Nintendo Switch 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Console

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I. Hardware Upgrades: Transforming from a Handheld to a Home Entertainment Hub

1. Screen and Display Revolution

  • 7.9 - inch 1080P LCD Screen: Compared to the 6.2 - inch 720P screen of the original Switch, the display area has increased by 30%, and the resolution has doubled. It supports 120Hz refresh rate and HDR display. In handheld mode, it can smoothly run games like "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom", and in docked mode, it supports 4K/60Hz or 1080P/120Hz output, which is suitable for high - end TVs.
  • Wide - Gamut Technology: The color performance is closer to reality than the previous OLED version, making it perfect for games with delicate graphics such as "Animal Crossing: New Horizons".

2. Performance Leap: Tegra T239 Chip

  • NVIDIA - Customized Processor: The GPU computing power is 6 times that of the original Switch, supporting DLSS 3 and ray - tracing technology. Although the specific number of cores has not been announced, it has been confirmed that it can smoothly run third - party blockbusters such as "Cyberpunk 2077" and "Elden Ring". The rendering efficiency of the open - world scenes in "Mario Kart World" has increased by 50%.
  • 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: The RAM has doubled, and the storage capacity has been significantly increased from 64GB to 256GB. It also supports up to 2TB MicroSD Express card expansion (but requires a dedicated high - speed card).

3. Joy - Con Controller Innovation

  • Magnetic Connection: Avoids the problem of the slide rail falling off. A new "C button" is added to support voice chat and quick operations. The size of the shoulder buttons and joysticks has been optimized, and an optical sensor is equipped on the side, which can simulate mouse operations and is suitable for motion - sensing games like "Drag x Drive".
  • Hall - Effect Joysticks: Solves the drift problem fundamentally. FCC certification indicates that the controller may adopt this technology.

4. Battery Life and Charging

  • 5220mAh Battery: The battery life is 2 - 6.5 hours, which is similar to the original Switch but weaker than subsequent models. It supports 65W fast charging and can be charged while playing in docked mode, with a full charge in 3 hours.

II. Features and Services: Strengthening Cross - Platform and Social Experiences

1. Game Compatibility

  • Full Compatibility Strategy: Supports all Switch physical cartridges and digital games, but some old - style MicroSD cards need to be replaced with dedicated high - speed cards. Enhanced versions of classic works such as "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" will be launched, supporting 4K resolution and 120 frames.
  • Virtual Game Cards: Family members can share digital games for 14 days, similar to the exchange of physical cartridges.

2. Network and Social Features

  • Game Chat: Supports real - time voice/video calls for up to 12 people. It can be quickly awakened through the C button. With a camera accessory, the player's image can be superimposed on the game screen, such as in the new interactive levels of "Super Mario Party".
  • Game Share: Allows up to 3 devices to share games and supports cross - platform online play (such as "It Takes Two").
  • Wi - Fi 6 Upgrade: Improves online stability and reduces latency in multiplayer games like "Splatoon 3".

3. Localization Services

  • Unclear on the Chinese Mainland Version: Tencent previously represented the Switch OLED version, and it is speculated that the cooperation may continue. It should be noted that Tencent has announced that it will stop the network services for the old - style Chinese - mainland - version Switch in 2026, and the localization strategy for the new model still needs to be observed.

III. Launch Games and Lineup: The Joint Efforts of First - Party and Third - Party

1. Nintendo First - Party Games

  • "Mario Kart World": Exclusive at launch, with an open - world design, supporting day - night cycles and weather systems. Players can drive motorcycles and go - karts to explore. The enhanced graphics and performance on Switch 2 will make the vibrant tracks and colorful characters come to life even more vividly. The new open - world aspect adds a sense of exploration, allowing players to discover hidden shortcuts and secrets in a way never before possible in the Mario Kart series.
  • "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild + Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced Edition": Upgraded graphics, supporting 4K/HDR, and the frame rate has been increased to 60 frames. The Switch 2's hardware capabilities will enhance the already - immersive Hyrule world. The detailed landscapes, from the vast grasslands to the towering mountains, will look more realistic, and the smooth 60 - frame rate will make combat and exploration feel even more fluid.
  • "Donkey Kong: Bananza": A 3D platform action game, to be released on July 17. This game is set to take advantage of the Switch 2's processing power to deliver stunning visuals in the Donkey Kong universe. The vibrant jungle environments, detailed character models, and smooth animations will make every jump, roll, and barrel - blast more engaging.

2. Third - Party Blockbusters

  • "Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition", "Elden Ring", "Hogwarts Legacy": Launched simultaneously, with optimized performance adaptation. Despite the hardware gap compared to some other consoles, Switch 2's DLSS technology will help these games achieve playable frame rates. For example, "Cyberpunk 2077" on Switch 2 can offer a 1080P/30 - frame experience, allowing players to explore the neon - lit Night City on the go.
  • "It Takes Two": A cooperative game by Hazelight Studios, supporting cross - platform online play, launched on June 5. The game's unique co - op mechanics, where both players need to work together to solve puzzles and progress, are a great fit for the Switch 2's social features. With Game Chat, players can communicate seamlessly while navigating the game's creative levels.
  • "Civilization 7", "Hades 2": Representatives of strategy and Roguelike games, joining the launch lineup. "Civilization 7" will benefit from the Switch 2's increased processing power, enabling more complex civilizations, larger maps, and smoother gameplay. "Hades 2" will offer a fast - paced, action - packed Roguelike experience with its stylish graphics and intense combat, which the Switch 2 can handle with ease.

3. Upcoming Games

  • "Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade", "Borderlands 4": To be released within 2025. "Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade" will bring the beloved RPG to Switch 2, with its iconic characters and story. The game's high - quality cutscenes and detailed environments will look great on the Switch 2's screen. "Borderlands 4" will continue the series' tradition of over - the - top loot - shooting action, with the Switch 2's hardware ensuring smooth gunfights and a colorful, chaotic world to explore.
  • "The Dusk Bloods" by FromSoftware: Exclusive to Switch 2, to be launched in 2026. As an exclusive title, "The Dusk Bloods" is likely to be optimized specifically for the Switch 2. Given FromSoftware's reputation for creating challenging and immersive games like "Dark Souls" and "Elden Ring", fans can expect a unique and demanding experience on their Switch 2 consoles.

IV. Pricing and Release: Significant Differences in Global Pricing

1. Release Date

  • June 5, 2025: Launched globally, and the pre - order channels are already open on the official Nintendo website and e - commerce platforms.

2. Regional Pricing

RegionVersionPrice (in RMB)
JapanDomestic Version2430 yuan
JapanMultilingual Version3400 yuan
North AmericaStandard Version3250 yuan
Hong Kong, ChinaStandard Version3237 yuan
Chinese MainlandNot Announced YetExpected 2500 - 3000 yuan

3. Accessory Prices

  • Camera: 5980 yen (about 291 yuan), supporting video chat and live streaming.
  • Pro Controller: 9980 yen (about 485 yuan), with a new C button supporting voice functions.

V. Controversies and Challenges: Performance and Market Positioning

1. Performance Comparison

  • Hardware Gap: The hardware of Switch 2 still lags behind the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X. 4K output relies on dynamic resolution, and some third - party games need to reduce image quality for operation. However, its portability and Nintendo's first - party IPs are still its core competitiveness.
  • DLSS Technology: Compensates for performance deficiencies through AI rendering. "Cyberpunk 2077" can achieve 1080P/30 frames on Switch 2, while on PS5, it can reach 4K/60 frames.

2. Battery Life and Storage

  • Insufficient Battery Life: The 5220mAh battery has a battery life of less than 3 hours under high - load games, and it only supports dedicated high - speed MicroSD cards, requiring the replacement of old cards.
  • Storage Cost: The 256GB built - in storage may not be enough, and an additional high - speed card (such as the Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Express) needs to be purchased.

3. Market Competition

  • Cost - Effectiveness Test: After the price cuts of Sony's PS5 Slim and Microsoft's Xbox Series S, the cost - effectiveness of Switch 2 faces challenges. However, Nintendo differentiates itself through family users and portable scenarios.

VI. Purchase Recommendations: How to Choose a Version and Accessories

1. Version Selection

  • Japanese/Multilingual Version: Supports global games, suitable for players who pursue a full game lineup.
  • Chinese Mainland Version: If Tencent represents it, there may be warranty and localization services, but the network service policy needs to be observed.

2. Recommended Accessories

  • High - Speed MicroSD Card: Samsung EVO Select (256GB), SanDisk Extreme (512GB).
  • Camera: Matches the GameChat function, suitable for multiplayer online games.
  • Pro Controller: Suitable for games that require precise operation, such as "The Legend of Zelda".

3. Pre - order Channels

  • JD International: Pre - orders are open, and sales will start on June 5.
  • Nintendo Official Website: The Japanese version is sold through a lottery, and the multilingual version can be purchased directly.

Conclusion: The Strategic Significance of Switch 2

As Nintendo's first new console in 8 years, Switch 2 has consolidated its position as a "home entertainment hub" through hardware upgrades and functional innovations. Although its performance is not at the top level, relying on first - party IPs and cross - platform compatibility, it is still expected to continue the global best - selling trend of the Switch. For players, the launch lineup and price strategy on June 5 will be the key factors determining the purchase. With a diverse range of games, from the innovative "Mario Kart World" to the highly - anticipated "The Dusk Bloods", the Switch 2 offers something for every type of gamer, whether you're a fan of Nintendo's classic franchises or looking to explore new third - party titles on a portable and powerful console.

title：Nintendo Switch 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Console
author：Lily‌
url：https://ourvlog.net/articles/2025/04/03/1743691099966.html

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