It's finally here. After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. While the name may be understated, a closer look reveals a host of exciting updates and enhancements to the beloved hybrid console. We've compiled a comprehensive list of 30 fascinating details showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, highlighting how Nintendo has evolved its iconic device.
From innovative new face buttons to revolutionary ways to utilize the Joy-Con, here's a detailed breakdown of everything unveiled 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 controllers have increased in size, with the entire console estimated to be about 15% bigger than the original Switch.
02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the previous generation are replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey across the entire console, reminiscent of the Steam Deck's design.
03 - Despite the shift to a more muted color scheme, the Switch 2 pays homage to the original's red and blue Joy-Con with colorful rings around the analogue sticks and on the inner edges of the console and controllers. This design not only adds a stylish flair but also serves as a color-coding system for easy assembly.
04 - The Joy-Con no longer slide into place using rails; instead, they directly slot into the device with a protruding connector on the main unit that plugs into a port on the Joy-Con. Rumors suggest these are held in place using magnets, similar to Apple's Magsafe technology.
05 - A newly-designed trigger system on the rear of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment. Squeezing the trigger activates a piston-like mechanism that pushes the controller away from the console.
06 - The front of the Joy-Cons retains the classic control layout with off-set analogue sticks, direction buttons, A, B, X, Y face buttons, Plus and Minus buttons, a square capture button, and a circle Home button.
07 - A new, mysterious button appears below the Home button, with its function currently unknown.
08 - The L and R shoulder buttons, along with the deeper and more rounded ZL and ZR triggers, are positioned as expected, promising improved comfort and usability.
09 - The analogue sticks feature a low-profile design with a smaller inside ring radius and taller rims, enhancing thumb grip and support.
10 - While the NFC Amiibo interface might still be present on the right Joy-Con, the IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con is notably absent, likely due to its limited use in games.
11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con remain, ensuring the Switch 2 can still be used with each Joy-Con as a separate controller. These buttons are significantly larger, promising easier use.
12 - The strip of four green LEDs that indicate player assignment has moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.
13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons is accompanied by a Sync button for pairing and an intriguing clear lens, possibly a laser sensor for mouse-like functionality.
14 - The clear lens above the connector suggests the Joy-Con could be used like a mouse, supported by visuals of Joy-Con with wrist-strap accessories resembling scurrying mice.
15 - The wrist-straps return with a new design, featuring red and blue colors to match the internal color splash on each Joy-Con.
16 - The main console unit boasts a larger screen, not quite edge-to-edge like the Switch OLED but significantly larger than the original Switch's display. The display technology remains unspecified, but it could be either OLED or LED.
17 - The top edge of the device remains mostly unchanged, featuring slightly redesigned power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill split into three vents.
18 - The Game Card slot on the top edge confirms backwards compatibility, as the Switch 2's game cartridges will use the same form factor as the original Switch.
19 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack adds intrigue, with potential uses for USB-based peripherals or even a nostalgic link cable for trading in future games like Pokémon.
20 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch's rear-facing speakers, promising improved sound quality.
21 - A new, full-length kickstand on the rear of the console offers multiple angle adjustments, supported by rubber feet for stability.
22 - The Switch 2 can still be docked and connected to a TV, with a dock design similar to the original but with rounded corners to match the Joy-Con's radius and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
23 - A controller peripheral that the Joy-Cons slot into is included, similar to the original but with potential ergonomic improvements.
24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a larger, more chaotic version with a starting line accommodating 24 racers, doubling the original Mario Kart 8's capacity.
25 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," suggests a more open and off-road racing experience with an American flair.
26 - Ten characters are confirmed for the roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, spotted briefly in the trailer.
27 - Backwards compatibility ensures support for old Switch games, though some may not be supported due to incompatible peripherals, such as those used with Ring Fit Adventure.
28 - The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch in 2025, with a more specific release date yet to be announced.
29 - More information, including a possible release date, will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.
30 - Hands-on experience with the console will be available during the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience 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, with access granted to Nintendo Account holders via a free ticket ballot opening on January 17th.
These are the 30 key details revealed in the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage as we approach the console's launch.