It’s *finally* here. After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. The name might be simple, but don't let that fool you—this console is packed with innovations while maintaining the beloved hybrid design of its predecessor. We've delved deep into the reveal trailer to bring you 30 exciting details about the Nintendo Switch 2.
From a new face button to innovative ways to use the Joy-Con, here's a comprehensive breakdown of everything showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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01 - The Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor but is slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con are both taller, making the entire console around 15% bigger than the original Switch.
02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past are replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey across the console, reminiscent of the Steam Deck's aesthetic.
03 - While the console's color scheme is more muted, it retains a nod to the original's red and blue controllers with a colorful ring around each analogue stick. This design extends to the inner edges of both the console and Joy-Con, providing a stylish color-coding system—red slots into red, and blue into blue.
04 - The Joy-Con attachment method has been updated; they now slot directly into the console using a protruding connector on the main unit that plugs into a port on the Joy-Con's inner edge. Rumors suggest that magnets, similar to Apple's Magsafe, might secure the Joy-Con in place.
05 - A new trigger system on the rear of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment from the main unit. A brief demonstration on Nintendo.com shows a piston-like component inside the Joy-Con that pushes the controller away from the console when the trigger is squeezed.
06 - The front of the Joy-Con retains the classic control layout with offset analogue sticks—the left above the directional buttons, and the right below the A, B, X, and Y face buttons. The Plus and Minus buttons are at the top, with the square capture button on the left and the circle Home button on the right.
07 - A mysterious new button below the Home button has gamers intrigued about its function.
08 - The L and R shoulder buttons remain in their expected positions, with deeper and more rounded ZL and ZR triggers beneath them, promising improved comfort and ease of use.
09 - The analogue sticks feature a low-profile design with a smaller inner ring radius and taller rims, likely enhancing thumb grip and control.
10 - The NFC Amiibo interface might still be present on the right Joy-Con, despite not being visible, similar to the original Switch. However, the IR sensor, rarely used in Switch games, appears to be omitted from the Switch 2.
11 - The SL and SR buttons on the inner edges of the Joy-Con confirm their use as standalone controllers, with significantly larger buttons—potentially up to four times the size of the original—making them easier to use.
12 - The four green LEDs indicating player assignment have moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.
13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons includes a Sync button for pairing Joy-Con with the console, alongside a mysterious clear lens that might function as a laser sensor, suggesting mouse-like capabilities. The trailer even shows Joy-Con with wrist-strap accessories moving like mice.
14 - The wrist-straps return with a new design, matching the red and blue color scheme of the Joy-Con's inner splash.
15 - The main console unit boasts a larger screen, though not as edge-to-edge as the Switch OLED, it significantly improves upon the original Switch's display. The technology used remains undisclosed, with hopes for an OLED screen but possibly a traditional LED panel.
16 - The top edge of the device is mostly unchanged, featuring slightly redesigned power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill split into three vents rather than five.
17 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, indicating backwards compatibility with the same cartridge form factor as the original Switch.
18 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack on the top edge sparks curiosity about potential USB-based peripherals or even a nostalgic link cable for trading in games like Pokemon.
19 - Downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch's rear-facing ones, promising better sound quality.
20 - A new kickstand system spans the entire length of the console's rear, with multiple locking angles and rubber feet for added stability.
21 - The Switch 2 can still be docked to connect to a TV, with a dock design similar to the original but with rounded corners to match the Joy-Con and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
22 - A controller peripheral for the Joy-Con appears similar to the original, with hopes for comfort improvements.
23 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a larger starting line with space for 24 racers compared to Mario Kart 8's 12.
24 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," suggests an American-themed course with more open and off-road sections.
25 - 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.
26 - Backwards compatibility with old Switch games is confirmed, though some games may not be supported, likely due to incompatible peripherals like those used in Ring Fit Adventure.
27 - The release is slated for 2025, with no specific date given yet, but likely not before June.
28 - More details, including a release date, will be shared during the Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd.
29 - Following the direct, fans can experience the console firsthand at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour from April to June, starting in New York and Paris, and visiting cities like London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul. The event is open to Nintendo Account holders who win tickets via a free ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.
30 - These are the 30 key details from the Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 as they unfold.
