Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: 30 Key Details Revealed

It's finally here. After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has officially announced their latest console, aptly named the Nintendo Switch 2. At first glance, it may seem quite similar to the original Switch, but a closer look reveals a host of exciting new features and design changes. We're diving into 30 fascinating details showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, so let's explore what's new and improved.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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01 - The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor but is slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con controllers are both taller, making the entire console about 15% bigger than the original Switch.

02 - The vibrant colors of the original Joy-Con have been replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey across the entire console, reminiscent of the Steam Deck's aesthetic.

03 - However, the console isn't completely devoid of color. A ring of red and blue around each analogue stick and along the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con pays homage to the original's bright controllers. This not only adds a stylish touch but also serves as a color-coding system for easy attachment.

04 - The Joy-Con no longer slide into place on rails; they now slot directly into the device using a protruding connector on the main unit. Rumors suggest that magnets, similar to Apple's Magsafe technology, hold the controllers in place.

05 - A new trigger system on the rear of each Joy-Con releases the controller from the main unit. A brief demonstration on Nintendo.com shows that squeezing the trigger activates a piston-like component that gently pushes the controller away.

06 - The front of the Joy-Con retains the classic control layout with off-set analogue sticks, direction buttons, A, B, X, and Y face buttons, Plus and Minus buttons, and the square capture and circle Home buttons.

07 - Below the Home button, there's a new, mysterious unlabelled button. Its function remains a secret known only to Nintendo.

08 - The L and R shoulder buttons are in their expected positions, with deeper and more rounded ZL and ZR triggers that promise enhanced comfort and ease of use.

09 - The analogue sticks feature a low-profile design with smaller inside rings and thicker, taller rims for improved thumb grip and support.

10 - While the NFC Amiibo interface isn't visible on the right Joy-Con, it might still be included, as it was on the original Switch. However, the IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con seems to be absent, which isn't surprising given its limited use.

11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con are significantly larger, making them easier to use when playing with individual Joy-Con controllers.

12 - The strip of four green LEDs that indicate player assignments has been moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.

13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons links each Joy-Con to the main console unit, with a Sync button below it for pairing.

14 - A small, clear lens above the connector port could be a laser sensor, suggesting that the Joy-Con might function as a mouse. The trailer hints at this with the Joy-Con moving like scurrying mice with their wrist-strap accessories.

15 - The wrist-straps have been redesigned to match the red and blue colors on the Joy-Con's inner edges.

16 - The main console unit features a larger screen, taking up more of the device than the original Switch's display. The display technology is still unclear, but we hope for an OLED panel.

17 - The top edge of the console includes redesigned power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill split into three vents.

18 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, ensuring backwards compatibility with the same form factor as the original Switch's cartridges.

19 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack adds intrigue. While the bottom-mounted USB C port handles docking and charging, this additional port might be for new peripherals or even a link cable for games like Pokemon.

20 - Downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch's rear-facing ones, promising better sound quality.

21 - The rear of the console features a new kickstand that spans the entire length of the device. It appears a bit flimsy but comes with rubber feet for stability and can lock into multiple angles.

22 - The console can still be docked and connected to a TV, with a dock that looks nearly identical to the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.

23 - The reveal also shows a controller peripheral for the Joy-Con, which, while similar to the original, hopefully includes some ergonomic improvements.

24 - The trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, suggesting a larger, more chaotic version with room for 24 racers, doubling the original Mario Kart 8's capacity.

25 - A new track called "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit" features an American-flavored design with more open spaces and off-road sections.

26 - The trailer confirms ten characters in the roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, who makes a brief appearance.

27 - The Switch 2 supports backwards compatibility for old Switch games, although some may not be supported, likely due to incompatible peripherals like those used in Ring Fit Adventure.

28 - The console is set to launch sometime in 2025, likely after June.

29 - More details, including a release date, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.

30 - Following the Direct, fans can experience the console at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, a worldwide tour from April to June. Starting in New York and Paris on April 4th, the tour will visit cities like London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul. Nintendo Account holders can enter a free ballot for tickets, with registration opening on January 17th.

These are the 30 key details from the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and news on this exciting new console.