Nintendo Switch 2 vs original Switch: What are screen size and specs changes?

Everything from screen size to raw power seems to have changed, and there's plenty to keep track of - and that's before we even talk about the games.

We've put together a list of all the differences between the two consoles so you can see exactly how much of an upgrade the Switch 2 is set to be.

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Nintendo Switch 2 v original Switch: All differences

The screen is bigger

The Nintendo Switch 2 has a whopping 7.9 inch screen in comparison with the regular Switch 1's 6.2 inches and OLED Switch's 7.0 inches.

That might not sound like much, but as the screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner, nearly two extra inches means a much larger surface area.

And while it may be bigger, the console is sticking with an LCD screen like the original, foregoing the more expensive OLED screen.

This means handheld gaming will be in 1080p resolution, but will support up to 120FPS, which is pretty neat.

If you're worried about the graphics, though, there will be HDR support to make things pop just a bit more on that LCD screen.

The Joycons are bigger

Compared to the original Switch, the Switch 2 Joycons are much bigger in size, with one boasting orange highlights while the other has blue.

When separated from the console, the raised edge features additional buttons for even more accessibility and control over the action.

Given the console's larger size compared to its predecessor, the various individual parts of each Joycon are now bigger too.

Bigger shoulder buttons make them easier to use in the mini controller mode, and the thumb sticks are larger to make things more comfortable.

New Joycon buttons

When players detach a Joycon from the screen of the Switch 2, additional buttons open the door for more detailed controls.

Underneath the Home button is an extra button marked with a letter C.

This button enables the Game Chat function, a new feature that allows you to join voice and video calls with other players during a game.

The Joycon is a mouse

The reveal trailer also shows the Joycons moving around with a strap flailing behind them, hinting at a relocated IR sensor.

This was confirmed in April's Switch 2 Direct to be mouse functionality.

Certain games now allow you to use the Joycon as a mouse in-game, notably Metroid Prime 4, which showed off aiming with a mouse like in a PC shooter.

Check out more of our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage:

• Nintendo Switch 2 release date - when does it come out?
• Nintendo Switch 2 price - how much does it cost?
• Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - where to buy
• Nintendo Switch 2 Experience - how to try out the new console in person
• Do Switch 2 games work on Switch 1? - are there Switch 2 exclusives?
• Switch 2 backwards compatibility explained - can you play OG Switch games on Switch 2?

A new USB-C port

A second USB-C port next to the headphone jack enables greater connectivity when players want to use additional devices with their Switch 2.

The only other accessory that is likely to benefit from an additional port are gaming headsets that produce superior sound.

It was revealed in the April Switch 2 Direct that as well as being used for charging in tabletop mode, you can plug in a camera to use for the aforementioned Game Chat feature.

A wider tabletop stand

The stand on the original Switch felt flimsy and often collapsed under its own weight.

For the Switch 2, a sturdier stand looks more than capable of keeping the screen upright.

Now featuring the ability to recline further than the original console, the Switch 2's extra movement ensures players guarantee the perfect angle to see the action unfolding.

A better dock

The dock of the Switch 2 resembles the same designed used with the OLED model, but compared with the original console, the design is vastly different.

The curve at the top of the dock, along with small feet placed at the bottom, suggests Nintendo have upgraded it for better cooling and air circulation while performing intensive tasks.

On the performance side, the dock allows for huge improvements when compared with the original Switch, with 4K support being the biggest takeaway.

More storage

If you were always having to delete games to make room for new ones on your Switch, then you're in luck.

The Switch 2 will come with a whopping 256GB of storage from the off, a major upgrade on the Switch 1's measly 32GB.

This means you'll be able to get by for a while without having to shell out for a microSD card to store all that extra data.

It also suggests that the games on offer will be much larger in size, which backs up the idea that Switch 2 games will be much more graphically impressive.

The games could be more ambitious

The increased performance of the Switch 2 looks to suggest that Nintendo can now be much more ambitious with their games.

Mario Kart World, the latest game in the storied racing series, appears to show 24-player races, and features an open world for the first time - a huge upgrade on Mario Kart 8.

We've also seen upgraded versions of Switch 1 games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, hinting at the level of quality we can expect from first-party Nintendo titles going forward.

What are the differences in Nintendo Switch 2 specs versus original Switch?

Nintendo hasn't shared any information regarding the specs of the Switch 2.

According to a notable dataminer on the Famibords forum which has analysed shipments between Nintendo, NVIDIA and other companies, the Switch 2 is expected to pack plenty of power.

Based on the latest rumours, these are expected specs for Nintendo's new console:

• 12GB RAM - 7,500MT/s transfer (up from 4GB RAM on the Switch OLED)
• 6GB LPDDR5X modules x2
• 256GB UFS 3.1 Storage (up from 64GB on the Switch OLED)

With double the RAM of its predecessor, the Switch 2 is expected to run games that require high-end hardware to cope with demands.

Alongside that, an increase in storage space means plenty of space for games will be available as standard, meaning no need to purchase a memory card.

Read more on Nintendo:

• Nintendo Switch OLED review - handheld gaming levels up
• The very best Nintendo Switch games
• Nintendo Switch Pro release date - the latest rumours
• Best Nintendo Switch games for kids
• Nintendo Direct - when is the next live stream?
• Best Nintendo Switch micro SD cards to buy
• How to charge Nintendo Switch controllers
• The best Nintendo Switch Lite games - take these on the go
• How to connect Nintendo Switch to TV

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