Nintendo Switch 2 Unveils Upgraded Features: 4K Support, 120fps, and Extended Battery

Nintendo recently showcased key details about the Nintendo Switch 2 during its latest Direct, with additional insights emerging post-presentation, including the console’s advanced technical specifications. While some questions remain, here’s a detailed look at the Switch 2’s new features.

Nintendo confirmed the new console boasts a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD display, capable of delivering 1080p (1920x1080) resolution. This marks a significant leap 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, though the absence of OLED may disappoint some fans.

The system supports HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz, enabling games to reach 120fps depending on the game and setup.

When docked, the Switch 2 can output games in 4K (3840x2160) at 60fps or 1080p/1440p (1920x1080/2560x1440) at 120fps. These enhanced graphics are powered by a “custom NVIDIA processor,” though specific CPU/GPU details remain undisclosed.

The battery life was also revealed, featuring a 5220mAh Lithium-ion battery that offers roughly 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime and a three-hour charge in Sleep mode. Nintendo emphasized these are approximate figures, varying by game.

This battery performance aligns closely with the original Switch’s 2.5 to 6.5-hour range but falls short of the newer Switch models: Nintendo Switch (4.5–9 hours), Nintendo Switch OLED (4.5–9 hours), and Nintendo Switch Lite (3–7 hours).

The Switch 2 measures approximately 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick with Joy-Con 2 attached, weighing about 0.88 pounds without Joy-Con and 1.18 pounds with them.

The Switch 2’s weight matches the original Switch but is taller and wider than all current models with Joy-Con attached:

Nintendo Switch 2 - 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick / .88 lbsNintendo Switch - 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x .55 inches thick / .88 lbsNintendo Switch - OLED Model - 4 inches tall x 9.5 inches long x .55 inches thick / .93 lbsNintendo Switch Lite - 3.6 inches tall x 8.2 inches long x .55 inches thick / .61 lbs

Regarding Joy-Con, there’s no confirmation on Hall Effect joysticks, which could address the drifting issues faced by some Switch users. A 2023 patent hinted at their potential use, but further details are pending.

For audio, the Switch 2 supports 5.1ch linear PCM output, with surround sound available via headphones or the built-in speaker after a system update.

Storage sees a major upgrade with 256 GB of internal capacity, compared to 32 GB in the original Switch and Switch Lite, and 64 GB in the Switch OLED. The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for up to 2TB of additional storage, rendering microSDXC cards from current models incompatible.

Additional features include Wi-Fi 6 support, 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, explore our Nintendo Switch 2 Direct recap, pricing information, confirmed launch titles, and pre-order start dates.

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