Nintendo dropped a ton of information with the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. Though games are always going to be the main focus of any console, the system itself is a serious upgrade over its predecessor. Sporting visual and audio enhancements, as well as a slew of new features, it’s all but guaranteed if you liked the Switch, you’ll love the Switch 2. That being said, some of the console’s improvements stand out more than others.

10 Larger LCD screen

A modest but noticeable difference over the Switch

Playing console games on the go is one of the original Switch’s biggest selling points, and the Switch 2 aims to enhance that experience even further with a bigger LCD screen. While the Switch’s was 6.2 inches, the Switch 2’s is 7.9. At a glance, it may not seem like a huge improvement, but it’s a nice quality-of-life addition, especially for those with eyesight issues who strained to play in handheld mode.

Screen size comparison

9 Maximum framerate of 120 fps

The stability and higher framerate will go a long way

Enhanced visuals are always a plus, but players who prioritize how well a game runs are in for a treat as well. Boasting a maximum framerate of 120 fps and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Switch 2 will output motion more smoothly, leading to a much more stable framerate while playing. Nintendo stated many Switch 2 games will be capable of outputting 120 fps, which can take advantage of this new feature to the fullest. This doubles the Switch’s refresh rate of 60Hz and the fact games were limited to 60 fps.

8 Enhanced visuals

Handheld mode now supports 1080p resolution

On the subject of handheld mode being even better, the screen’s resolution is similarly getting a boost. The Switch was locked to 720p undocked, but its successor can reach 1080p. Those extra pixels go a long way, especially when paired with the bigger screen. Little details you may have missed when playing the Switch should be much clearer.

Docked mode is capable of outputting 4K

Though the better resolution is certainly appreciated in handheld mode, an even bigger jump occurred for the console while docked. Though it was speculated the Switch 2 may not support 4k resolution, it does, making it a substantial improvement over the Switch’s max resolution of 1080p. Sporting four times the pixels of the previous console, Nintendo games have never looked so good. However, keep in mind that playing at 4K will lower the refresh rate to 60Hz.

7 HDR support

A noteworthy omission from the previous console

The visual advancements don’t stop with resolution, as the Switch 2 also has HDR support. HDR creates a more lifelike experience thanks to the vivid colors, lighting, and overall graphical enhancements. The Switch didn’t support it, but the Switch 2 does in both docked mode and handheld mode. Switch 2 games will natively support HDR, and it’s possible the Switch 2 Editions of certain games will as well since Nintendo stated these versions will “include visual improvements, new features, or additional game modes.”

6 Significantly more storage

Gone are the days of your internal storage only being able to fit a handful of games

Between having to regularly download game updates and a general increase in a game’s file size, you’ve probably noticed your Switch’s internal storage quickly reached its limit. Its meager 32GB storage all but forced players to purchase extra storage. Luckily, the Switch 2 contains a whopping eight times that, totaling 256GB.

It should be noted the Switch 2 is not compatible with microSD cards and only supports microSD Express cards. This means you won’t be able to use your old SD card with the Switch 2 to save game data. Nintendo also announced some physical cartridges will not contain games and simply act as a key to download them online, so although there is a lot more internal storage, it may not go as far since games will be taking up more space.

Storage Comparison

5 Second USB-C port

More options are always welcome

A baffling design choice of the Switch wasn’t just the fact there was only one USB-C port, but that it was only on the bottom of the console. This could be a bit awkward when playing in handheld mode and you needed to charge the battery as you played. Luckily, that is a problem of the past, as the Switch 2 has a USB-C port on the top and bottom of the console, giving you a lot more flexibility. This also allows you to plug in accessories, such as a microphone, in the other port while charging for those longer play sessions with friends.

4 The all-new C button

No more relying on third-party apps to chat with your friends

Most of what’s listed here is an upgrade from the Switch, but the Joy-Con 2’s C button is completely new. Pressing it allows players to use the console’s GameChat function. As the name suggests, this lets you voice chat with up to 12 people online. You can also stream your gameplay to others in the virtual chat room, allowing them to watch you in real time. Everyone there can share their gameplay, though it appears the footage is rather choppy.

To use the GameChat feature, you will need a Nintendo Switch online membership. Nintendo announced an extended trial of sorts through an open-access period that ends on March 31, 2026, so everyone can use it for free until then. GameChat also supports the Nintendo Switch Parental Control app, meaning parents can decide if they want their children to be able to chat online and can decide who they can chat with.

GameShare lets you share the love

The C button also lets players use GameShare. It’s similar to the Download Play function of the DS in that you can share compatible games with others, even if they don’t own the game. This can be done online, but also locally if someone else has their own console. Notably, a Switch 2 owner can GameShare locally with someone using a Switch, but not the other way around.

3 Built-in microphone

It even filters out background noise

The Switch wasn’t seemingly designed with voice chat in mind, as the console didn’t have a microphone, and chatting in-game was limited to the Nintendo Switch Online app. The Switch 2 is very different in that it has a built-in mic on the top of the console to chat with others. Additionally, it uses noise cancelation, echo cancelation, and auto-gain control to filter out background noise. The C button can even be used to mute the mic if you need to step away. Though the quality likely won’t beat out using a dedicated microphone, it’s great that people who want to GameChat can do so for free.

2 Better speakers

The sound of a blue shell hitting you has never been so crisp

The Switch’s speakers were fine, but the Switch 2 promises clearer audio while in handheld and tabletop modes. By adjusting the audio balance between the treble, mid, and bass ranges, the speakers emit clearer, more natural sound. It also supports 3D audio to increase immersion, regardless of if you have surround sound.

1 Joy-Con 2

Improvements to both comfort and convenience

The Joy-Cons are one of the most iconic aspects of the Switch and the Joy-Con 2s sport several enhancements.

• Bigger SL and SR buttons
• Magnetically attach to the console
• Larger control sticks
• Mouse controls

Though all of these features culminate in a better gaming experience, the Joy-Con 2s’ mouse controls are particularly eye-catching. Compatible games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour allow you to effectively turn a Joy-Con 2 into a mouse by placing the side that attaches to the console on a flat surface and moving it around. Certain genres, such as first-person shooters, will really benefit from the enhanced precision this feature provides.

It’s natural for the next generation of a console to improve upon the first, but Nintendo really seemed to take a lot of criticism and feedback about the Switch into consideration for the Switch 2. It is significantly more powerful, has welcome quality-of-life upgrades, and includes several features, like GameChat, that players have wanted since the Switch debuted. June 5, 2025, is going to be a great day for Nintendo fans.