Nintendo Switch 2: 4K, 120fps, Enhanced Battery, More Storage

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the Nintendo Switch 2 in its latest Direct, with even more information emerging post-presentation, including the much-anticipated tech specs. While there are still unanswered questions, let's delve into what we know about the new Switch 2.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will boast a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen, capable of 1080p (1920x1080) output. This marks a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen, the Switch OLED's 7-inch display, and the Switch Lite's 5.5-inch panel. Though we'll miss the OLED's vibrant colors, this new screen promises an enhanced visual experience.

The Switch 2 also supports HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz, allowing games to reach 120fps if both the game and your setup support it.

When docked, the Switch 2 can play games at 4K (3840x2160) resolution at 60fps, or at 1080p/1440p (1920x1080/2560x1440) at 120fps. This impressive performance is powered by a "custom processor made by NVIDIA," though specifics about the CPU/GPU remain undisclosed.

Battery life for the Switch 2 is estimated at 2 to 6.5 hours, powered by a 5220mAh Lithium-ion battery. A full charge in Sleep mode takes about three hours. Nintendo emphasizes that these are rough estimates, and actual battery life will vary based on the games played. This duration aligns closely with the original Switch's 2.5 to 6.5 hours but falls short of the newer models: the Switch (4.5 to 9 hours), the Switch OLED (4.5 to 9 hours), and the Switch Lite (3 to 7 hours).

The Switch 2 measures approximately 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick with the Joy-Con 2 attached, weighing around 0.88 pounds without Joy-Con and 1.18 pounds with them. This matches the weight of the current Switch model but is larger in dimensions.

**Nintendo Switch 2** - 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x 0.55 inches thick / 0.88 lbs
**Nintendo Switch** - 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x 0.55 inches thick / 0.88 lbs
**Nintendo Switch - OLED Model** - 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x 0.55 inches thick / 0.93 lbs
**Nintendo Switch Lite** - 3.6 inches tall x 8.2 inches long x 0.55 inches thick / 0.61 lbs

Regarding the Joy-Con, there's no confirmation yet on whether they will use Hall Effect joysticks, which could resolve the notorious drifting issues. A 2023 patent hinted at this possibility, but we'll need to wait for official confirmation.

On the audio front, the Switch 2 supports linear PCM output 5.1ch, with surround sound enabled via headphones or the built-in speaker after a system update.

Storage has been significantly upgraded to 256 GB of internal space, a leap from the 32 GB in the original Switch and Switch Lite, and the 64 GB in the Switch OLED. Notably, the Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for up to 2TB of additional storage, making current microSDXC cards incompatible.

Additional features include support for Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6), two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard), and a built-in monaural microphone with noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control.

For more information, check out our recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, details on pricing, a list of launch games, and when pre-orders will begin.