Nintendo Switch 2 specs revealed, available June 5

Nintendo has finally revealed all the details of its upcoming Switch 2 console. The updated model is fully rebuilt from the ground up and improves over every aspect of its predecessor.

Starting with the design, the Switch 2 is larger overall, measuring 271.8mm wide and 114.3mm tall. However, it remains the same 13.9mm in thickness. The entire unit with the controllers weighs 399g. The new design has a much bigger kickstand at the back that allows for a much larger range of movement. There are also two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom.

The Switch 2 comes with the new and improved Joy-Con 2. These don't have the prominent red and blue color scheme of the original Joy-Con and instead only use the colors as highlights while being predominantly black. The Joy-Con 2 use strong magnets instead of a rail system to attach to the console. They also have larger SL/SR buttons to make them more comfortable when using a single controller at a time. The analog sticks are also larger.

The biggest new feature of the Joy-Con 2 is that they can individually or together be used as a mouse. This enables additional functionality within games, where you can use one or both controllers as a mouse as long as the game offers support for this feature. Nintendo showcased existing Switch titles with additional mouse support as well as new titles that exclusively relied on using the Joy-Con 2 in mouse mode.

The Switch 2 has a new display. It's larger at 7.9-inch in size and features an increased resolution of 1920x1080. The refresh rate has been bumped up to 120Hz and there's also support for VRR. Unfortunately, this is still an LCD panel, which makes the addition of HDR10 support underwhelming. No doubt there will be an OLED model in the future sold at a higher price considering the original Switch also has a separate OLED version.

The Switch 2 also has improved video out support thanks to a new dock. It can now output at up to 4K resolution at 60Hz or in 1080p or 1440p resolutions at up to 120Hz. There's also HDR10 output, which would be more meaningful here, especially if you have an OLED television. The new dock also features active cooling, so it can keep the Switch 2 from throttling under load.

The Switch 2 features improved audio. The built-in speakers have been improved and there will also be 3D audio support when using the speakers or headphones in compatible games. Those using the dock will also get 5.1 PCM audio output to their TV or AV receiver.

The Switch 2 features 256GB of storage as standard with faster speeds compared to the Switch. It also supports microSD cards up to 2TB but this time they have to be Express cards as the standard microSD cards used by the Switch are not fast enough. The console features Wi-Fi 6 connectivity as well as Bluetooth. You can also connect using Ethernet through the dock. The battery capacity is 5220mAh but with no official battery life figures.

The only part of the spec that remains unknown is the chipset. We know it runs on an Nvidia processor but the exact model and specifications remain a mystery and would likely remain that way until people get their hands on a unit.

On the software side, the Switch 2 includes a new GameChat feature. Using the dedicated C button on the Joy-Con 2 and the built-in mic, you can now chat with your friends as you play together. You will be able to see their gameplay footage on your screen should you choose to do so and you can even connect the new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory (sold separately) to see each other as you play. GameChat will be free until March 31, 2026 and then will require Nintendo Switch Online membership.

The Switch 2 will be able to play Switch 2 exclusive titles as well as most Switch titles. Some Switch titles will also be receiving a Switch 2 Edition upgrade which will unlock higher frame rates and resolution as well as additional gameplay elements and game modes when run on the Switch 2. The Switch 2 Edition upgrade for these games will be paid extra for those who own the existing Switch version.

On the online front, the Switch 2 will work with Nintendo Switch Online but will also get an additional Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which would include emulated titles from older platforms, including the newest addition of GameCube titles that will be available exclusively on the Switch 2. Nintendo also announced a new wireless Nintendo GameCube Controller for the Switch 2, which looks almost identical to the original GameCube controller while including the GameChat button. There will also be a new Switch 2 Pro Controller with a GameChat button, GL/GR buttons on the back, and a headphone jack.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available on June 5. It will come in two versions, a standard version with just the console and a bundled edition that includes a digital edition of Mario Kart World. It is priced at $450 for the standard edition and $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle.