Nintendo Switch 2: Battery, 4K, 120fps, Storage Details

Nintendo's latest Direct presentation unveiled a wealth of information about the Nintendo Switch 2, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans. Let's dive into the specifics of what was revealed and what we've learned since the presentation concluded, particularly focusing on the new console's technical specifications.

One of the most talked-about features is the new 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen, capable of displaying at a crisp 1080p (1920x1080) resolution. This represents a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen, the Switch OLED's 7-inch display, and the Switch Lite's 5.5-inch screen. Although the vibrant OLED screen will be missed, the larger LCD screen promises an enhanced visual experience.

The Switch 2 also introduces support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz, allowing for smoother gameplay at up to 120fps, provided both the game and your setup support it.

When docked, the Switch 2 can play games in stunning 4K (3840x2160) resolution at 60fps or at 1080p/1440p (1920x1080/2560x1440) with a smooth 120fps. These high-end graphics are powered by a "custom processor made by NVIDIA," though exact details about the CPU and GPU remain under wraps for now.

Battery life was another focal point of the presentation. The Switch 2 features a 5220mAh Lithium-ion battery, offering approximately 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime. This battery life is similar to the original Switch's 2.5 to 6.5 hours but falls short compared to the newer models: the standard Switch (4.5 to 9 hours), the Switch OLED Model (4.5 to 9 hours), and the Switch Lite (3 to 7 hours). Nintendo mentioned these are "rough estimates," and actual battery life may vary based on the games played. The console takes about three hours to charge when in Sleep mode.

In terms of dimensions and weight, the Switch 2 measures approximately 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick with the Joy-Con 2 attached, weighing about 0.88 pounds without the Joy-Con and 1.18 pounds with them. This makes it taller and longer than any current Switch model but matches the weight of the original Switch.

While the Joy-Con 2's potential use of Hall Effect joysticks to combat stick drift was hinted at in a 2023 patent, no official confirmation was given during the presentation.

On the audio front, the Switch 2 supports linear PCM output 5.1ch, and a surround sound effect can be enabled via headphones or the built-in speaker after a system update.

Storage has seen a significant upgrade as well, with the Switch 2 boasting 256 GB of internal storage, a leap from the 32 GB in the original Switch and Switch Lite, and the 64 GB in the Switch OLED Model. However, it's worth noting that the Switch 2 will require microSD Express cards for up to 2TB of extra storage, meaning current microSDXC cards won't be compatible.

Additional features include support for Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6), two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard), and a built-in monaural microphone with noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control.

For more details, be sure to check out our comprehensive recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, information on the system's cost, a list of launch games, and when you can start pre-ordering your Switch 2.