"Switch 2 Outshines Original: 10 Key Improvements"

Rejoice, fellow Nintendo fans! This Wednesday, the heavens opened, and the divine hand of Miyamoto blessed us with the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. After years of speculation, we finally have a crystal-clear glimpse into this enigmatic console hybrid.

Sadly, the rumors of a tiny Reggie nestled in every GPU were just that—rumors. However, after spending an hour dissecting every word and image from the Direct, we can now provide you with solid facts about how the Switch 2 surpasses its beloved predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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1. Switch 2 packs in a lot more raw graphical power than Switch

   This revelation may not surprise anyone, as every next-gen Nintendo console typically outshines its predecessor. While the original Switch, launched in 2017, was no slouch, it struggled with demanding games after eight years. The Switch 2 promises a significantly enhanced experience with handheld resolutions up to 1080p and docked resolutions up to 4K, both with HDR, and framerates extending up to 120 fps. This upgrade opens the door for a broader range of games, as evidenced by EA's commitment to bring soccer and football games to the platform, and 2K's plans for wrestling and basketball titles. Third-party developers showcased current-gen games like Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6, demonstrating the Switch 2's increased capabilities. Nintendo's new first-party titles are equally stunning, promising a visually rich gaming experience.

2. Switch plays GameCube games. Switch 2 doesn’t

   The beloved purple GameCube finally makes its way to Nintendo Switch Online, but exclusively on the Switch 2. This marks a clear distinction between the online experiences of the original Switch and the Switch 2. To enjoy some of Nintendo’s best retro games, including The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2 (with Link!), you'll need the newer hardware.

   Soul Calibur 2 is truly a gem, and playing it with a friend is an absolute treat.

3. Switch 2 recognizes the existence of the Internet

   The most significant non-Nintendo-esque feature unveiled this week is the seamless integration of online features. Nintendo introduces GameChat, a robust communication and visual sharing system for the Switch 2. This includes a noise-cancelling microphone for voice chat and an optional desktop camera to share your face during gameplay in compatible titles like Mario Party. The ability to share screens remotely across consoles is a game-changer, offering a straightforward tool for playing with friends that many had given up hope on.

   Now you can talk to your friends, see your friends, and do it all easily. The potential for games like Monster Hunter, with teams benefiting from shared screens, is immense.

4. Magnetic Joy-Cons

   As anticipated, the Joy-Cons now magnetically snap to the Switch 2, improving the user experience. The steel shoulder buttons on each controller attract to the magnetic facing along the sides of the screen, locking them securely in place. A simple button press releases the magnetic grip, making it easier to handle, especially in docked setups where removing Joy-Cons can be cumbersome.

5. A bigger screen

   The Switch 2 boasts a slightly larger 7.9-inch screen, which, combined with its sharper 1080p resolution, offers a more immersive gaming experience. While bigger isn't always better in handhelds, this increase in screen size should benefit most players, allowing more room for the detailed and feature-rich games that the Switch is known for.

6. Mouse controls

   Nintendo introduced an innovative feature where a Switch 2 Joy-Con can be used as a mouse by laying it on its side and moving it across a tabletop. This feature is heavily supported at launch by games like Drag x Drive, Civ 7, and Metroid Prime 4. As a PC gamer, I'm excited about the potential for more precise control in FPS games like Metroid Prime 4.

   While the novelty may wear off post-launch, the option for mouse control in certain games is a welcome addition.

7. More storage

   The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, a significant increase from its predecessor. However, with the increased graphical capabilities, game files will be larger, potentially offsetting the benefit. The memory is also faster, requiring new, high-speed memory cards for supplemental storage.

8. Quality of life improvements are no small deal on Switch 2

   Nintendo has listened to nearly a decade of feedback and made several hardware tweaks. The Switch 2 now features two USB-C ports, including one on top for charging while in kickstand mode, a fan in the dock for improved cooling, larger sticks, and enhanced sound capabilities. The Switch 2 Pro Controller also sees improvements, including an audio jack and assignable buttons.

   One of the most useful features for tabletop players like me is the adjustable screen angle in kickstand mode, which should make gaming on the go much more enjoyable, especially in challenging environments like airports or airplane tray tables.

9. Switch 2 gives you more choices

   The Switch 2 is backward compatible with most Switch games, ensuring a smooth transition for current owners. Nintendo also introduces special Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of certain titles like Metroid Prime 4, offering enhanced features such as a choice between Quality Mode for higher resolution or Performance Mode for a smoother frame rate.

   If you already own the original game, you can purchase a Switch 2 Edition upgrade to enjoy these new features on your new hardware, hopefully at a reasonable price. This could also improve notoriously janky games like Pokémon.

10. You need Switch 2 to play the newest games by the best developers on earth

    Mario Kart World expands on the classic formula with a continuous world akin to Forza Horizon and increases the field size to 24 karts, promising chaotic fun. Kirby's Air Riders, announced with the involvement of the legendary Sakurai, hints at an exciting revival of the series. The Duskbloods, an original Miyazaki game exclusive to Switch, promises a thrilling experience reminiscent of Bloodborne and Castlevania. Finally, Donkey Kong Bananza marks Nintendo's return to 3D platforming with a vengeance, built to showcase the Switch 2's advanced hardware.

    Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For? ------------------------------------------------------

    The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

    AnswerSee Results