30 Details From the Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Trailer

The wait is over! Nintendo has officially announced its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. While the name and design might seem familiar at first glance, a closer look reveals a host of exciting changes and enhancements. Here, we delve into 30 fascinating details from the reveal trailer that showcase how Nintendo has evolved its iconic hybrid console.

From a new face button to innovative Joy-Con functionalities, the Nintendo Switch 2 promises to redefine gaming experiences. Let's explore everything unveiled in the trailer.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

28 Images01 - The Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor but is slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con are both taller, making the console about 15% bigger than the original.

02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors are replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey, giving the console a more refined, Steam Deck-like aesthetic.

03 - Despite the monochrome exterior, the console retains a nod to the original with a ring of color around each analogue stick and along the inner edges of both the console and Joy-Con. This color-coding system helps with easy reattachment—red to red, blue to blue.

04 - The Joy-Con no longer slide into place using rails; they now slot directly into the device with a connector on the main unit that plugs into a port on the Joy-Con. Rumors suggest magnets might be used to secure them, similar to Apple’s Magsafe technology.

05 - A new trigger system on the rear of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment. A piston-like component inside the Joy-Con pushes it away from the console when the trigger is squeezed.

06 - The classic control layout on the front of the Joy-Cons remains unchanged, with offset analogue sticks and the familiar arrangement of face buttons, plus the Plus and Minus buttons at the top, and the capture and Home buttons at the bottom.

07 - Below the Home button, a new, unlabelled button has been added, leaving its purpose a mystery.

08 - The L and R shoulder buttons are in their usual spots, with deeper and more rounded ZL and ZR triggers beneath them, promising improved comfort and usability.

09 - The analogue sticks have a low-profile design with a smaller inner ring and thicker, taller rims for better grip and support.

10 - The NFC Amiibo interface might still be present despite being invisible in the trailer, but the IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con seems to be absent, likely due to its limited use in games.

11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con have been enlarged, making them much easier to use when playing with individual controllers.

12 - The player indicator LEDs are now on the forward-facing edge of the connector strip, still using the familiar green lights.

13 - Between the SL and SR buttons, the connector port is accompanied by a Sync button for pairing and an intriguing clear lens, possibly a laser sensor that could enable mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Con.

14 - The trailer hints at this potential with Joy-Con moving like mice when connected to wrist-straps.

15 - The wrist-straps themselves have been redesigned and color-coded to match the internal splash of each Joy-Con.

16 - The main console features a larger screen, though not as edge-to-edge as the Switch OLED. The display technology remains undisclosed, but it's a significant upgrade from the original Switch.

17 - The top edge of the console retains the power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill split into three vents instead of five.

18 - The Game Card slot is unchanged and remains the only visible slot, indicating the Switch 2's cartridges will be compatible with the original Switch.

19 - A new USB-C port on the top edge alongside the headphone jack sparks curiosity about potential new peripherals or connectivity options.

20 - Downward-firing speakers replace the original rear-facing ones, promising better sound quality.

21 - A new full-length kickstand on the back of the console offers multiple angles and is supported by rubber feet for stability.

22 - The console can still be docked to play on a TV, with a dock design that's nearly identical to the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.

23 - A new controller peripheral for the Joy-Con is introduced, though it appears to maintain the somewhat uncomfortable design of its predecessor.

24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, showcasing a starting line that can accommodate 24 racers, doubling the original's capacity.

25 - A new track named "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit" hints at a larger, more varied racing environment with American-inspired elements.

26 - The trailer confirms a roster of ten characters: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, seen briefly.

27 - Backwards compatibility is promised, though some games may not be supported, particularly those requiring the original Joy-Con rail system.

28 - The Switch 2 is slated for release in 2025, with a more specific date expected soon.

29 - More details will be revealed during a Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.

30 - Following the Direct, fans can experience the console firsthand at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, a worldwide tour from April to June, starting in New York and Paris. Tickets are available through a free ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.

These are the 30 key features unveiled by the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage as we approach the console's release.