"Switch 2 Outshines Original: 10 Key Improvements"

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! On Wednesday, the gaming heavens opened up, and the divine hand of Shigeru Miyamoto bestowed upon us the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. After years of speculation and rumors, we finally have a clear picture of this next-generation console hybrid, and it's everything we hoped for and more.

While the Switch 2 is sleek, compact, and powerful, the rumors about it including a tiny Reggie in every GPU turned out to be false. However, after spending an hour dissecting every detail of the Nintendo Direct, we can now provide you with solid facts about the Switch 2, showcasing how it surpasses its beloved predecessor in numerous ways.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch

It's no surprise that the Switch 2 boasts significantly improved graphics over the original Switch, as this has been the trend with every new Nintendo console. The original Switch, launched in 2017, was not a cutting-edge powerhouse compared to its contemporaries, and over the years, it struggled with more demanding games.

The Switch 2 promises a vastly improved experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p, docked up to 4K, both with HDR, and frame rates extending up to 120 fps. This upgrade opens the door for a wider variety of games, as evidenced by EA's commitment to bring soccer and football games to the platform, and 2K's plans for wrestling and basketball titles.

Third-party developers showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, demonstrating the Switch 2's increased capabilities. Nintendo's first-party offerings looked equally stunning, setting a high bar for visual quality on the console.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch 2 doesn’t

The beloved GameCube games are now available through Nintendo Switch Online, but only on the Switch 2. This move effectively creates a divide between the online experiences on the original Switch and the Switch 2. To enjoy classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 with Link, you'll need to upgrade to the new hardware.

Soul Calibur 2, in particular, is a gem that's a must-play with a friend.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

The most groundbreaking announcement of the week is the Switch 2's enhanced online features. Nintendo introduces GameChat, a comprehensive communication and visual sharing system. A noise-cancelling microphone allows for clear voice chats, and an optional desktop camera enables face-to-face interaction in games like Mario Party. You can also share screens across consoles remotely, a feature that promises to revolutionize multiplayer gaming.

With GameChat, you can easily talk to and see your friends, making multiplayer gaming more enjoyable than ever. This feature has the potential to transform games like Monster Hunter, where teams can benefit from shared screens during hunts.

4. Magnetic Joy Cons

A feature we'd guessed but still found exciting is the magnetic Joy-Cons. They now snap to the Switch 2's body instead of slotting in, thanks to steel shoulder buttons and magnetic sides. A simple button press releases them, making it easier to handle the console, especially when docked.

5. A bigger screen

The Switch 2 features a slightly larger 7.9-inch screen, which, combined with the 1080p resolution, should enhance the gaming experience. The original Switch compromised on screen size for portability, but the Switch 2 strikes a better balance, giving more space for its feature-rich games to shine.

6. Mouse controls

Nintendo introduced an innovative mouse control feature with the Switch 2 Joy-Cons. When laid on its side, a Joy-Con can be used to provide precise pointing and rotation, supported by launch titles like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4.

While the mouse feature might not see widespread use beyond the launch window, it's a game-changer for titles like Metroid Prime 4, especially for PC gamers who prefer mouse controls in FPS games.

7. More storage

The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of external storage, a significant increase from the original Switch. However, with larger game files due to enhanced graphics, this might not be as much of a boon as it seems. The memory is also faster, which is crucial for handling larger files, but you'll need a new, faster memory card for supplemental storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2

Nintendo has made several tweaks to the Switch 2 based on nearly a decade of feedback. The console now features two USB-C ports, including one on top for charging in kickstand mode, an added fan in the dock for better cooling, larger sticks, and improved sound capabilities.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller also sees upgrades, with an audio jack and assignable buttons. The adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode is a subtle but significant improvement, making it easier to play in various settings.

These enhancements, coupled with the new mouse feature, make the Switch 2 a versatile device for both tabletop and handheld gaming.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

The Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, a smart move by Nintendo, following the successful example set by Microsoft with Xbox. Additionally, certain Switch titles like Metroid Prime 4 will have special Switch 2 Editions with enhanced features, including a choice between Quality Mode and Performance Mode.

If you already own the original game, you can purchase a Switch 2 Edition upgrade to enjoy these new features. Hopefully, this upgrade won't be too costly. There's also hope that notoriously janky Pokémon games could see improvements with these enhanced editions.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth

Mario Kart World introduces a continuous world similar to Forza Horizon, allowing for free-mode exploration and races between courses. The game also supports up to 24 carts, promising chaotic and thrilling races.

Nintendo also teased a new Kirby's Air Ride game, Kirby's Air Riders, with the involvement of Masahiro Sakurai, which has fans excited despite the original Air Ride's lukewarm reception. The Duskbloods, an exclusive Miyazaki game, looks like a thrilling new title that promises challenging gameplay and a unique experience.

Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------

The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

AnswerSee ResultsDonkey Kong Bananza marks the triumphant return of the iconic character to 3D gaming, promising a landmark adventure that showcases the Switch 2's capabilities. Nintendo's recent success with 3D platformers like Super Mario Odyssey and Kirby and the Forgotten Land sets high expectations for Bananza, which is designed to take full advantage of the new hardware.