Nintendo has introduced the Nintendo Switch 2, marking its first brand-new gaming platform in eight years. Launched on Thursday, this hybrid console serves as the successor to the highly successful Nintendo Switch, featuring numerous enhancements such as a larger screen, improved graphics and performance, redesigned Joy-Con controllers, and new social features. Following a series of leaks, the Switch 2 was officially revealed in April during a dedicated Nintendo Direct livestream that showcased the console’s design and features. The launch also includes a robust lineup of first and third-party games available on its release day, including titles like Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, and enhanced versions of popular Switch games.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price and Availability
The Switch 2 became available in select markets on June 5, attracting long lines of enthusiastic fans at retail locations across Japan, the United States, and other areas. The console is offered in two packages: the standard version, priced at $449.99 (approximately Rs. 38,600), and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle, retailing for $499.99 (approximately Rs. 42,900). Although the Switch 2 is not officially available in India, import units are anticipated to be accessible through unofficial channels at a significant markup in the near future.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specifications and Features
The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers enhanced power, superior performance, and a variety of new features compared to the original model. The platform is powered by a custom Nvidia processor that manages both CPU and GPU tasks. Both Nintendo and Nvidia have confirmed that the console supports Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology and ray tracing for more immersive gaming experiences.
The console boasts a larger display, a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen offering a resolution of 1920×1080, HDR10 support, and variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience. It includes 256GB of internal UFS storage, although a portion is reserved for system use. Users have the option to expand storage by an additional 2TB using microSD Express cards only.
When connected to a compatible television via HDMI, the Switch 2 supports video output up to 3840×2160 (4K) resolution at 60 frames per second. It can achieve 120 fps in TV mode when selecting lower resolutions of 1920×1080 or 2560×1440.
The Nintendo Switch 2 features the new GameChat capability.
Photo Credit: Nintendo
This device includes a variety of connectivity options and ports, such as two USB Type-C ports for charging, docking, and accessory connections. It features a game card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD Express card slot. The dock is equipped with two USB 2.0 ports on the side, a system connector, an AC adapter port, an HDMI port, and a LAN port.
The Switch 2 is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, accompanied by stereo speakers and a built-in monaural microphone. Integrated sensors encompass an accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensors within the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. These controllers support Bluetooth 3, with the right Joy-Con 2 also featuring NFC, and include HD rumble 2 technology and mouse functionality. The console is equipped with a GameChat feature to facilitate in-game communication for online play.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is powered by a 5,220mAh battery, which Nintendo claims can last between two to 6.5 hours, depending on game usage. The console reportedly takes three hours to fully charge in sleep mode. The Joy-Con 2 controllers come with a 500mAh battery, offering up to 20 hours of use and requiring approximately three hours and 30 minutes to charge fully.
In terms of dimensions, the Switch 2 measures 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches with the Joy-Con controllers attached and weighs around 535.2 grams. The dock dimensions are 4.5 x 7.9 x 2 inches, weighing 381 grams. The Joy-Con 2 controllers measure 4.57 x 0.56 x 1.2 inches, weighing 65.2 grams for the left and 68 grams for the right. The package also includes Joy-Con 2 straps and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
