Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

On March 3, 2017, Nintendo released the original Switch, instantly transforming the handheld gaming landscape. For years, rumors have swirled about when its successor would arrive. Now, the wait is nearly over because the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally (almost) here! But for those already owning the original, the big question remains: is the upgrade truly worth it? With the tech specs now available, we’re here to help you decide. Read on as we break it down in our Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1 comparison guide.

Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch: Specifications

Before diving into anything else, let’s start with what powers these consoles. Here are the tech specs of the Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2 laid out for you:

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Performance

In today’s gaming world, performance is often the first thing we look for in a console. Unfortunately, Nintendo has always been tight-lipped about the CPU and GPU details of the original Switch.

The same goes for the Nintendo Switch 2, as the company hasn’t officially revealed the exact GPU/CPU setup inside the console. However, what we do know is that the Switch 2 uses a custom NVIDIA processor, moving away from the Tegra chip found in the Switch 1 and OLED models.

Based on gameplay comparisons from Nintendo Direct and various hands-on impression events, the Switch 2 shows a significant leap in power and performance.

At the event, Nintendo stated that the Switch 2 is 10 times more powerful than the original Switch. According to rumored specs, it features an eight-core Arm Cortex A78C CPU and an Nvidia T239 Ampere GPU. In contrast, both the original and OLED models come with four ARM Cortex A57 CPU cores.

While the Switch 2 doesn’t quite match the power of the Xbox Series S or PS4, it uses smart technology to boost visuals and frame rates. NVIDIA has confirmed that the Switch 2 includes dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores, delivering enhanced visuals and AI-driven performance upgrades. These Tensor Cores enable smooth DLSS, improving image sharpness and frame rates. So, if you’re looking for modern graphics and smoother gameplay, the Nintendo Switch 2 easily outperforms the Switch 1 and OLED.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Display and Design

When buying a handheld-first console, the display size plays a big role. The original Nintendo Switch came with a 6.2-inch LCD screen at 720p resolution, which was considered solid back in its 2017 launch. However, as the handheld gaming market evolved and expectations grew, the 7.0-inch display on the Switch OLED started to feel a bit limited for some fans.

With the Switch 2, Nintendo has significantly raised the bar for display quality. It features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, offering a sharper and more immersive handheld experience. The real standout, though, is its ability to upscale when docked—if the game supports it, you can enjoy HDR visuals and up to 120 fps, marking a major improvement over its predecessor.

The display feels premium and delivers on expectations for those who appreciate finer visual detail. However, the presence of bezels remains, which might be a drawback for some users.

In terms of design, Nintendo hasn’t strayed far from the original blueprint. The familiar Nintendo Switch look remains, but with slightly larger dimensions. The original Switch measured 102 x 239 x 13.9 mm and weighed 297 grams.

It still features the side rail design for Joy-Cons, with a small bump that doubles as a kickstand. There’s also a USB-C port that connects to the dock for charging or TV mode via HDMI.

While the OLED model mostly focused on scaling changes, the Switch 2 introduces some key improvements. Notably, it now includes two USB-C ports allowing you to dock the console while using the second port on top. Additionally, the new Joy-Cons 2 use a magnetic attachment system, replacing the traditional side-rail mechanism.

The console also includes an improved kickstand that extends wide enough to allow adjustable viewing angles. The Switch 2 is equipped with powerful speakers and a high-quality built-in mic that picks up audio clearly even from a distance, supporting the new GameChat feature.

Additionally, the dock now features a cooling fan, allowing for longer gaming sessions without sacrificing performance or device health. All in all, the original Nintendo Switch is clearly outclassed by the more premium and well-rounded Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Joy-Cons 2

The Switch and Joy-Cons are like the Romeo and Juliet of gaming, with the quality of the controllers elevating the handheld experience. While they still serve their fundamental purpose, the Joy-Cons on the Switch 2 represent an upgrade over the innovative design seen in the original Switch.

Both the original Switch and its successor, the Switch 2, utilize the same core Joy-Con concept, but there are key differences in their design and functionality. The original Switch Joy-Cons connect to the console via plastic rails and pins, easily sliding on and off to become independent micro-controllers with small shoulder buttons. This design was carried over to the Switch OLED.

In contrast, the Switch 2 features larger Joy-Cons that magnetically attach to the console, with inward-facing buttons near the ZR and ZL triggers for easy detachment. The buttons have been redesigned as well, with longer L and R outer shoulder buttons, and notably wider SL and SR internal shoulder buttons, making them more comfortable and functional when detached. The analog sticks are also larger, improving precision for both drifting and aiming during gameplay.

A standout feature of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons is their ability to function as a mouse when placed on a surface. This innovative functionality, seen in games like DragXDrive and Civilization VII, is made possible by a removable cap that can be attached to the inner edge of the Joy-Con for smoother movement. Additionally, the new Switch 2 introduces a dedicated C button, providing a simple one-click option to connect with friends and family for gaming sessions.

Overall, the Joy-Cons have always been one of the standout features of the Switch, and with the successor, they’re even richer in functionality, offering enhanced features and a more refined experience.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: RAM and Storage

The Switch OLED only increased onboard storage to 64GB, compared to the original Switch’s 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. While this was sufficient for earlier games, more demanding AAA titles began to struggle on both the original Switch and the OLED edition.

Moving on to the Switch 2, leaks suggest a significant boost to 12GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM, although Nintendo has yet to officially confirm the exact specifications. Given the demanding games showcased at the event, it’s safe to estimate a higher RAM capacity.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 comes with a substantial increase in onboard storage, now at 256GB. Additionally, unlike the original Switch, the successor only supports special microSD Express cards, which greatly enhance game speed and overall performance.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Battery Life

Here’s the biggest downside we’ve heard about the Switch 2 so far: its battery life. While the Switch 2 features a larger 5220 mAh battery compared to the original Switch’s 4310 mAh, the specs sheet doesn’t tell the full story.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will offer only 2-6.5 hours of playtime, which is a significant downgrade from the original Switch and OLED models, with a drop of 2-3 hours. While it’s understandable that newer, more demanding games will consume more power, reducing battery life on a console priced nearly double just doesn’t seem ideal, even by Nintendo’s standards.

If you primarily play Switch 2 games in handheld mode, battery life will be a key factor for you. While you can always charge the console while playing, the fact remains that the battery life on the Switch 2 is subpar. If a longer battery life is a priority for you, this isn’t the ideal upgrade.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Games

The Nintendo Switch boasts one of the largest game catalogs in console history, thanks to its extensive collection of remakes and retro titles. However, if you were hoping for something like the PS5 Pro’s enhanced game support, you might be disappointed.

From day one of launch, the Switch 2 will offer a broad range of games almost all of them. This includes not only titles from the original Switch, but also games designed specifically for the Switch 2, as well as third-party games, ensuring a robust gaming experience right from the start.

The Switch 2 introduces three types of Game Cards: Game Cards (original cartridges), Game-Key Cards, and Virtual Game Cards, offering more ways to collect both digital and physical games. With the added GameShare feature, you can play games with friends without always having to buy them individually, making the Switch 2 a more versatile choice.

While the original Switch has a strong library of games, upgrading to the Switch 2 means access to newer-generation titles, including impressive ray-tracing-enabled third-party games and exclusives like those from FromSoftware.

The main drawback comes with the price of the games. Rumors suggest that Switch 2 games will cost over $80, which is higher than the industry standard. If you’re willing to spend big on Nintendo games, the Switch 2 could be your next gaming companion.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

While it’s still early to definitively say if the Switch 2 is more efficient than the original, it’s clear that the Switch 2 is a much more premium offering. From the design, larger and improved display, to the feature-rich Joy-Cons 2, it offers a much more refined experience. The cooling fan on the dock ensures longer gaming sessions, and features like GameShare and GameChat enhance connectivity with friends and family.

In terms of performance, the Switch 2 outshines the original with superior raw power, and the addition of ray-tracing and DLSS makes it a highly competitive handheld. The original Switch is currently priced at $300 in retail stores, occasionally dropping to $250 during sales, while the OLED Switch also hovers around $300. However, these older models won’t offer the same lineup of new-generation games that the Switch 2 will provide.

For a price of $450, upgrading to the Switch 2 is definitely worth considering. Even if you’ve never owned a Nintendo device before, the Switch 2 is a solid choice. Despite concerns about battery life, the sheer number of features and impressive specs make it a worthwhile investment. Just be prepared for higher costs when it comes to purchasing Switch 2 games.

With all the differences and upgrades, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant improvement over the original Switch. Will you be getting the Switch 2 when it hits the market? Let us know in the comments below!