Best New Features On The Nintendo Switch 2, Ranked

Summary

• Backwards compatibility offers a wide game library, including GameCube games.
• Faster eShop on Switch 2 improves browsing experience for players.
• The Switch 2 is more powerful, with improved sound quality and a sleek design.

With a design that doesn’t stray too far from the original, the Nintendo Switch 2 has the benefit of feeling familiar and new at the same time. It’s a similar approach that worked for Microsoft when transitioning from an Xbox One to the Xbox Series X and S. It’s a smooth process that ensures that those making the upgrade won’t get lost in the menu screens.

Despite the similarities, the Switch 2 genuinely appears to be a significant upgrade, featuring just enough enhancements to establish its status as a next-generation Nintendo system. This list will focus on some of the best new features and enhancements on the Nintendo Switch 2.

1

Backwards Compatibility

Play Switch And GameCube Games

Backwards compatibility is important for fans moving from the first Switch generation to the newer hardware. It also ensures new Switch 2 owners have an already massive library of games that includes The Legend of Zelda, Mario Galaxy, the Xenoblade ​​​​​​series, and more.

Additionally, many games that haven’t received the Switch 2 upgrades appear to look and feel better, likely due to the larger screen and higher refresh rate. However, there are some original Switch games with compatibility issues, but Nintendo is investigating and working on fixes. Also, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 is access to GameCube games if players subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

2

The Faster eShop

You Can Finally Browse The Nintendo eShop With Ease

One of the biggest complaints aimed at Nintendo’s eShop is that, even since the 3DS, the shop has been slow to load, resulting in a sluggish, frustrating experience overall. Just browsing the shop, watching the trailers, and checking out the screenshots is now more accessible due to the speed.

Accidentally backing out of the shop on the original Switch was excruciating because players would have to wait for the eShop to load all over again. Thankfully, this has been resolved on the Switch 2, and browsing for your next purchase is much easier.

3

Use The Joy-Cons As A Mouse

Provides A Great Option For First-Person Shooters Or Point-And-Click Adventures

For players who enjoy the idea of connecting their Switch 2 to a monitor and navigating the eShop or playing games with mouse-like controls, the Switch 2 has this feature. Fans can disconnect one of the magnetic Joy-Cons and tilt it so the index finger is placed on the L or the R button. A cursor will appear on the screen, and you can navigate to your home screen and the eShop with the mouse controls.

It would be the perfect way to play point-and-click games on the system, but in the meantime, several Switch 2 games utilize mouse controls, such as Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Metroid Prime 4, Civilization 7, and more.

4

GameChat

Chat With Your Friends On The Switch 2

GameChat allows Switch 2 users to chat with their friends by pressing the little C button ​​​​​​on the Switch 2. Switch’s GameChat is free for users until March 2026. After that, a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online Membership will be required to use it.

GameChat allows up to 12 players to chat at the same time, and up to four players can share their game screen at the same time. Players can chat without playing games by pressing the C button after sending and receiving an invitation.

5

Better Sound Quality

Improved Audio On Handheld Mode And The TV

The original Nintendo Switch had decent sound quality in handheld mode, but it didn’t compare to handheld PCs like the Steam Deck. However, the Switch 2 offers fantastic sound in handheld mode, truly enhancing the arcade-like experience of games like Mario Kart World, as well as the ambiance of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, along with the impressive orchestral music of Xenoblade Chronicles.

The Switch 2 provides Virtual Surround Sound when used in handheld mode, as well as Headphone Virtual Surround Sound for games that support 5.1-channel surround sound. Additionally, it features 5.1-channel Linear PCM, which allows it to play uncompressed surround sound audio with compatible systems.

6

More Powerful

Significantly Outperforms The Switch

Nintendo stopped chasing power equality with its rivals when the Wii outsold the PS3 and Xbox 360. Instead, they concentrated on developing party and family oriented games such as Wii Sports, which attracted a more casual audience. At the same time, they continued to cater to their core fanbase with titles like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Mario Kart Wii, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. That hasn’t changed to a degree, because the Switch 2 is still less powerful than the contemporary PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. However, according to Nvidia, it has created a custom processor that is ten times more powerful than the Switch.

In terms of power, it’s comparable to the Steam Deck, capable of running games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake with some minor cutbacks here and there. Although the Steam Deck is a handheld PC that offers a lot more customization and control to its users than a console, the Switch 2 is capable of playing games in 4K resolution when docked and supports HDR. In handheld mode, it can achieve 1080p at 120Hz. Although the Switch 2 utilizes Nvidia’s DLSS AI upscaling to achieve 4K, this performance is still impressive for a device primarily designed as a handheld console.

7

Design Quality And Size

Bigger And Sleeker Design

Without firsthand experience with the Switch 2, it may appear to be just a larger version of the original Switch. However, it feels more comfortable in your hands and has a more modern appearance, resembling the latest tablets. The Joy-Con 2 controllers blend seamlessly with the screen and overall design. Several factors contribute to the improved feel and look of the Switch 2:

• The screen is 7.9 inches.
• Larger magnetic Joy-Cons that double up as a mouse.
• A wider backstand, making it sturdier and adjustable when used as a tabletop screen for single-player and multiplayer games.
• Rich sound and improved volume.