo's past offerings. The new GameChat feature offers robust communication and visual sharing capabilities. With a noise-cancelling mic and an optional desktop camera, you can share your voice and face with friends, enhancing games like Mario Party. Screen sharing across consoles is also now possible, fulfilling a long-standing request from fans for a straightforward way to play with friends.

   

   The potential for this feature is vast, particularly in games like Monster Hunter, where teams can benefit from shared screens during hunts.

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

   As anticipated, the Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the Switch 2, with steel shoulder buttons that snap to the magnetic sides of the screen. A simple button press releases them. This feature is a boon for home setups where removing Joy-Cons can be cumbersome.

5. A bigger screen

   The Switch 2 boasts a larger 7.9-inch screen, a welcome change that complements its 1080p resolution. This slight increase in size should enhance the gaming experience, especially for visually rich games.

6. Mouse controls

   Nintendo introduced an innovative Joy-Con mouse feature, where a Joy-Con can be used on a tabletop for precise pointing and rotation. This feature is supported at launch by games like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4.

   The mouse feature may be niche, but it's exciting for FPS enthusiasts, especially for playing Metroid Prime 4. It could be a game-changer for those who prefer mouse controls.

7. More storage

   The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of external storage, a significant upgrade from the original. However, with larger game files due to enhanced graphics, the increase might not be as impactful. The memory is faster, necessitating quicker memory cards for supplemental storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2

   Nintendo listened to nearly a decade of feedback to refine the Switch 2. It now features two USB-C ports, an added fan in the dock for better cooling, larger sticks, and improved sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller includes an audio jack and assignable buttons. The adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is a subtle yet impactful feature, especially for tabletop gaming.

   This feature, combined with the new mouse control, promises a more enjoyable gaming experience on the go.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

   The Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, a smart move that aids in console sales. Additionally, it supports special Switch 2 Editions of certain titles like Metroid Prime 4, offering new features such as Quality Mode for higher resolution or Performance Mode for faster frame rates. If you own the original game, you can purchase an affordable Switch 2 Edition upgrade to enjoy these enhancements. This could also improve notoriously janky games like Pokémon.

   Let's hope these upgrades are reasonably priced.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth

    Mario Kart World introduces continuous world traversal and supports up to 24 carts, promising chaotic fun. A new Kirby’s Air Ride game, Kirby’s Air Riders, is being developed by Masahiro Sakurai, adding excitement to this franchise. The Duskbloods, a new exclusive from Miyazaki, looks thrilling, blending elements from Bloodborne and Castlevania into a unique experience.

    Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

    AnswerSee ResultsFinally, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the return of the King of Kong to 3D, promising a landmark adventure on more capable hardware than its predecessors.