The new Switch 2 comes with new hardware! This is how it compares to the old Switch and the OLED refresh.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been announced and, of course, brings with it a number of new features. We show you all the known differences between the console and its predecessor in the following, continuously updated overview.
Switch vs Switch 2 – these are the differences
The keyword here is also , because while Nintendo has mentioned some features and upgrades to the Switch 2 here and there, there are still no exact details about the inner workings of the console. However, the data that Nintendo has revealed is largely consistent with leaks that we saw days before.
Please note: In the table below, we mark all information that is not yet official with *
The current state of the console comparison is as follows:
| Switch | Switch OLED | Switch 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.2 cm x 23.9 cm x 13.9 cm (Joy-Cons connected) | 10.2 cm x 24.2 cm x 13.9 cm (Joy-Cons connected) | tba |
| CPU | Cortex-A57 | Cortex-A57 | Nvidia T239 * |
| GPU architecture | Maxwell 2.0 | Maxwell 2.0 | Ampere * |
| TFLOPS | 0.2355 (handheld) 0.393 (docked) |
0.2355 (handheld) 0.393 (docked) |
1.7 (handheld) * 3.1 (docked) * |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB | 256 GB |
| Memory | 4 GB | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Display | 6.2-inch LCD | 7-inch OLED | 7.9-inch LCD 120 hertz HDR support |
| Resolution | 720p (handheld) 1080p (docked) |
720p (handheld) 1080p (docked) |
1080p (handheld) Up to 4K (docked) |
| Upscaling | – | – | Yes (details unknown) |
| Weight | approx. 320 g | approx. 297 g | tba |
| Battery life | 4.5 to 9 hours 4.5 to 6 hours (pre-2019 model) |
4.5 – 9 hours | tba |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Bluetooth 4.1 |
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Bluetooth 4.1 |
tba |
As in the past, it is possible that later Switch 2 models may be slightly modified, but for now these are the values Nintendo is quoting. As soon as we learn more, we will of course update the article immediately.
Switch 2: The specs in detail
Please note: The following information is still based on leaked information, as Nintendo is still keeping the exact technical data under wraps. As already mentioned, some of the data from the leaks has already been confirmed.
- Processor:The Switch 2 is said to be equipped with a customized NVIDIA Tegra chip (T239) that uses ARM A78C CPU cores.
- Graphics: The GPU is supposedly based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture. This brings features like DLSS within reach. During the Nintendo Direct, we also saw that there will be performance and quality modes. This confirms that some form of upscaling is used. Good to know: The Ampere architecture is known from Nvidia’s 3000 series cards, which have been around for a few years now.
- Memory:The internal storage will be 256GB, as Nintendo itself has announced. The memory can also be upgraded with a special microSD, which is currently only available from Nintendo. This may change in the future.
- Display: The display will be noticeably larger than that of the first Switch at 7.9 inches. Nintendo has also already announced that the screen will have 120 hertz and HDR. The resolution is up to 4K (2160p) when docked. In handheld mode, it will be a maximum of Full HD (1080p).
Many fans are hoping for an OLED version, as this would be particularly beneficial for handheld gamers – similar to the OLED version of the first Switch.
Switch 2: What else is happening with the hardware
In addition to the features listed here, Nintendo has mainly worked on the social functions of the console: a chat button, an in-house Discord alternative and an additionally available external camera are available at launch.
Also available at release: a new Pro controller for the console.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed: the Switch 2 has a mouse function on both controllers and a stand to use the console in table mode. For more information on the highlights of the new console, check out our linked overview.
