Nintendo Switch 2 first look and details

After years of speculation and official hints, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2 through a first-look trailer and a promotional website. The new console introduces several small but significant updates compared to the original Switch, including a larger tablet with a bigger screen and slightly more rounded edges on the top and bottom. Notable hardware upgrades include an additional USB-C port positioned next to the headphone jack and a redesigned U-shaped kickstand on the back, which offers greater stability and supports multiple angles.

The Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 have also been redesigned, appearing larger than those of the original model and featuring colored accents behind the joysticks. The updated design includes an extended, colored rail on the inner edge with wider shoulder buttons and a new connection mechanism. Unlike the previous vertical sliding attachment, the new Joy-Cons snap in horizontally using what appears to be a magnetic connection, with a horizontal lever near the shoulder buttons for detachment.

A brief portion of the trailer also highlights a Joy-Con accessory, enabling the controllers to slide along a flat surface like a computer mouse - something that had been previously rumored. The system will include a new dock with heavily rounded corners and will support backward compatibility for most Nintendo Switch games, though some titles may have limitations. Nintendo confirmed that the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service will continue on the Switch 2.

In addition to the console’s hardware, the trailer teased a new Mario Kart game, which briefly appeared in the footage. More information about the Switch 2 and its games will be shared during a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch in 2025.