Nintendo Switch 2 Vs. Original Switch 1: A Full Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the original Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, highlighting design, performance, and feature upgrades

Hardware by Katmin on Jun 20, 2025

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, following the immense success of its predecessor, which sold over 150 million units worldwide and cemented the hybrid console concept. With significant upgrades and a familiar form factor, Nintendo hopes the Switch 2 will meet the high expectations set by the original 2017 model.

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Design and Build

I begin by comparing the dimensions and feel of the two systems. The original Switch measured 102 × 239 mm with a thickness of just under 14 mm—about the height of a standard game case. With the Joy‑Cons attached, it weighed just shy of 300 g.

It wasn't pocket‑friendly, but you could easily toss it into a bag and carry on. One major drawback of that design was the flimsy kickstand, which often broke or got lost. The SD card slot also became notorious for connection issues, forcing me to use makeshift solutions, such as a guitar capo, to ensure the card stayed in place.

The Switch 2's dimensions have increased to 166 × 275 mm while retaining the same 14 mm thickness. At 401 g, it's over 100 g heavier than the original, and you'll notice that additional weight during extended play sessions. Yet I prefer the chunkier, more substantial feel of the Switch 2.

It still technically fits in a large pocket, but sitting down with it in your pocket is a challenge. Nintendo addressed the kickstand issue by introducing a stable U‑shaped brace along the back, offering a wide range of viewing angles and additional rubber grips for stability. These changes significantly improve upon the original's fragile stand.

The game card and box design remain unchanged, although the Switch two cartridges now feature a red accent. The cartridge slot latch is sturdier, featuring a metal cover, and a second USB‑C port has been added at the top.

The accompanying dock has evolved from a boxy design to a rounder, sleeker form that includes an internal cooling fan. It supports 4K video output for select titles and features an Ethernet port in addition to the USB-C connection. However, the removable back panel—similar to the original—remains prone to being misplaced.

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Joy‑Con Improvements

The Joy‑Cons were revolutionary in 2017, splitting into two controllers for instant multiplayer and offering motion controls. However, their small buttons and analog sticks led to discomfort for adult hands, and stick drift quickly became a widespread issue. The clicking mechanisms also wore out over time.

With the Switch 2, Nintendo retains the core Joy‑Con design but scales up everything: analog sticks, triggers, face buttons, and ergonomics. While they still don't match a full‑size controller's comfort, the new Joy‑Cons feel noticeably more substantial.

They now attach magnetically rather than via sliding rails, which feels more satisfying and intuitive, though time will tell how reliable this magnetic mechanism proves. The satisfying click of the new Joy‑Con attachment and analog sticks is more robust than ever, and Nintendo has thoughtfully included straps with a new attachment that enables mouse‑like control on flat surfaces—ideal for strategy titles like Civilization.

Screen and Display

The original Switch featured a 6.2‑inch LCD screen at 720p and 60 Hz, surrounded by thick bezels. I never had major resolution complaints, but glare from the glossy surface could be distracting, especially under bright lights.

The Switch 2 ups the ante with a 7.9‑inch LCD panel at 1080p and 120 Hz, plus HDR support for compatible games. Some fans lamented the lack of an OLED display—especially after the Switch's mid‑cycle OLED refresh—but in practice, titles like Mario Kart World look crisp and vibrant. Outdoor visibility is improved thanks to a brighter panel, though glare persists under direct light.

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User Interface

At launch, the original Switch's UI was minimalistic: a straight line of icons, light and dark themes, and no folders. It was functional but unremarkable, and it's unlikely anyone will feel nostalgic for it in the future.

The Switch 2's UI remains essentially unchanged, with the same layout and menus. Corners are slightly rounded, and new features like virtual game sharing and a dedicated game chat button on the right Joy‑Con have been added. While I'm surprised Nintendo didn't introduce a fresh theme to distinguish the new hardware, the UI continues to get the job done.

Storage and Performance

The original Switch shipped with 32GB of internal storage and 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM. When docked, its custom Nvidia Tegra X1 chip could output 1080p but struggled with third-party ports despite offering solid performance for first-party titles.

In contrast, the Switch 2 boasts 256GB of internal storage, 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and Nvidia's custom T239 Ampere‑based chipset, promising up to 10 times the graphical power of its predecessor.

This results in some titles supporting DLSS and ray tracing, which improves visual quality even when using a handheld device. When playing Mario Kart World, both docked and undocked, I noticed a noticeable improvement, even if it still lags behind the visual capabilities of modern home consoles. On smaller TVs, the experience is smooth and detailed; however, on an 80-inch home cinema setup, textures reveal their limitations.

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Battery Life

The original Switch's 4,310 mAh battery offered a playtime of 2.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the title, which improved to 4.5 to 9 hours with the revised 2019 model. After eight years of use, my own Switch's battery has degraded significantly, barely lasting an hour at half brightness for modern titles.

The Switch 2 features a 5,220 mAh battery, 900 mAh more than the original, but its power‑hungry internals offset this increase. Nintendo estimates 2 to 6.5 hours of gameplay, which aligns with my initial experiences. For prolonged handheld sessions, the improved performance does require carrying a battery bank.

Lineup for Launch

Launch titles frequently determine a console's level of success. Breath of the Wild, the system seller, was the main attraction of the original Switch's five big releases in the US.

The Switch 2 arrives with a purported 25 games, but that figure includes six enhanced editions of existing Switch titles, seven ports of older releases, and various smaller digital-only games. Once these are accounted for, Mario Kart World stands as the sole major new exclusive—a fantastic game, but not quite the broad range players might hope for on day one.

Backward Compatibility

One area where the Switch 2 excels is backward compatibility. The original model didn't support physical media from previous Nintendo systems without the Classic service, which launched later. The Switch 2, however, runs the vast majority of first‑party titles and about 70% of third‑party titles flawlessly.

Developers are patching the remaining games, but titles like Nintendo Labo remain incompatible due to hardware changes. Some experiences requiring legacy Joy‑Cons, such as 1‑2‑Switch and Game Builder Garage, still function when you connect the original controllers.

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Value Proposition

In the end, the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like an evolution rather than a revolution. Its chunkier design, improved build quality, and significant hardware upgrades address many of the original Switch's shortcomings.

Battery life remains a trade‑off against performance, and the launch lineup leans heavily on one marquee title. The UI feels unchanged but functional. If you already own a Switch and a robust library, the Switch 2 may not feel like an essential upgrade yet.

However, the Switch 2 delivers a compelling package that retains the versatility fans adore, whether you're new to the hybrid experience or want handheld power with contemporary graphics features like ray tracing. Nintendo's power ultimately resides in its games. As the Switch 2's library grows—especially with exclusive first‑party titles—it has every opportunity to solidify its place in the gaming landscape.

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