On March 3, 2017, Nintendo launched the first Switch and immediately overhauled the handheld gaming scene. For the last few years, there have been talks about when the successor to the original Switch will arrive. Well, the waiting period has ended as the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here! (almost). But for the ones with the original, is it actually worth upgrading? Well, with the tech specs here, we thought it’s about time to answer that. So keep on reading as we answer it through our Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1 guide right here.
Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch: Specifications
Before we talk about anything else, let’s begin with what’s under the hood. So here are the Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 1 tech specs laid out for you:
| Specs | Switch 2 | Switch OLED | Switch 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU/GPU | Custom NVIDIA CPU | Custom Tegra | Custom Tegra |
| Storage | 256 GB (UFS) | 64 GB | 32 GB |
| Resolution support | 4K (3,840 x 2,160), HDR Supported | HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) | HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) |
| Max Framerate | 120 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps |
| Raytracing Support | Yes | No | No |
| DLSS | Yes | No | No |
| Battery Size | Lithium-ion battery/5220mAh | Lithium-ion battery / 4310mAh | Lithium-ion battery/4310mAh |
| Battery Life | 2-6.5 hours | 4.5-9 hours | 4.5-9 hours |
| Weight | 401 g | 320 g | 297 g |
| USB and Ports | 2x USB-C, 3.5mm | USB-C, 3.5mm | USB-C, 3.5mm |
| Price | $450 | $350 | $300 |
| Screen size | 7.9 inches | 7.0 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Dimensions | 166 x 272 x 13.9mm | 102 x 242 x 13.9mm | 102 x 239 x 13.9mm |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensor are located in the Joy-Con 2 controllers, Brightness sensor located in the console | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor |
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Performance
In the modern gaming age, the first thing we look for in a console is its performance. Unfortunately, Nintendo is extremely tight-lipped when it comes to sharing details about the CPU or GPU for the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 faces a similar case, as the red brand has yet to reveal what GPU/CPU combination is inside the frame. Well, at least we know that the Switch 2 uses a custom NVIDIA processor instead of the Tegra used for the Switch 1 and OLED.
If we look at the gameplay comparisons seen at the Nintendo Direct and the other hands-on impressions events, Switch 2 has improved massively in terms of power and performance.
At the event, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 is 10 times more powerful than the original Switch. According to the rumored specs, the Switch 2 has an eight-core Arm Cortex A78C CPU and an Nvidia T239 Ampere GPU. Compared to the original and OLED, both have four ARM Cortex A57 CPU cores.
While Switch 2 doesn’t reach the standards of the Xbox Series S or a PS4, it uses tricks to improve frames and visuals. NVIDIA has already confirmed that the Switch 2 has dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements. These Tensor Cores ensure smooth DLSS, sharpening the visuals with better frames on the console. So, if you want new-age visuals and better frames, the Nintendo Switch 2 beats Switch 1 and OLED effortlessly.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Display and Design
When you purchase a handheld-first console, the display size always matters. If we start with the original Nintendo Switch, it had a 6.2-inch LCD with a 720p resolution, a feature well-received for its launch year of 2017. However, over time, the requirements for fans around the world changed as more handhelds entered the market. So, 7.0 inches felt a little shorter when the Switch OLED was released.
With the Switch 2, Nintendo massively increased the standards of the display. It comes with a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display. But the highlight is that you can push up the resolution if you dock it to a TV. If the game supports it, you can achieve HDR display and 120 fps, which is a big upgrade from its predecessor.
The display feels premium, and the Switch meets expectations if you love seeing more details on your screen. Sadly, the bezels still exist, which might turn some heads away.
For the design part, Nintendo hasn’t changed the blueprint much. You still get the typical NS design with bigger dimensions. The original Switch came with dimensions of 102 x 239 x 13.9 mm and a total weight of 297 grams.
The handheld’s side rail design for the Joy-Cons has a tiny bump that pops out to work like a kickstand. Moreover, it has one USB-C port connected to the dock for recharging or TV mode gaming through the HDMI port.
While Nintendo did not change much on the OLED apart from the scaling part, the Switch 2 has added improvements. For starters, we now have two USB-C ports. Yes, you can dock your Switch while using another port on the top. Moreover, the Joy-Cons 2 are now magnetic, removing the side-rail tech.
The console also has a kickstand that stretches enough to adjust the angles. The Switch 2 has powerful speakers and a solid built-in mic that works even from a distance to work with the new GameChat feature.
Moreover, there is a cooling fan on the dock that helps you game for longer sessions without compromising on performance or device health. Overall, Nintendo Switch 1 takes a solid defeat from the premium and complete package of Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Joy-Cons 2
Switch and Joy-Cons are the parallels of Romeo and Juliet, and how well the controller works makes the handheld more premium. Despite maintaining their fundamental purpose, the Joy-Cons on the Switch 2 represent an upgrade from their innovative predecessors on the original Switch.
While both the original Switch and its successor, the Switch 2, utilize the ingenious Joy-Con concept, significant differences exist 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 remained consistent with the Switch OLED.
In contrast, the Switch 2 employs larger Joy-Cons that magnetically lock onto the console, featuring inward-facing buttons near the ZR and ZL triggers for detachment. Button sizes have also been adjusted, with the Switch 2 having longer L and R outside shoulder buttons and notably wider SL and SR internal shoulder buttons, improving their usability when detached. The sticks are also bigger to make drifting and aiming much easier while gaming.
A unique addition to the Switch 2 Joy-Cons is their ability to function as a mouse by placing their inner edges on a surface. This feature, demonstrated in games like DragXDrive and Civilization VII, is facilitated by a removable cap that can be attached to the inner edge for smoother movement. And who can forget the new Switch 2 C button, a one-click toward connecting to friends and family over games?
Overall, the Joy-Cons are one of the best things about Switch, and with the successor, it is richer in features.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: RAM and Storage
The Switch OLED merely increased onboard storage to 64GB, as opposed to the original Switch’s 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. Although it was good enough for its initial games, more AAA titles started faltering on both the original Switch and the OLED edition.
Moving on to the Switch 2, leaks indicate a significant increase to 12GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM, even though Nintendo has not confirmed the official RAM specifications. We can estimate a higher RAM given the games showcased at the event require such memory.
Nintendo has formally acknowledged that the Switch 2’s onboard storage has increased significantly to 256 GB. But that is not all. Unlike the original Switch, the successor only supports special microSD Express cards. This increases the game’s speed in many ways.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Battery Life
Here comes the most significant negative we have heard about the Switch 2 so far. Unfortunately, the Switch 2’s battery life isn’t up to par. If we just look at the specs sheet, Switch 2 has a bigger battery size of 5220 mAh, compared to the original Switch’s 4310 mAh. However, the data on the sheet does not justify its health.
Right under the battery size, Nintendo also clears up the doubt by saying the Switch 2 will give you only 2-6.5 hours of playtime. This is a massive downgrade compared to the Switch 1 and OLED by almost 2-3 hours. While I agree that the new-gen games will draw more power, lowering battery life for a console priced nearly double doesn’t sound fun, even by Nintendo’s standards.
If you play Switch 2 games mostly in handheld mode, the battery life will be important to you. However, you can compensate for that by charging your console while playing games. Overall, the battery life on Switch 2 is poor, and if you want a better battery, this is not a perfect upgrade.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: Games
The Nintendo Switch has one of the biggest catalogs of games in the history of consoles. This is mostly due to the number of remakes and retro collections playable on the device. Well, if you thought Nintendo would pull off a PS5 Pro Enhanced games trick, you were wrong.
Right from the launch day of the Switch 2, you will get all kinds of games. By “all,” I mean all. This includes almost all the old games, games made for the Switch 2, and third-party games.
Moreover, Switch 2 has three types of Game Cards. These include Game Cards (original cartridges), Game-Key Cards, and Virtual Game Cards. With more digital and physical game collection possibilities, the Switch 2 is a better choice. Especially with the GameShare feature, you can play games with friends without always needing to purchase all the games.
The original Switch has a lot of good games, but if you want to experience all of that with more new-gen games, you would want to switch to the Switch 2, especially for the amazing ray-tracing-enabled third-party games and FromSoftware exclusive for the Switch 2.
The issue comes with the price of the games. As of now, rumors suggest the Switch 2 games will cost over $80, which is higher than the industry standard. So, if you are ready to break the bank for all the Nintendo games, the Switch 2 might be your next companion.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch 1: Worth the Upgrade?
Well, it is too early to decide if the Switch 2 is more efficient than the original. But I must say that the Switch 2 is way more premium than the Nintendo Switch 1. Whether it is the design, bigger and better display, or the feature-rich Joy-Cons 2, it offers more. Moreover, the cooling fan on the dock will increase your gaming sessions while the GameShare and GameChat guarantee more connectivity among friends and family.
In terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 easily surpasses the original. Not only does it have raw performance, but the ray-tracing and DLSS features make it a competitive handheld in the market. Currently, the original Switch is priced at $300 in retail stores, with occasional sales that drop it to $250. On the other hand, the OLED Switch’s price also falls to the $300 region. Sadly, these consoles will not give you the number of new-gen games that the new Switch will provide.
So, for a price of $450, it is worth upgrading your Switch to the Switch 2 console. Even if you have never tried a Nintendo device, you can go directly for the Switch 2. Although the battery life is concerning, let’s not forget the number of features and specs the handheld offers. Just remember that purchasing Switch 2 games will hurt your wallet more than usual.
With all the differences and upgrades, the Nintendo Switch 2 is definitely a big upgrade over the Switch console. Are you getting the Switch 2 when it comes to market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
