Switch 2: Major Upgrades Over Original Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch, while extremely popular, always lagged behind its competitors technologically, but the Switch 2 brings multiple big improvements. Released in June 2025, the Switch 2 is already Nintendo’s fastest-selling console of all time, with over 17 million units sold as of 2025, boosted by the launch of “Pokopia” on March 5th.

The new console offers significant upgrades in graphics, speed, and features compared to the original Switch, while maintaining the innovative hybrid design that made the original so successful. However, these improvements come at a cost, with the Switch 2 priced at $449.99, a substantial increase from the original Switch’s $299.99 launch price.

Price Increases Across the Switch Family

The price of the Switch 2 reflects a broader trend of increasing costs across the entire Switch family. The standard Switch now costs $339.99, and the Switch OLED model is priced at $399.99, both increases of $40 and $50 respectively. Even the handheld-only Switch Lite has seen a price hike, now selling for $229.99, up from $199.99. Accessories for the Switch 2 are also more expensive, with the Pro Controller costing $89.99 and a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers priced at $99.99, approximately $10 more than their predecessors.

Significant Hardware Upgrades

The Switch 2 boasts substantial hardware improvements over the original Switch. While the original Switch was capable of 1080p resolution when docked and 720p in handheld mode with a maximum frame rate of 60fps, the Switch 2 can achieve 4K HDR and 120fps when docked. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 runs games at 1080p, and a recent update extends this improved performance to backwards-compatible games.

Here’s a comparison of key hardware specifications:

• Price: Switch 2 – $449.99, Switch (Original) – $299.99, Switch (OLED) – $349.99
• Release Date: Switch 2 – June 5, 2025, Switch (Original) – March 3, 2017, Switch (OLED) – October 8, 2021
• RAM: Switch 2 – 12GB (3GB Reserved for System OS), Switch (Original) – 4GB (0.8GB Reserved for System OS), Switch (OLED) – 12GB (3GB Reserved for System OS)
• CPU: Switch 2 – Custom Nvidia Processor (ARM Cortex A78C 8 Core CPU – 2 Cores Reserved for OS), Switch (Original) – Custom Tegra Processor x1 (Arm Cortex A57C 4 Core CPU – 1 Core Reserved for OS), Switch (OLED) – Custom Nvidia Processor (ARM Cortex A78C 8 Core CPU – 2 Cores Reserved for OS)
• GPU: Switch 2 – Custom Nvidia Ampere Processor 1536 CUDA Cores, Switch (Original) – Custom Tegra Processor 256 CUDA Cores, Switch (OLED) – Custom Nvidia Tegra Processor 256 CUDA Cores
• Storage: Switch 2 – 256GB Internal Memory + MicroSD Express Card Support (up to 2TB), Switch (Original) – 32GB Internal Memory + MicroSD Card Support, Switch (OLED) – 64GB Internal Memory + MicroSD Card Support

The Switch 2’s GPU features 1536 CUDA Cores, a significant leap from the 256 CUDA Cores found in both the original Switch and the Switch OLED model.

A Comparable Hybrid Experience

Despite the increased power, Nintendo has focused on maintaining the Switch 2’s core identity as a hybrid console. While still outclassed by the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 in terms of raw power, the Switch 2 aims to provide a comparable experience for multi-platform games. Ports of demanding titles like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Apex Legends” have received positive reviews, demonstrating the console’s ability to deliver a satisfying experience.

Nintendo has also added new features, including GameChat, though its utility remains to be seen. The focus remains on delivering a quality gaming experience without drastically altering the functionalities that made the original Switch a success.

The Switch 2’s success is attributed to its quality and the fact that it doesn’t stray too far from the original’s innovative design. The console is proving to be a hit with gamers, solidifying Nintendo’s position in the gaming market.