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Nintendo Presents the Nintendo Switch 2, the industry giant’s newest, baddest, hardest console coming to the gaming market! We have been teased, we have been click baited, and many even went as far as using leaked data to 3D-print their own rendered version of the console, whether to prove a point or just get ahead of the excitement curb, I’m not sure (don’t you miss the days when we know almost absolutely NOTHING till the actual console just comes out and blows your mind?).
All the same, the red cat is out of the red bag, most of those who tried to get ahead of this and leaked and 3D-printed were right about a lot of things. SO BUCKLE UP, ITS GONNA BE A LONG ONE! Lets dive in!
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
According to the ‘guesstimates’, previous leaks and now current information from Nintendo’s Tech Specs website, the new arrival was rumored to be as powerful as the PlayStation 4 (pro, I think) and XBOX One consoles while certainly not being on par with the PlayStation 5 (here is a comparison on Versus). Honestly though, I don’t think there is enough actual raw data out there to cement this in stone till the Switch 2 is put through its paces considering the things Switch 1 did that stunned a lot of users, fans and even critics. Let’s see what Nintendo Switch 2 has under the hood:
| SPEC | SWITCH 2 | SWITCH 1 (base version) |
|---|---|---|
| SIZE | 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches *The maximum thickness from the tip of the control sticks to the protruding parts of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.2 inches. | 4 x 9.4 x 0.55 inches *The depth from the tip of the analog sticks to the tip of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.12 inches |
| WEIGHT | Approximately 0.88 lbs (Approximately 1.18 lbs with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached) | Approximately 0.66 lbs (Approximately 0.88 lbs when Joy-Con controllers are attached) |
| SCREEN | Capacitive touch screen 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen 1920×1080 pixels HDR10 support VRR up to 120 Hz | Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720 |
| CPU/GPU | Custom processor made by NVIDIA. | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor |
| STORAGE | 256 GB (UFS) *A portion of the storage is reserved for use by the system. | 32 GB of internal storage, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB (sold separately). |
| COMMUNICATION FEATURES | Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6) Bluetooth *In TV mode, Nintendo Switch 2 can be connected using the wired LAN port on the dock. | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)(*) Bluetooth 4.1 (*In TV mode, Nintendo Switch systems can be connected with a wired LAN adapter – sold separately) |
| VIDEO OUTPUT | Output via HDMI connector in TV mode Maximum of 3840×2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps (TV mode) Supports 120 fps when 1920×1080 / 2560×1440 resolutions are selected Supports HDR10 *Maximum 1920×1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode, following screen resolution. | Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode Up to 720p via built-in screen in tabletop mode and handheld mode |
| AUDIO OUTPUT | Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch Output via HDMI connector in TV mode *Surround sound effect can be applied when outputting to headphones or to the built-in speaker (surround sound effect when outputting to the built-in speaker requires a system update). | Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output Output via HDMI connector in TV mode |
| SPEAKERS | Stereo The independent enclosure structure provides natural, clear sound quality. | Stereo |
| MICROPHONE | Built-in microphone (monaural) Noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control provide a more comfortable voice chat experience. | N/A |
| BUTTONS | – Power Button – Volume buttons | – Power button – Volume button |
| USB-C CONNECTOR / PORTS | x2 USB-C® Ports The port on the bottom is used to charge the console and connect to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. The port on the top is used to connect accessories and/or charge the console. | USB Type-C Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock. |
| AUDIO JACK | 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard) *Please note: Nintendo cannot guarantee functionality with all products | 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard) |
| GAME CARD SLOT | Both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch game cards can be inserted. | Nintendo Switch game cards |
| microSD CARD SLOT | Compatible with microSD Express cards only (up to 2 TB) *microSD memory cards that are not compatible with microSD Express can only be used to copy screenshots and videos from Nintendo Switch. | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards *Once the microSDXC card is inserted, a system update will be necessary. An Internet connection is required to perform this system update. |
| SENSORS | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensor located in Joy-Con 2 controllers Brightness sensor located in console | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor |
| OPERATING ENVIRONMENT | 41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity | 41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity |
| INTERNAL BATTERY | Lithium-ion battery : 5220mAh capacity | Lithium-ion battery: 4310mAh capacity |
| BATTERY LIFE | Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours *These are rough estimates. The battery life will depend on the games you play. | Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours *The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. |
| CHARGING TIME | Approximately 3 hours *While the system is in Sleep mode. | Approximately 3 hours *When charging while the hardware is in sleep mode |
| POWER CONSUMPTION | TBA | TV mode Playing a game: Approx. 7W Watching a video: Approx. 6W On the main menu: Approx. 3W Sleep mode: Approx. 0.3W Power off: Approx. 0.3W Handheld & Tabletop modes Playing a game: Approx. 4W Watching a video: Approx. 3W On the main menu: Approx. 2W Sleep mode: Approx. 0.03W Power off: Less than 0.01W Estimated annual energy consumption*: Approx. 6 kWh *The estimated annual energy consumption of a console when used for gaming an average two hours per day for a whole year. Power consumption varies depending on software and usage conditions. Values have been rounded off to the nearest full value. There also may be some statistical variations on the energy consumption values displayed. The values could also change depending on the usage environment and conditions. |
So as we can see, compared to the OG Switch, the version 2.0 seems to have quite the bells and whistles added to give it a much needed power boost and a more “mature” facelift. Pretty neat! Looking like OG’s muscled up younger brother. But as we can also see, some specs and features will have to be taken through their paces by all kinds of users for us to see what it can do over time. Till then, lets look at some of the features announced by Nintendo.
Nintendo Switch 2 Features
As with any fun piece of tech, its not enough to simply look great in view and have great specs on paper. It must and should be put through its paces by some of the more prolific techies, fanatics and fans that will likely test it inside out (and let the rest of the world know if its worth it or it sucks). The very things that will be tried and tested and provide longevity are its features. Lets take a look at some of the incoming things that will hold Switch users down for this next console cycle:
GameChat Enters the Chat…
So, right beneath the Home Button (🛖), where an empty space used to be on the JoyCon 1, is the C-Button. Pushing this button on the Nintendo Switch 2’s right JoyCon 2 controller initiates the inbuilt GameChat feature. This allows gamers to communicate with other players online while in-game. With the new in-built microphone, noise-cancellation technology has been incorporated, making speaking with ease a breeze. This can be done in both handheld and docked modes. This is something Switch users have been waiting to have from Nintendo for ages! I suppose this can now be safely crossed out of the “Nintendo Fan/User Wishlist”.
Screensharing
Ever figured one could merge the ability to play a game, while watching other games your online friends are playing? Or just want to watch your friend play through an area you’ve been struggling with for God-knows how long? OR you want to play your game while watching friends play theirs while talking to them as well? Enter Screen Sharing! A feature that is found under the C-Button menu! Enjoy!
Mouse Control
Now this…THIS…this was something that took a number of people by surprise once they got to try the Nintendo Switch 2 hands on! The ability for our dear digivolved JoyCon 2 controllers to not just provide us with almost perfect responsive rumble and motion control, but NOW they can be used as a MOUSE?! …yeah. This feature will certainly put a new spin on FPS games on the console. Makes me want to try another playthrough of DOOM 2016 and DOOM: Eternal in mouse mode to get a devilish feel of it 😈.
*DOOM end credit music plays in my head* Mouse-accurate wicked gore galore…
The Good, The Bad and the PRICEY
Now, the Good: The console we have been waiting for is finally coming out the gate swinging. With all kinds of upgrades, bells and whistles that many users wishlisted, speculated, predicted or dreamt of. With Upgraded Screen, increased size all-round, ‘new’ functions like GameChat and Screen Sharing, accessories that may introduce new ways to play, Switch 2 exclusives and the ‘revamped’ Switch 1 games remade for this console power-up, there is a whole lot to look forward to with the release of the system. To spice it up, some of the games that will be available at launch include Cyberpunk 2077, Donkey Kong Bananza, Street Fighter 6, Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Civilization VII and more!
The Bad: There is still a whole lot we do not know about the system outside of what has been stated on paper and brief reviews and perception by test users, vloggers and YouTube channels. Just like with the Switch 1 and its issues (heating up, battery issues, back plates coming off, pixel burn with the OLED and the almighty JoyCon drift), the best way to figure out what fresh hell the Switch 2 would be coming with is to put the console and its accessories through their paces. And what better way and group to peel back the layers of the console than the End Users themselves? Time will Tell.
The Pricey: Now, to the part a lot had been waiting for. The bit of info that gives us the drive to prep, starve, strap up and double-grind – the Price. So…initial starting price for the Nintendo Switch 2 Console is $449. For the average Ghanaian gamer, this averages out to about GHC 6,000 – GHC 10,000 depending on the exchange rates, retailer, taxes and all those other import intricacies. Even for accessories, your wallet or purse or bank accounts will feel the pinch as a pair of Joy
Even for accessories, your wallet or purse or bank accounts will feel the pinch. From the Joycon 2s and their straps, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, Console Carry Case (be it the regular or All-In-One), the Switch 2 Camera, Wheel Set, Charging Grip, AC Adapter, Dock Set, MicroSD Express Card, @#$@$#%*$%^*…. Its as though Nintendo looked at their finished products, smiled at them, breathed in deep makes like Oprah and goes “You get a price hike, YOU get a Price Hike! ALL OF YOU GETTING A PRICE HIIIIIIKE!!!” All Available for Preorder as well, check them out. Even the games are getting a hike, with the most popular starter, Mario Kart World, being priced at $80 all by itself!
In addition to that, some features, more namely the GameChat feature, are locked behind a pay wall: you must have a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription in order to use this feature. A profound fear that follows on the consumer side of the industry is that other outlets and manufacturers of accessories and 3rd party games may follow suit in this pricing tsunami. Fear on the company or developer side may be that scaaaaaaaaaary possible hike in activities of people synonymous with black flags that have skulls on them. *Looks at Captain Jack Sparrow* 🏴☠️👀
Conclusion
While gaming is taking yet another exciting turn in advancing, especially for Nintendo fans and power users, the uncertainty that comes with it is a fog we will have to trudge through till we see everything this unit has in store for us in terms of capability. On the more certain side, gaming is, or has become, a luxury that many may not be able to afford when taking current global economic issues into account. Additionally, there is a slowly growing trend online of rather frustrated gamers, Nintendo faithful and non-faithful alike, compelling gamers to “vote with your wallets” so to speak.
If this spirals out of hand into other platform territories, we may just witness an industry crash and a piracy spike of EPIC proportions. Sprinkle in the seemingly nonchalant ‘IDGAF if you can’t afford it’ attitude some Nintendo Executive(s) seem to be putting out as well (check this out), seems the Nintendo gaming scape, and the gaming industry at large, may fly through some turbulence for a bit before we see what smooth waters look like beyond it.
Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser
Check out the Interview CNBC TV had with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser down below:
