Nintendo Switch 2 Trailer Reveals 30 Key Details

It's finally here! After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest innovation: the Nintendo Switch 2. The name might seem understated, but this console is anything but. At first glance, it might look similar to the original Switch, but a closer look reveals a host of exciting new features and enhancements. We've identified 30 fascinating details that highlight how Nintendo has evolved its beloved hybrid console, and we're excited to share them all with you.

From a brand new face button to innovative ways of using the Joy-Con, the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer offers a comprehensive look at what's in store. Let's dive into the details that make this console stand out.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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01 - The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor but is slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con have increased in size, with the entire console estimated to be about 15% bigger than the original Switch.

02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past are gone, replaced by a sleek, uniform dark grey across the entire console, reminiscent of the Steam Deck's aesthetic.

03 - Despite the monochrome exterior, the Switch 2 pays homage to the original's colorful design with a ring of red and blue around each analogue stick and the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con. This not only looks stylish but also serves as a color-coding system for easy assembly.

04 - The Joy-Con no longer slide into the console via rails but directly slot in, using a protruding connector on the main unit that plugs into a port on the Joy-Con. Rumors suggest that magnets, similar to Apple's Magsafe, might be used to secure the Joy-Con in place.

05 - Each Joy-Con now features a newly-designed trigger system that releases it from the main unit. A demonstration video on Nintendo.com shows that squeezing the trigger activates a piston-like component, pushing the Joy-Con away from the console.

06 - The classic control layout on the Joy-Con remains unchanged, with off-set analogue sticks, direction buttons, and A, B, X, Y face buttons. The Plus and Minus buttons are at the top, while the square capture button and circle Home button are at the bottom.

07 - A new, mysterious unlabelled button sits below the Home button, sparking curiosity about its function.

08 - The L and R shoulder buttons remain in their traditional spots, with deeper and more rounded ZL and ZR triggers beneath them, promising improved comfort and ease of use.

09 - The analogue sticks maintain their low-profile design but feature a smaller inside ring radius and thicker, taller rims for better thumb grip and support.

10 - The NFC Amiibo interface is not visible on the right-hand Joy-Con, though it may still be present, as it was on the original Switch. The IR sensor, however, appears to be absent, likely due to its limited use in games.

11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con indicate that the Switch 2 still supports using each Joy-Con as a standalone controller. These buttons are significantly larger, up to four times the size of those on the original Switch, making them easier to use.

12 - The strip of four green LEDs that indicate player assignment has moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip.

13 - Between the SL and SR buttons, the connector port links the Joy-Con to the console, accompanied by a Sync button for pairing and an intriguing clear lens component above the connector, possibly a laser sensor for mouse-like functionality.

14 - This clear lens might enable the Joy-Con to function like a mouse, as suggested by the trailer where Joy-Con move with wrist-strap accessories, resembling scurrying mice with tails.

15 - The wrist-straps return with a new design, matching the internal color splash on each Joy-Con.

16 - The main console unit features a larger screen, not quite edge-to-edge like the Switch OLED, but significantly larger than the original Switch's display. The display technology remains undisclosed, possibly using an LED panel.

17 - The top edge of the device remains largely unchanged, with slightly redesigned power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a ventilation grill split into three vents.

18 - The Game Card slot remains on the top edge, the only visible slot on the device, suggesting that the Switch 2's game cartridges will be compatible with the original Switch.

19 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack on the top edge adds to the intrigue, possibly for new peripherals or even a link cable for games like Pokémon.

20 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original Switch's rear-facing speakers, promising better sound quality.

21 - The rear of the console features a new kickstand system that runs the entire length of the device. While it looks somewhat flimsy, rubber feet on the console's edges may help stabilize it. The kickstand locks into multiple angles, including an upright and a shallow, nearly flat position.

22 - The Switch 2 can still be docked and connected to a TV, with a dock design nearly identical to the original but with rounded corners and a prominent Switch 2 logo.

23 - A controller peripheral that the Joy-Cons slot into is included, similar to the original Switch's, though comfort improvements are hoped for upon hands-on experience.

24 - The Switch 2 reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a starting line for 24 racers, doubling the original Mario Kart 8's limit of 12.

25 - A new track named "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit" appears to offer more open space and off-road sections, hinting at an American-flavored setting.

26 - The trailer confirms ten characters in the roster: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, who briefly appears.

27 - Backwards compatibility is supported, though "certain games may not be supported," likely those requiring peripherals that connect directly to the original Joy-Cons, like Ring Fit Adventure.

28 - The Switch 2 is set to launch in 2025, though likely not before June.

29 - More details, including a release date, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd.

30 - Following the direct, fans can experience the console firsthand at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, a global tour from April to June, starting in New York and Paris on April 4th. The tour will also visit London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul, and is open to Nintendo Account holders who win tickets through a free-to-enter ballot. Registration for the raffle opens on January 17th.

These are the 30 key details unveiled by the Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned to learn more about everything that's been confirmed, and keep an eye on IGN for ongoing Nintendo Switch 2 updates.