After more than eight years of success, the Nintendo Switch gives way to its worthy successor, the Switch 2, a console eagerly awaited by an entire generation of players. Officially unveiled at the beginning of 2025, this new console promises to combine the friendliness of a hybrid format with substantial technical improvements, while remaining faithful to the playful universe unique to Nintendo. Between a revised design for better ergonomics, innovative controllers, and reassuring compatibility with the original Switch titles, the anticipation already fuels many hopes. The promise of an enriched experience, reconciling performance and accessibility, is aimed at both passionate gamers and families, in a spirit of sharing and discovery. A new chapter opens in the world of video games, at the crossroads of technology and pleasure.
An emphasis is placed on image quality and console power, offering an extended 8-inch screen that turns gaming sessions into pleasant moments conducive to focus and immersion. This hardware evolution comes with a boost in power through the integration of an Nvidia chip with performance comparable to a PlayStation 4, but enhanced by recent technologies such as DLSS, ensuring smooth and vibrant graphics. Moreover, the Switch 2 aims to retain the ease of use that has always appealed to families, notably thanks to beautifully redesigned Joy-Con controllers, larger and equipped with innovative optical sensors. Finally, the official release, planned for spring 2025, fuels the impatience of gamers eager to discover promising new features, including, for example, the announced arrival of Mario Kart 9.
- Renewed design with a larger screen and an adjustable stand designed for all situations.
- Improved Joy-Con controllers: increased size, optical sensors, and magnetic system.
- Increased performance thanks to an Nvidia chip and DLSS, improving smoothness and visual quality.
- Full backward compatibility with the existing Switch catalog, ensuring continuity.
- Expected release date between April and June 2025, with a Nintendo Direct to reveal everything.
A larger and more comfortable hybrid design for the Switch 2
In real life, what I see with families and children, practicality is always at the heart of desires. The Switch 2 seems to meet this expectation with an enlarged 8-inch screen, compared to 7 inches on the Switch OLED. This change is accompanied by a larger and thicker chassis, designed to offer a better grip over time. The new U-shaped adjustable stand, sturdier and more flexible, allows the console to be placed in multiple ways, from the classic table position to a slight tilt, thus favoring tabletop play and socializing around the screen. It is a detail that, seemingly minor, promises to transform shared moments between children or between parents and children.
On the aesthetic side, the Switch 2 opts for elegant sobriety with a predominantly black model embellished with discreet colored touches around the buttons, far from the flashy hues of the first generation. This visual choice highlights Nintendo’s desire to address a wide audience, ranging from seasoned players to families looking for a discreet and chic device. Additionally, the presence of two USB-C ports, with a second one located at the top, facilitates connections and accessory options. This hardware evolution reflects true adaptation work to current uses, more mobile and versatile.
The Joy-Con 2, smarter and more ergonomic controllers
Controllers have always held a central place in the Nintendo experience, both for their design and their technology. The Switch 2 resets this concept with Joy-Cons now magnetic, which facilitates their attachment and detachment, while avoiding connection issues that could arise. Larger, they offer a better grip, especially for small fingers, a key point observed during creative workshops with children where ergonomics makes all the difference between pleasure and frustration.
The technical novelties also include optical sensors that could activate a new “mouse” mode, allowing gameplay by sliding the controller over a surface, which will open the door to more varied types of games. A little tip that could be recommended to families is to test this mode during quiet times, to introduce children to a new form of control while having fun. The presence of a new C button intrigues and could well play a role in future user interactions. Finally, the historical “drift” problems are expected to be minimized thanks to the possible integration of Hall effect joysticks, a development that reassures parents concerned about hardware durability.
Performance and graphics: a slight leap forward without excess
The power of the new console represents a subtle balance between performance and accessibility. While it carries an Nvidia chip that could recall a PlayStation 4, the DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology could offer a real visual spectacle, considerably improving smoothness and resolution without draining the battery too quickly. This technique is particularly interesting in a family context, where gaming sessions vary depending on the day’s energy and time.
It should not be forgotten that the Switch 2 prioritizes the hybrid experience above all. Thus, the choice of an LCD screen, less expensive than OLED but larger, suggests a compromise between image quality and cost, making the console accessible to a larger number. In practice, this screen will allow full appreciation of graphics while managing the cost in the long term, a significant point when you want to buy a durable console for the whole family.
An expected return regarding games and compatibility
A reassuring and encouraging point lies in the confirmed backward compatibility between the Switch 2 and the entire range of Switch games. Whether physical cartridges or digital downloads, the immense game library built since 2017 will be accessible to the new console. This continuity avoids the frustration often encountered during generational changes and encourages rediscovery of classics easily.
As for the schedule, Nintendo announces a special Nintendo Direct planned for April 2, 2025, to unveil all specifics, including the exact release date and pricing, eagerly awaited to position the console against its competitors. It is likely that marketing will take place between April and June, thus offering an ideal window to enjoy summer holidays with the family around fun games.
| Feature | Switch 1 | Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 7-inch OLED (recent model) | 8-inch LCD (larger screen, possible contrast drop) |
| Console type | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Joy-Con controllers | Small, classic connector | Larger, magnetic, optical sensors |
| Power | Older generation Nvidia chip | Improved Nvidia chip, power close to PS4, possible DLSS |
| USB-C ports | One only | Two USB-C ports (including one on top) |
| Backward compatibility | N/A | Compatible with all Switch 1 games |
| Available colors | Multiple colored versions | Predominantly black version with colored accents |
Which video games to fully enjoy this new generation console?
The launch of a console is always accompanied by flagship titles that pique players’ curiosity. For the Switch 2, Mario Kart 9 seems to be the first major exclusive, promising a frantic race full of novelties and surprises. The great classics like Zelda, Pokémon or Pikmin should also be part of the adventure, whether through ports or new episodes. This catalog will reassure families and players who, in real life, appreciate being able to rely on safe values and discoveries.
For fans of the famous plumber’s franchise, a simple little tip is to discover or rediscover the character and vehicle combinations in Mario Kart 8 to enrich your games. You can easily find more ideas to exploit this license on the site dedicated to Mario Kart 8 combos, a precious guide for fans and the curious.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 officially be released?
The release is scheduled between April and June 2025, with a full presentation during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be compatible with the original Switch games?
Yes, full backward compatibility is ensured, allowing you to play all cartridge or digital format titles from the first Switch.
What are the main technical highlights of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons?
The new controllers are magnetic, larger, with optical sensors, offering an innovative gameplay mode and better ergonomics.
What are the advantages of the Nintendo Switch 2 screen?
The screen is larger at 8 inches, offering more space to play. It is expected to be LCD, ensuring a good quality/price ratio.
