Nintendo unveils Switch 2 with enhanced design and compatibility

Switch 2 revealed: Improved design, backward compatibility, and new gaming experiences for enthusiasts.

Nintendo has officially announced the successor to its second-best-selling game console in the US: the Switch 2, with a teaser trailer launched on Thursday morning. The short, two-minute video gave an insight into the new hybrid console-a beloved portable and dockable form, just like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch, which has been out since 2017.

The teaser showed the new console, which was compatible with games from the original Switch, including physical cartridges. However, it was noted that some older games may not be fully supported or compatible with the new hardware. A new Mario Kart game was also teased, which could be a follow-up to the best-selling "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe."

The Switch 2 will continue to support Joy-Con controllers, which include motion controls and can be attached to the console or used wirelessly. The controllers are now larger to complement the new, bigger LCD screen. The Switch 2 is expected to use an LCD screen, unlike the OLED version of the original Switch, but information on display quality is still scarce. It has remained almost similar to the original design, though the console is all black with the blue and red accents showing up through the seams and under the joysticks.

Rumors suggest that the Switch 2 will offer graphics performance just shy of the PlayStation 4 Pro, released in 2016. While the portable form factor likely limits its raw power compared to the PlayStation 5 or Xbox consoles, it is expected to rival portable systems like Valve’s Steam Deck.

In two years, this Switch has outsold 146 million units to date. No wonder, this has contributed greatly to the profits of the firm in their best gaming years to date. About the Switch 2, more will be known April 2, 2025; hands-on follows.