Nintendo Switch 2 Revealed: 4K Gaming, 120fps, and Upgraded Battery

Nintendo has unveiled key details about the Nintendo Switch 2 in its recent Direct presentation, with additional technical specs emerging post-event. While some questions remain, here’s a breakdown of the new console’s features.

As previously hinted, Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a wide color gamut, delivering 1080p (1920x1080) resolution. This marks a significant leap from the original Switch’s 6.2-inch display, the 7-inch OLED model, and the 5.5-inch Switch Lite screen, though the absence of OLED may disappoint some.

The console supports HDR10 and variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz, enabling games to reach 120fps depending on the game and setup.

Docking the Switch 2 unlocks 4K (3840x2160) gaming at 60fps or 1080p/1440p (1920x1080/2560x1440) at 120fps, powered by a custom NVIDIA processor. Specific CPU/GPU details remain undisclosed.

Battery life is another highlight, with a 5220mAh Lithium-ion battery offering roughly 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime and a three-hour charge in Sleep mode. Nintendo noted these are estimates, varying by game.

This battery performance aligns with the original Switch’s 2.5–6.5-hour range but falls short of the newer models: Nintendo Switch (4.5–9 hours), Switch OLED (4.5–9 hours), and Switch Lite (3–7 hours).

Dimensionally, the Switch 2 measures 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick with Joy-Con 2 attached, weighing 0.88 pounds without Joy-Con and 1.18 pounds with them.

The Switch 2’s weight matches the original Switch but is taller and wider than all current models with Joy-Con attached:

Regarding Joy-Con, there’s no confirmation on Hall Effect joysticks to address the drift issues reported by some Switch users. A 2023 patent suggests their use, but details are pending.

Audio enhancements include 5.1ch linear PCM output, with surround sound available via headphones or built-in speakers after a system update.

Storage sees a major upgrade with 256 GB of internal memory, compared to 32 GB in the original Switch and Switch Lite, and 64 GB in the OLED model. The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for up to 2TB of additional storage, rendering microSDXC cards from older models incompatible.

Additional features include Wi-Fi 6 support, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard), and a built-in monaural microphone with noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control.

For more details, explore our Nintendo Switch 2 Direct recap, pricing information, confirmed launch games, and pre-order start dates.

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