This gaming console is already emerging as one of the most anticipated gaming devices in the console market.
After eight years of redefining hybrid gaming, the original Nintendo Switch is finally getting its long-overdue evolution of the unique hybrid console: the Nintendo Switch 2.
This new upgraded version represents a major milestone for the iconic company, promising enhanced performance, improved visuals, and fan-favourite features.
Here's your in-depth guide to what is the Nintendo Switch, the rich history of Ninetendo, Switch 2's early features, expected price, games and burning questions from fans worldwide.
What is The Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo Co., Ltd, a Japanese multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto.
You can play this hybrid gaming console in three different modes: TV, tabletop, and portable handheld mode.
You can also play as a single player, in split-screen, and motion-based multiplayer games using its detachable controllers, Joy-Cons.
Notably, the Nintendo released the first Switch on 3rd March 2017.
Since its launch, Nintendo has sold over 125 million units worldwide (as of 2024) — making it the 3rd best-selling console in history.
It is one of the few consoles with cross-generational support.
Today, the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 brings enhanced graphics, faster load times, integration of cutting-edge tech like DLSS, and improved hardware for a more immersive gaming experience, making it attractive to gamers of all ages.
The Rich History of Nintendo
Nintendo has spent over 130 years pioneering groundbreaking innovations and transformations that have shaped its remarkable history.
From a small card-making company in Kyoto to a global gaming powerhouse, it's been an extraordinary journey of innovation, perseverance, and unparalleled success.
Fusajiro Yamauchi, the founder of Nintendo, started as a producer of hanafuda, a traditional Japanese playing card, in 1889.
Over time to take his business further, he expanded his business and focused more on electronic entertainment and games.
The 1990s era was Nintendo's golden era as the new releases of iconic franchises like Zelda, Metroid, Pokémon, and Mario Kart became cultural phenomena.
Following that, the company introduced Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and 3DS — defining portable gaming, and with the Wii (2006) revolutionizing motion controls, it became one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
Today, the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid gaming console launched in 2017, has delivered massive hits like Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, cementing its legacy over the years.
Currently, the latest Nintendo Switch 2 console is generating significant buzz among gamers. Let's dive into the full breakdown of Nintendo Switch 2 features, games and price.
Nintendo Switch 2: Early Features, Games, and Price Update
As a passionate gamer, I have always admired the Nintendo Switch for its versatility. Its seamless transition from handheld to docked mode makes it feel like two consoles in one.The Nintendo Switch quickly became a part of my daily routine. Whether I am curling up on the couch or having a long train ride, the Switch has been my go-to companion for gaming.
Now, I am more fascinated by its hybrid design, intuitive controls, and extensive game library, especially Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. I could start these games on the TV and continue them in bed without missing anything.
This kind of flexibility made it one of the most innovative consoles I have ever used.
At present, the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 is capturing attention among the fans with its impressive backwards compatibility, enhanced performance, strong line-up of games, innovative features, and potential for high-profile third-party ports.
When I first laid eyes on the pictures of it, I realized this was not just a minor upgrade console; it looked like a true next-gen console built with advanced specs that support seamless performance, similar to how backend frameworks like Django optimize web applications.
As someone with a keen eye for designs, I noticed it's quite bigger than the original Switch, at about 10.6 inches wide, 4.6 inches tall, and just over half an inch thick.
The Switch has an approximately 8-inch LCD display, much larger than the OLED Switch's 7-inch screen.
It uses a 120 Hz HDR-capable LCD touch panel, and much faster memory, 256 GB of internal storage, along with microSD Express support for increased external storage.
It brings games to life with 1080p screen resolution in handheld mode, and a maximum frame rate of 120fps for even smoother gameplay in supported games.
You can play games seamlessly with the help of Variable Refresh Rate ( VRR) technology's frame skips and flickering prevention.
The new hardware provides a gigantic, significant boost compared with the original Switch, which means more advanced, better-looking games.
If the Nintendo Switch 2 is the heart of the console experience, then it's incomplete without the Joy-Con controller.
Without Joy-Con in hand, the system feels like a sleek shell, promising but powerless. From the moment I slide the new Joy-Con into place with a satisfying click, I know it's not ust a normal Joy-Con; it's more than the previous one.
This Switch 2's controller differs from the original clip-and-rail type system console; instead, it's attached via electrically activated magnets. You can use this as a mouse in compatible games.
Keeping these points in mind, you should also know that Switch 2 uses hall effect sensors in Joy-Con controller 2 to eliminate stick drift - a major compliment to the original Joy-Con.
Nintendo slightly redesigned the shape and grip to improve comfort across all hand sizes, making it suitable for long-term sessions.
You can feel every moment with precision, alongside can experience adaptive feedback, making it incredibly immersive for exciting games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time or Mario Kart X.
Now adding a nostalgic twist, Nintendo has reintroduced the iconic C button in the Joy-Con layout, cleverly integrated into the right analogue stick for retro gaming fans.
This Switch 2's C button activates game chat that you can seamlessly sync with your session, allowing you to play anytime, anywhere.
You can voice chat, share your game screen, and even connect via video chat, all while staying in the game with just one click of the right Joy Con controller's C button.
The Switch 2 has a built-in microphone with background noise cancellation to ensure clear communication with friends and family during online multiplayer sessions.
To make use of video chat, you have to connect a compatible USB-C camera like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which is sold separately for video chatting.
So, before jumping into a video chat, make sure to connect the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera via the USB-C port to enable full visual communication.
Nintendo Switch 2 is not just about hardware, it's bringing an impressive slate of games that are worth exploring.
The company recently announced dozens of first- and third-party games for Switch 2 during the New York event, including -
Mario Kart World
It is the most anticipated racing title in the franchise, featuring global online multiplayer, and real-world inspired tracks with the return of classic new ability characters.
You can feel the thrill when you boost past opponents using a perfectly timed mushroom, throw shells to knock rivals off the track, and celebrate with friends on voice chat after a close finish.
This game includes a real-time matchmaking system, ranked tournaments, and unlockable karts and gliders.
Donkey Kong Bananza
This is the first full-scale Donkey Kong Adventure in Switch 2. Whether you are climbing trees, launching from cannons, or discovering hidden banana stashes, the vibrant world and satisfying combat keep you hooked all the time.
The blending of the open-world platform with jungle exploration and co-op gameplay is generating massive buzz among longtime fans.
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby Air Riders is the return of cult classic games, rebooting the original with modern visuals, new flying mechanics, and online battle arenas.
Fans from all over the world are excited to explore through floating tracks, power-ups mid-air, and aerial battles again while riding warp stars and vehicles.
You can also venture into multiple game modes like City Trial and Air Glide. These blockbuster games with stunning graphics, smoother gameplay, and expanded online features come at exciting prices.
You can get Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World at $499.99 MSRP*, only available for a limited time through fall 2025, while supplies last.
While the price is higher than the predecessor, the games deliver unparalleledfun and adventure in Nintendo Switch 2 for players of all ages.
Check out the Nintendo store for more details.
Burning Questions Fans Are Asking
After years of anticipation, we finally got the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 release in most regions.
While the news is thrilling, the official Switch 2 details so far are frustratingly brief, leaving fans across the globe on tenterhooks.
There are lots of pressing questions left unanswered, like whether Switch 2 is coming with 4 K support or not.
Will Switch 2 be backwards compatible? Can the new Joy-Con fix the drift issue? - Don't worry, I'm here to answer these questions.
Let's break down the answers to these questions to get the inside scoop.
1. Is Nintendo Switch 2 coming with 4 K support?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to support 4K resolution in docked mode, but not in handheld mode or tabletop mode.
The console reportedly uses NVIDIA's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology.
DLSS upscales lower-resolution gameplay (e.g., 1080p) to 4K using AI, so it looks like 4K even if it isn’t rendered at that resolution natively.
This allows games to run smoother and look sharper without overloading the hardware.
The Switch 2 is expected to stick with a 1080p LCD screen—up from the original’s 720p—so no 4K on the go in handheld mode.
2. Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatible?
It is good to know that Nintendo Switch 2 is fully backwards compatible, which means you won't have to say goodbye to your favorite games from the original Switch.
All the titles you've collected over the years, from Breath of the Wild to Animal Crossing, are set to work seamlessly on the new console.
You can play your current game library, boost performance, and avoid repurchasing.
This shows Nintendo respects your loyalty and investment, letting you dive into the next-gen gaming experience without starting from scratch.
3. Did they fix the Joy-Con drift issue?
Playing games using the Joy-Con controllers of the original Nintendo Switch was frustrating with Joy-Con drift.
Whether you were drifting off a cliff in Zelda or losing control mid-race in Mario Kart, it wasn’t fun because the characters started moving without touching the controller.
Nintendo did offer fixing services (often at no cost), but the issue continued throughout the console's life cycle, casting a shadow over an otherwise adored hardware design.
Now, with the arrival of Nintendo Switch 2, the company has finally tackled the drift issue by replacing old potentiometers with hall effect sensors, using an electromagnetic attachment mechanism, and redesigning the structure.
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Looking Ahead: What's Next in the Game
As we look ahead, the Nintendo Switch 2 promises countless hours of entertainment with a marvelous gaming experience, through an innovative social feature like Gamechat, which lets players stay socially connected in a new way with others by activating the C button for voice, video, and screen-sharing interactions.
While the Switch 2's price is at a higher point than its predecessor, potentially making it less affordable for the casual and younger gamers, there's no doubt the premium cost reflects its major hardware improvements like 120Hz refresh rate, DLSS upscaling, and next-gen Joy-Cons.
Whether you are a lifelong Nintendo fan or a tech explorer curious about the hype, this is just the beginning of a next-gen revolution.
Stay tuned to my articles and blog posts because just like a game patch or Python release cycle, the new update will change everything.