Nintendo Unveils the Switch 2: Improved Controllers, New Games, and Built-in Video Chat
Nintendo has officially introduced its latest console, the Switch 2, aiming to impress fans with upgraded hardware and a new vision for online gaming. Unveiled in a spectacular setting—the Grand Palais in Paris—the device marks a significant step forward for the company, especially in how it brings players together.
At the venue, dozens of demo stations were set up for attendees to try out the Switch 2 firsthand, and initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
Technical Highlights and Launch Details
The Switch 2 is scheduled for release on June 5, with a retail price of around €470. It’s slightly larger than the original Switch and features a 7.9-inch LCD display, making it even bigger than Valve’s Steam Deck in screen size.
In handheld mode, the display runs at Full HD (1080p) and supports up to 120 frames per second (fps). Features like HDR, ray tracing, and DLSS are also included—clear signs of a major technical upgrade. While Nintendo has not disclosed the exact chip specs, the performance is expected to be significantly more powerful than the previous generation.
The new dock includes a built-in fan and allows the console to connect to TVs or monitors, supporting up to 4K resolution—a notable improvement from the original Switch, which capped at Full HD.
Redesigned Joy-Con Controllers
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have also undergone a redesign. They’re slightly larger and no longer slide into side rails but attach magnetically to the console. Early concerns in the gaming community about the durability of the new pin-style connector seem to be unfounded—hands-on impressions suggest it’s sturdy and well-protected when the controllers are detached.
Nintendo developers on-site explained that the new controllers and the console itself were redesigned from the ground up. One key benefit of this overhaul: the infamous Joy-Con drift issue is expected to be a thing of the past. Previously, joystick drift was caused by dust and debris buildup, leading to erratic inputs during gameplay.
A New Era for Online Interaction
Perhaps the most striking innovation is Nintendo’s revamped approach to online connectivity. A new feature, “Gamechat,” allows players to connect through a built-in microphone and an optional external camera (sold separately for about €60). The microphone is designed to pick up voices even from across the room, like from the couch to the TV, while filtering out background noise.
When connected through Gamechat, the console automatically splits the screen during gameplay. New windows appear showing video feeds, shared screens, or both. This feature adds a fresh layer of interaction, making games like “Mario Party Jamboree” feel more immersive and social.
In fact, the interface is somewhat reminiscent of Discord, making it familiar for gamers used to that platform’s group communication tools.
With a host of new features, improved performance, and a serious push toward real-time interaction between players, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be more than just a hardware refresh—it’s Nintendo’s boldest attempt yet at blending fun, functionality, and social gaming. Whether the price tag proves justified will depend on how well these innovations are received by players around the world.
