Nintendo has released an ASMR-like YouTube video showcasing some of the differences between the Switch and its next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 console.
The Switch 2, which is set to launch later this year, has a much larger screen than its predecessor — which, in turn, means its Joy-Con controllers are also becoming larger and more comfortable. They attach magnetically this time around. Notably missing from the trailer is the right Joy-Con’s fabled “C” button, which has been mystifying gamers poring over the Switch 2’s countless leaks: the trailer shows an unlabelled button instead, although whether that’s its “final” look or not is anybody’s guess.
The console itself looks a bit more “premium” than the OG Switch, with rounded edges and a slightly “gritty” textured look, although it’s hard to say whether we’re looking at plastic or aluminium at this point. It does look like the texture extends to the Joy-Cons, though.
There’s a new USB-C port on the top edge of the console, as well as the one on the bottom, and we’re pleased to see the 3.5″ headphone jack is sticking around for at least one more generation. Meanwhile, the Switch 2’s kickstand looks to be a step up even from the one found on the OLED Switch, offering greater stability and a wide range of viewing angles.
We were treated to a glimpse of the new Dock, which leaves more of the Switch 2’s screen peeking out (will it be used for a nice, “ambient” heads-up display? We do not know), as well as the Joy-Con grip. There are also new Joy-Con wrist straps, which I expect will be used just as often as the ones that came with the original Switch (i.e. never).
A new Mario Kart game was shown running on the new hardware and, it has to be said, it doesn’t really look like a generational leap over the decade-old Mario Kart 8. Considering the Switch 2 is rumoured to be as powerful as a PlayStation 4 in Handheld Mode (or a PS4 Pro when Docked), you’d at least want its big launch title to be pushing Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled levels of visual splendour. Consider us “whelmed”.
We finish on a confirmation that, yes, the Switch 2 does still use game cartridges and that, yes, it will be backwards-compatible with our existing Switch game libraries — although “certain Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2”.
There’s a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on Wednesday, 2nd April, so any burning questions we’ve still got about Nintendo’s next-gen offerings will have to wait until then.
Don’t miss your chance to get tickets to the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour, which is heading to 15 cities starting in April. We’ve got all the details.