It's finally here! After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest console: the Nintendo Switch 2. At first glance, it might seem like a subtle evolution from its predecessor, but a closer look reveals a wealth of exciting enhancements. We've identified 30 key details from the reveal trailer, and we're excited to share them all with you.
From innovative new face buttons to reimagined ways to utilize the Joy-Con, here's a comprehensive breakdown of everything showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
28 Images
01 - The Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor, but it's slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con have increased in size, with the entire console estimated to be around 15% bigger.
02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past are replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey, reminiscent of the Steam Deck's aesthetic.
03 - The console isn't completely devoid of color, though. A ring of red and blue around each analog stick and along the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con adds a splash of color while serving as a practical color-coding system.
04 - The Joy-Con attachment system has been revamped. Instead of sliding onto rails, they now slot directly into the device with a protruding connector, rumored to use magnets akin to Apple's Magsafe technology.
05 - A new trigger system on the back of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment. Squeezing the trigger activates a piston-like mechanism that pushes the Joy-Con away from the console.
06 - The Joy-Con's front retains the classic control layout with offset analog sticks and familiar button placement, including the Plus, Minus, Home, and capture buttons.
07 - A new, unlabeled button beneath the Home button piques curiosity about its function, known only to Nintendo at this point.
08 - The L, R, ZL, and ZR buttons are positioned as expected, with the ZL and ZR triggers appearing deeper and more ergonomic for enhanced comfort and usability.
09 - The analog sticks feature a low-profile design with a smaller inner ring and taller rims, likely for improved thumb grip and support.
10 - While the NFC Amiibo interface isn't visible, its presence isn't ruled out. The IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con is absent, a decision possibly influenced by its limited use in past games.
11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con remain, suggesting individual controller use is still possible. These buttons are now significantly larger, promising easier handling.
12 - The player-assignment LEDs have been repositioned to the forward-facing edge of the Joy-Con's connector strip.
13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons includes a Sync button for pairing, mirroring the original Switch's design.
14 - A clear lens above the connector port hints at a possible laser sensor, suggesting mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Con, as demonstrated in the trailer with wrist-strap accessories.
15 - The wrist-straps return with a fresh design, featuring red and blue colors that match the Joy-Con's internal color accents.
16 - The main console unit boasts a larger screen, not quite edge-to-edge like the Switch OLED but significantly larger than the original. The display technology remains undisclosed, possibly an LED panel in this base model.
17 - The top edge of the console features slightly redesigned power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill, now split into three vents instead of five.
18 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, the only visible slot, indicating backwards compatibility with the same cartridge form factor as the original Switch.
19 - A new USB-C port next to the headphone jack adds intrigue. Its purpose is unclear, given the existing bottom-mounted USB-C port for docking and charging. Perhaps it's for new peripherals or nostalgic link cables?
20 - The console's bottom now features downward-firing speakers, replacing the original rear-facing ones, promising improved sound quality.
21 - A new kickstand system spans the entire length of the console's rear, appearing slightly flimsy but supported by rubber feet. It offers multiple locking angles for versatile viewing.
22 - The Switch 2 can still be docked and connected to a TV, with the dock resembling the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.
23 - A controller peripheral for the Joy-Con is included, resembling the original but hopefully with ergonomic improvements.
24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, showcasing a starting line for 24 racers, doubling the capacity of Mario Kart 8.
25 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," suggests an American-themed course with open spaces and off-road sections.
26 - The trailer confirms ten characters in the roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, briefly spotted in the footage.
27 - Backwards compatibility is promised, though some games may not be supported, likely those using peripherals incompatible with the new Joy-Con design, such as Ring Fit Adventure.
28 - The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch sometime in 2025, with no specific release date yet announced.
29 - More details, including a potential release date, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.
30 - Following the Direct, fans can experience the console firsthand at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, a worldwide tour from April to June. It starts in New York and Paris on April 4th, visiting cities like London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul. Entry is open to Nintendo Account holders who win tickets through a free ballot, with registration opening on January 17th.
These are the 30 key details unveiled by the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage on everything confirmed so far, and keep an eye on IGN for the latest Nintendo Switch 2 news in the coming months.