When the Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, it became the most advanced portable gaming console the industry had ever seen. And while it has been a huge success, in many respects, there are also several outdated features at this point. But the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to change everything.
From a better display and enhanced Joy-Cons to backward compatibility and improved storage, here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
A More Powerful Console With Upgraded RAM and Storage
One of the biggest criticisms of the original Switch is its lack of power compared to other modern gaming consoles. The current model runs on an aging NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip, which struggles to keep up with the demands of modern game development. While it still delivers solid gameplay, performance issues like frame drops, slow loading times, and limited storage capacity have frustrated players – especially with larger, more graphically demanding games.
With the Switch 2, Nintendo is reportedly addressing these issues head-on. The next-generation console is expected to feature a significant increase in RAM and storage, allowing for smoother gameplay, better graphics, and faster load times.
While exact specifications haven’t been confirmed, rumors suggest 16GB of RAM and at least 256GB of internal storage – a big jump from the current 4GB RAM and 32GB base storage. This will make the Switch 2 much better equipped to handle modern AAA games and potential third-party titles that struggled to run on the original system.
Joy-Cons That Function Like a Computer Mouse
Nintendo has always been known for pushing the boundaries of controller design, and it looks like the Joy-Cons on the Switch 2 could introduce another game-changing innovation. Leaks suggest that the new Joy-Cons will function similarly to a computer mouse, allowing for precise movement tracking in a way that’s never been seen before on a gaming console.
This would mark a huge evolution in how players interact with games, opening up new possibilities for motion controls, puzzle-solving mechanics, and more immersive gameplay experiences. Whether this technology will be used primarily for first-person shooters, strategy games, or a completely new type of gameplay experience remains to be seen, but it’s an exciting development that could set the Switch 2 apart from its competitors.
A Stunning OLED Display With Higher Resolution
If there’s one area where the Switch 2 is expected to shine, it’s display quality. While the 2021 OLED model improved the original Switch’s screen, it still lacked the power to support higher resolutions and more detailed visuals.
That’s set to change with the Switch 2. According to i-Blason, which makes advanced cases for Switch consoles, “Gamers can expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to feature a vibrant OLED display, improving upon the OLED model released in 2021. The new console may support 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K output when docked, delivering crisper visuals for a more immersive experience.”

If these rumors are true, the Switch 2 could finally deliver console-quality visuals in a portable format. The jump to 4K output in docked mode would be especially significant, as it would allow Nintendo games to look sharper and more detailed on modern TVs. Combined with improved processing power, this could make the Switch 2 a true competitor to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in terms of graphical fidelity.
Optical Sensors That Detect Movement and Light Reflection
Another rumored feature of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons is the addition of optical sensors that can detect movement and light reflection. This could mean more precise motion tracking, improved responsiveness in motion-controlled games, and possibly even augmented reality (AR) experiences.
If these reports are accurate, the Switch 2 could introduce an entirely new way to play, where the environment around you interacts with the game in real time. Think of puzzle games that require you to move your Joy-Con in specific ways to reflect light or action games that respond to hand gestures and environmental changes. It’s a level of interactivity that Nintendo has been experimenting with for years, and the Switch 2 may finally bring these ideas to life.
Backward Compatibility for Your Existing Game Library
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Switch 2 has been backward compatibility. Will players be able to carry over their existing Switch game library, or will they have to start fresh with an entirely new lineup of titles?
The good news is that multiple sources suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 will be fully backward compatible, allowing players to continue enjoying their current Switch game collection on the new hardware. This means you won’t have to repurchase your favorite titles, and developers will have more flexibility in bringing games to both the original Switch and its successor.
Awaiting the Release
The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated gaming consoles of the decade. While we’re still waiting on official announcements, the leaks and rumors suggest that Nintendo is preparing a game-changing device that could redefine portable gaming once again.

Whether you’re a longtime Switch fan or a newcomer looking for the perfect hybrid console, the Switch 2 is going to be exciting. And now…we wait!