The Nintendo Switch 2
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Nintendo has officially revealed the highly anticipated Switch 2, set to launch this June. In a recent episode of Tech News Weekly, host Mikah Sargent spoke with Ars Technica's Kyle Orland, who had hands-on experience with the new device.
Hardware Upgrades: Bigger, Better, Faster
The most noticeable upgrade is the size. The Switch 2 is slightly larger than its predecessor, which will be welcome news for adult players who found the original Joy-Cons too small. The expanded 7.9-inch screen is described by Orland as "a revelation to see in person," providing significantly more screen real estate than the original Switch or even the Steam Deck.
Despite the larger size, the Switch 2 maintains a portable form factor that's still lighter and thinner than competitors like the Steam Deck. The hardware specifications are impressive: 1080p resolution at 120 frames per second in handheld mode, and up to 4K resolution when docked. The addition of HDR colors further enhances the visual experience.
Performance-wise, while Orland notes that the Switch 2 won't compete with the PS5, it approaches "PS4 Pro levels of performance." This represents a significant upgrade from the original Switch, which struggled with newer titles like Tears of the Kingdom, often displaying frame rate issues and stuttering.
The C Button: Nintendo's New Approach to Online Communication
One of the most surprising new features is the inclusion of a dedicated "C button" that enables game chat with voice and screen sharing capabilities. This marks a significant shift in Nintendo's traditionally cautious approach to online communication.
Orland explains that Nintendo recognized how younger gamers are accustomed to chatting with friends while gaming on other devices, and decided to integrate this functionality directly into the Switch 2. The system includes a microphone and optional camera, allowing friends to see what you're playing, see you, and talk to you easily.
To address safety concerns, Nintendo has implemented strict privacy controls. The game chat features will only work with approved friends — you cannot join voice or video chats with strangers. The system also includes robust parental controls, reflecting Nintendo's continued focus on family-friendly gaming.
Mouse Mode: A New Control Option
Another innovative feature is "Mouse Mode," which transforms one Joy-Con into a mouse-like pointing device. Orland highlighted Metroid Prime 4 as a game that particularly benefits from this control scheme, offering precision aiming similar to PC first-person shooters.
However, this feature does require a flat surface to be effective. While Nintendo suggests players could use their thigh as a surface, Orland expressed skepticism about the practicality of this approach for most living room setups. The feature may be more useful for tabletop mode or desk setups.
Enhanced Classic Titles
Nintendo is releasing enhanced versions of popular Switch titles for the new console. Orland described the Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Tears of the Kingdom as "the version of the game that's meant to be played," with silky smooth frame rates, quick-loading menus, and vibrant HDR colors.
While the gameplay remains identical, the technical improvements create a more immersive experience by eliminating the stuttering that plagued the original Switch version.
Performance Comparison and Third-Party Support
Compared to current-gen consoles, the Switch 2 won't match PS5 performance levels, but Orland suggests it's comparable to the Steam Deck in terms of capabilities. This opens the door for ports of games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077, which have already been announced for the system.
While cutting-edge PC titles like Starfield might be challenging to port, Orland believes "the vast majority of releases" should run well on the Switch 2, continuing Nintendo's tradition of receiving ports of major third-party games.
Priority Purchasing System
To combat scalpers, Nintendo is implementing a priority purchasing system for the Switch 2. While the exact requirements weren't fully detailed, Orland mentioned criteria like being an online member for a year, playing at least 50 hours on Nintendo systems, and opting into data sharing programs.
This system aims to ensure the initial supply of consoles reaches genuine Nintendo fans rather than resellers looking to profit from the anticipated high demand.
Game Lineup and Pricing
Nintendo appears to be relying heavily on Mario Kart World as the system's primary launch title, with Donkey Kong Bonanza and Metroid Prime 4 rounding out the first-party lineup. Unlike the original Switch's launch, which featured both Breath of the Wild and (shortly after) Super Mario Odyssey, the initial first-party offerings seem more limited.
The pricing for Switch 2 games has raised some eyebrows, with Mario Kart World commanding $80 and other titles reaching PlayStation/Xbox price points. Orland speculates that Nintendo is testing the market with these higher prices and will likely adjust if sales don't meet expectations, citing historical precedent with the 3DS price reduction.
The Nintendo Switch 2 itself is priced at $450, with a bundle option that includes Mario Kart World for an additional $50.
Looking Ahead
While the announced lineup might seem limited compared to the original Switch's stellar first year, Orland suggests Nintendo is "keeping their powder dry" and likely has more titles in development that haven't yet been revealed. He notes that Nintendo doesn't necessarily announce games far in advance anymore, so we could see surprise announcements and releases throughout 2025 and beyond.
For now, Nintendo seems confident that when the console launches on June 5th, pent-up demand for a more powerful Switch and the draw of Mario Kart will carry them through the console's first holiday season.
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