TheNintendo Switch 2isn’t just a new console — it’s a full hardware evolution designed to modernize everything that made the original an absolute hit. With improved performance and all-new features, it addresses longtime requests while introducing ideas that push Nintendo’s hybrid design forward.
From enhanced connectivity to sharper visuals and expanded input options, the Switch 2 brings meaningful changes that impact gameplay, social interaction, and comfort. Whether you’re upgrading from the original or jumping in for the first time, these are the biggest changes that make the Nintendo Switch 2 feel truly next-gen.
7New Camera Add-On
Optional, Creative, And Surprisingly Social
Unlike its predecessor, the Switch 2 supports an official camera accessory via USB-C. While it’s not built into the console, this peripheral unlocks video chat and new gameplay applications. The most notable version is the Piranha Plant camera by Hori — a charming add-on with a bendable stem and built-in privacy shutter.
Beyond novelty, the camera works with upcoming software to support augmented interactions and face tracking, especially in party gameslike Super Mario Party Jamboree. It’s also compatible with GameChat features, giving players a visual element while chatting. By offering a modular approach to video functionality, Nintendo adds social flexibility without compromising portability or battery life.
6Dedicated Chat Button
Say Hello To The ‘C’ Button
Nintendo’s new Joy-Con design introduces the ‘C’ button, located on the right controller, and it’s not just another input. This button launches GameChat, Nintendo’s integrated voice and (with a camera) video chat system. It’s an overdue but welcome shift from the clunky phone-based voice chat the original Switch relied on.
GameChat lets you connect with friends seamlessly during online sessions, team battles, or co-op experiences — no app required. This makes games like Super Mario Party Jamboreeor Splatoon 3feel much more social and dynamic. The addition also opens the door for in-game communication cues, transforming the Switch 2 into a more connected platform.
5Built-In Microphone
No More Workarounds For Voice Chat
The Switch 2 finally includes a built-in microphone, located on the top of the console, giving players native voice chat support for the first time on a Nintendo handheld. This small addition has huge implications for online play, accessibility, and game design.
Whether you’re issuing commands in a team shooter or chatting during a turn-based RPG, the microphone allows for clear, noise-filtered communication without external accessories. Combined with the GameChat system and enhanced online infrastructure, this feature turns the Switch 2 into a truly multiplayer-ready device. It also opens the door to voice-recognition minigames and accessibility options, long absent from Nintendo’s hardware lineup.
4Cooler On The Dock
Better Performance Without The Heat
The new Switch 2 dock includes a built-in cooling system, helping the console maintain optimal performance during docked play. This is especially important given the Switch 2’s enhanced specs — including 4K output — which can strain hardware over time.
With this cooler, you can expect quieter operation, fewer thermal slowdowns, and potentially longer hardware life. It’s a subtle change, but one that reflects Nintendo’s intention to treat docked mode as a high-performance experience. This also benefits long play sessions, especially for visually intensive games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or expansive open-world titles.
34K Resolution
The Sharpest Nintendo Has Ever Looked
One of the biggest visual leaps in Nintendo history, the Switch 2 supports 4K resolution in docked mode, delivering sharper textures, cleaner edges, and more detailed environments. Games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom– Switch 2 Edition and Metroid Prime 4 are set to take full advantage.
This boost doesn’t just look better — it helps Nintendo titles compete more evenly with other modern consoles on visual terms while still retaining their signature art styles. Combined with improved frame rates and HDR support in some titles, 4K resolution makes the Switch 2 feel more like a console and less like a compromise.
2Magnets For The Joy-Cons
No More Wobble, No More Slide
Joy-Con drift might still haunt players, but the physical wobble and insecure attachments of the original Joy-Cons are a thing of the past. The Switch 2’s controllers use magnetic rails that snap into place cleanly and securely, providing a more solid, satisfying grip on the console.
The improved connection doesn’t just feel better — it reduces wear, simplifies docking, and improves responsiveness in handheld mode. The magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental detachment but still easy to remove when needed. It’s one of those subtle upgrades that feels better immediately, even if it isn’t flashy.
1Mouse Control
Precision And Accessibility, Nintendo Style
In a surprising move, the Switch 2 introduces mouse-style control via the new Joy-Con 2 sensors, offering a fresh layer of precision for compatible games. This includes cursor-driven menu navigation, creative tools, and even FPS aiming — all without needing a physical mouse.
The feature shines in games like Super Mario Party Jamboree, where pointing and clicking becomes part of the fun. However, its real value may come from accessibility and customization, giving players more control over how they interact with their games. It’s a quiet but smart innovation that expands how the Switch can be played.
