Months after their big reveal, Nintendo’s finally launched its long-awaited Switch 2. And as the follow-up to their best-selling home console ever, it’s no wonder it’s been dominating Nintendo news headlines. But is the sequel that much better than the OG system which changed the game back in 2017?

We’ve pitted the new Nintendo Switch 2 against the older model to help you decide whether it’s worth upgrading — comparing their designs, hardware, battery life, and loads more. Let’s-a-go!

Switch 2 vs. Switch: specs at a glance

Before we get into all the nitty gritty, here’s a quick look at how the Nintendo Switch 2’s specs stack up against the Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite:

Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch: design and build

The latest Nintendo console looks very similar to the previous system, with the same hybrid design that lets you switch things up between handheld, tabletop, and TV modes. It’s got a tablet-like touchscreen, detachable Joy-Con controllers, and a dock for recharging the console and connecting it to your telly. So, what makes the Switch 2 different?

Nintendo made it clear in their first-look trailer (from all the way back in January) that the Switch 2 is bigger in just about every way. Its screen’s been stretched to 7.9 inches, making it 1.6 times larger than the Nintendo Switch. It has a kickstand which now covers the full width of the console for sturdier support in tabletop mode. And its new Joy-Con 2 controllers have been expanded a little so they’re less fiddly to use.

By beefing up the hardware a bit, you’ll be able to see more action on a Switch 2 and play with extra comfort. Especially as that redesigned kickstand’s adjustable too, so you can prop the console up at the perfect viewing angle. While its display and Joy-Cons have been bumped up in size, the Switch 2 won’t weigh you down when you’re on the go. That’s because it’s just as slim as the first-gen Switch, making it a mere 137 grams heavier in your hands.

Switch 2 display: big screen upgrade or small step forward?

The Switch 2’s screen isn’t just more immersive than the original Switch’s display — it’s nicer to look at too. The new console has the same LCD tech, but it’s now capable of Full HD (1080p) resolution. That means it boasts twice as many pixels as the old system’s display, so games will look sharper and more detailed.

What’s more, the Switch 2’s screen shines brighter and has HDR support for improved contrast between the lightest and darkest areas. It not only boosts realism, but helps you see more in murky horror games and nighttime crime capers like Yakuza 0 Director's Cut. It’s oh-so smooth too, with up to 120 fps gameplay (60 frames per second more than the Switch) and VRR tech that keeps frame skips and flickers at bay.

The latest console’s screen doesn’t have quite as much depth as the Switch OLED, which shows perfect blacks and a wider range of colours. But the Switch 2’s display is better than the standard Switch’s. So, if you love tackling quests and tearing up the track in handheld or tabletop modes — that upgraded screen will really bring your fave titles to life.

Joy-Con controllers: what's new?

Time for the most talked about feature after that first reveal trailer — the new Nintendo Switch 2 controllers. Like we said, they’re bulkier than the Switch 1 versions and offer a better grip when playing with a single Joy-Con 2 on its side. They also have enlarged left and right sticks that feel smoother. Plus, longer L and R buttons and bigger SL and SR buttons for greater control overall.

But what’s really drawn people in is the Joy-Con 2’s magnetic snap-on design. It makes them way easier to attach and detach compared to the original Switch controllers, which have a sliding rail connection instead. So, not only can you waste less time faffing and more time gaming, but those magnets will stop you misplacing a Joy-Con too. They’re seriously strong.

There’s another cool thing Joy-Con 2s do. They double up as mice! With tiny built-in sensors, all you have to do is place their colourful side face down on a table or desk and slide them around. These mouse controls open up more ways to play over the original Switch and bring PC-like precision to selected games. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond coming soon, we reckon the Joy-Con 2s will make aiming at those dastardly space pirates a lot easier.

Hello, GameChat…

A mysterious square button on the Switch 2’s right (red) controller was a real puzzler after the first-look trailer dropped. We now know it launches GameChat, a feature exclusive to Switch 2 that lets you and up to 11 of your friends speak as you play. Just hit the button to strike up a convo!

Thanks to the Switch 2’s built-in microphone, there’s no need to spend extra on a separate mic either. And it’s been cleverly designed to pick up your voice from far away with minimal background noise. So, if the console’s docked by your telly and you’re a couple of metres away on the sofa — you’ll sound loud and clear.

You can share your screen in real-time with up to four friends too, even if you're playing different games. It’s perfect if your mate needs some tactical advice on a tricky level. And GameChat is free on Switch 2 until 31 March 2026, so upgrading now will give you more time to enjoy this feature before a Nintendo Switch Online membership is needed.

Storage and RAM

You won’t be running out of space for downloads and save files for a while on a Switch 2. It’s got 256 GB of built-in storage, which is eight times more than what you get with an original Switch (at just 32 GB). And quadruple the storage of the Switch OLED, which has 64 GB.

Older Switch models can have their storage expanded with microSD cards though — all the way up to 2 TB. And the Switch 2 can as well, but you shouldn’t have to shell out for one quite so soon. If you do fill it up, you’ll need to use microSD Express cards. That’s because the Switch 2 is designed to take advantage of the quicker read and write speeds that those cards offer.

Speaking of speedier gameplay, the Nintendo Switch 2’s RAM (memory) has been upgraded from 4 GB to 12 GB too. This should make everything feel smoother with games loading faster. Nintendo confirmed that you won’t have to wait as long when warping in their Switch 2 Edition The Legend of Zelda games — giving you more time to explore Hyrule and conquer dungeons.

Switch 2 vs Switch: Battery life comparison

Battery life is one area where the Switch 2 loses out to the previous console. It’ll last 2 to 6.5 hours depending on what game you’re playing. While the Switch 1 can go for 4.5 to 9 hours on a single charge.

That might be disappointing news to hear if you mostly play your current Switch in handheld or tabletop modes. And especially if you want to run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition or Mario Kart World, which will drain the battery faster.

But it’s worth remembering that there’s a bigger and brighter display which the Switch 2’s battery has to power — along with twice as many pixels. If you mostly keep your Switch docked in TV mode though, the Switch 2’s battery life will be no biggie as it’ll stay topped up all the time.

Switch 2 backwards compatibility: will current Switch games work?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 can run most original Switch games without any trouble, including both physical and downloaded titles. You can even use the System Transfer function to move all your Nintendo Account data (including purchased digital games) from your old console to the new model. It makes the switch totally seamless!

Or, you can use the recently added Virtual Game Cards feature to transfer specific digital games. That way, you can literally just pick right up from where you left off.

Nintendo Switch 2 ports: can you connect more?

The new Switch 2 not only has twice as many pixels but double the USB-C ports of the original system too. With an extra input on top, you can easily plug in gaming accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (sold separately) and see your mates when using GameChat.

Plus, it’ll let you charge up the console’s battery when playing in tabletop mode — something the Switch 1 doesn’t allow (unless you buy the adjustable charging stand).

Should I upgrade to a Switch 2?

It’s fair to say that the Switch 2 is more evolutionary than revolutionary. And that’s why it made perfect sense for Nintendo to just add a ‘2’ than call it something totally new. But that’s not to say that the Switch 2 is only a slightly improved Switch. That’s because apart from its battery life, the new console is vastly superior to the older model in every department.

Its bulked-up hardware makes it comfier to play. Its screen is bigger, brighter, and sharper. It can output up to 4K resolution on a TV. And with new features like mouse mode for the Joy-Cons and GameChat, it offers new playing styles and more ways to have fun with family and friends. If you love all things Nintendo, it’s a no-brainer to switch it up.

Nintendo Switch trade-in

Want to upgrade to a Switch 2? You can trade-in your old Switch at Currys and put that money towards the latest Nintendo console. Wahoo!

Nintendo Switch 2 games you won't want to miss

We’ve compiled every single title you can play right now in our all Nintendo Switch 2 launch games article. It covers Switch 2 Editions, GameCube classics, and games that’ll be launching later this year and into 2026.

If you’re happy to keep playing your existing Switch for the foreseeable, don’t forget that there are plenty of epic upcoming Nintendo Switch games in 2025. Including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends Z-A, two of the most anticipated Nintendo games in recent years.

Want to learn more?

We hope you’re now feeling clued up on the Switch 2 and how it stacks up against the previous model. If you’re not sure if it’s for you, how about really switching things up with a PlayStation or Xbox? Our everything you need to know about the PS5 and Xbox Series X guides will get you up to speed on these extremely powerful consoles.

We’ve got loads more gaming news here on TechTalk too. And if you love keeping up with all the latest console games, our upcoming games page is the place to be. It’s filled with all the hottest releases and previews of what’s coming out next.