The wait is over, and Nintendo has officially unveiled its latest innovation: the Nintendo Switch 2. This new console might seem similar to its predecessor at first glance, but a closer look reveals a wealth of exciting enhancements. We're diving into 30 fascinating details showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, highlighting everything from new design elements to innovative gameplay features.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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01 - The Nintendo Switch 2 retains a familiar form factor, but it's slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con controllers are both bigger, with the console being approximately 15% larger than the original Switch.
02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past have been replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey, giving the console a refined, Steam Deck-inspired aesthetic.
03 - However, the Switch 2 isn't entirely devoid of color. It features a subtle nod to the original's red and blue with colorful rings around the analogue sticks and along the inner-edges of the console and Joy-Con, which also serve as a color-coded docking system.
04 - The Joy-Con connection method has evolved from sliding rails to direct slotting. Each Joy-Con now connects via a protruding port on the main unit, rumored to be secured with magnets reminiscent of Apple's Magsafe technology.
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 pushing the Joy-Con away upon squeezing the trigger.
06 - The front of the Joy-Con retains the classic control layout, with offset analogue sticks, directional buttons, A, B, X, Y face buttons, Plus and Minus buttons at the top, and the familiar square capture and circle Home buttons at the bottom.
07 - A mysterious new button beneath the Home button has sparked curiosity, as its function remains undisclosed by Nintendo.
08 - The L and R shoulder buttons and ZL and ZR triggers are in their expected positions, but the latter now feature a deeper, more rounded design for enhanced comfort and ease of use.
09 - The analogue sticks maintain a low-profile design, but with a smaller inner ring radius and taller rims for improved thumb grip and support.
10 - While the NFC Amiibo interface is not visible on the right Joy-Con, its presence isn't ruled out. Notably absent is the IR sensor from the original, which saw minimal use in Switch games.
11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con indicate continued support for using each as a standalone controller. These buttons are now significantly larger, promising easier use.
12 - The player assignment LEDs have shifted to the forward-facing edge of the Joy-Con's connector strip, still using a green color scheme.
13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons, along with the Sync button for pairing, mirrors the original Switch's design.
14 - A small, clear lens above the connector port hints at a possible laser sensor, suggesting the Joy-Con could function like a mouse, as demonstrated by their movement in the trailer.
15 - The wrist-straps return with a new design, matching the internal color accents of the Joy-Con with red and blue.
16 - The main console unit boasts a larger screen, not quite edge-to-edge like the Switch OLED, but significantly larger than the original. The display technology remains a mystery, with hopes for an OLED panel.
17 - The top edge features slightly updated power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a revised ventilation grill split into three vents.
18 - The Game Card slot stays on the top edge, confirming the same cartridge form factor for backwards compatibility.
19 - A new USB C port on the top edge adds intrigue, as the console already has a bottom-mounted USB C for docking and charging. Potential uses include new peripherals or perhaps a nostalgic link cable for games like Pokemon.
20 - Downward-firing speakers replace the original's rear-facing ones, aiming for improved audio quality.
21 - A full-length kickstand on the rear of the console promises versatility, with multiple locking angles for different viewing positions.
22 - The Switch 2 can still connect to a TV via a dock, which looks similar to the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
23 - The Joy-Con slotting controller peripheral returns, hopefully with ergonomic improvements over its predecessor.
24 - A new Mario Kart game is teased, featuring a larger starting grid for 24 racers, doubling the original Mario Kart 8's capacity.
25 - The trailer showcases a new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," with an American flavor and more open, off-road sections.
26 - Ten characters are confirmed for the new Mario Kart roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, who makes a brief appearance.
27 - Backwards compatibility is promised, though with a caveat that certain games may not be supported, likely those requiring specific Joy-Con peripherals.
28 - The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in 2025, with a more specific date expected soon.
29 - More details, including a potential release date, will be shared at the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.
30 - Fans can get hands-on experience at 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. Entry is open to Nintendo Account holders via a free ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.
These are the key highlights from the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage as we approach the console's launch.
