Nintendo Switch 2 Trailer: 30 Key Details Revealed

It's finally here. After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. While the name might seem understated, the console itself is packed with exciting enhancements over its predecessor. At first glance, it may look similar to the original Switch, but a closer inspection reveals numerous innovations. We're here to guide you through 30 key features and improvements.

From a brand new face button to innovative ways of using the Joy-Con, here’s everything revealed in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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01 - The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor, albeit slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con controllers are about 15% bigger, offering a more substantial feel.

02 - Departing from the vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past, the Switch 2 adopts a sleek, uniform dark grey aesthetic reminiscent of the Steam Deck, enhancing its modern look.

03 - Despite the monochrome exterior, the Switch 2 pays homage to its predecessor with a colorful ring around each analog stick and along the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con. This not only adds a stylish touch but also serves as a practical color-coding system for easy attachment.

04 - The Joy-Con now directly slot into the console with a protruding connector on the main unit that plugs into a port on the Joy-Con. Rumors suggest that magnets, similar to those in Apple’s Magsafe, will hold them securely in place.

05 - A new trigger system on the rear of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment 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 front of the Joy-Con remains unchanged, with offset analog sticks and familiar face buttons. The Plus and Minus buttons sit at the top, while the capture and Home buttons are positioned at the bottom.

07 - A mysterious new button appears below the Home button, its function currently unknown.

08 - The L and R shoulder buttons are in their expected positions, with deeper and more rounded ZL and ZR triggers beneath them, promising enhanced comfort and usability.

09 - The analog sticks feature a low-profile design with a smaller inner ring and taller rims, designed to improve thumb grip and support.

10 - The NFC Amiibo interface may still be present, though not visible in the trailer, similar to the original Switch. However, the IR sensor from the original right Joy-Con is notably absent, likely due to its limited use in games.

11 - The SL and SR buttons on the internal edges of the Joy-Con are significantly larger, up to four times the size of the original, making them easier to use when the Joy-Con is used as a standalone controller.

12 - The four green LEDs that indicate player assignment have been moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip for better visibility.

13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons also houses a Sync button for pairing the Joy-Con with the console, mirroring the original Switch.

14 - An intriguing clear lens above the connector port might be a laser sensor, suggesting that the Joy-Con could function like a computer mouse. This is supported by the trailer where Joy-Con with wrist-straps resemble scurrying mice.

15 - The wrist-straps have been redesigned to match the internal color scheme of the Joy-Con, adding a touch of flair.

16 - The main console unit features a larger screen, though not as edge-to-edge as the Switch OLED. The display technology remains undisclosed, but it promises a more immersive visual experience.

17 - The top edge of the console 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 is still on the top edge, ensuring backwards compatibility with original Switch games.

19 - A new USB-C port next to the headphone jack adds to the mystery. It's unclear what this port is for, as the console also features a bottom-mounted USB-C port for docking and charging.

20 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original rear-facing speakers, potentially improving sound quality.

21 - A full-length kickstand on the back of the console offers multiple viewing angles, supported by rubber feet to keep the device stable.

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

23 - A controller peripheral that the Joy-Con slot into is included, though its ergonomics remain to be tested.

24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a larger starting line for 24 racers, doubling the number from Mario Kart 8.

25 - A new track named "Mario Bros. Circuit" is introduced, suggesting a more open and off-road racing experience.

26 - The trailer confirms a roster of ten characters: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, spotted briefly.

27 - Backwards compatibility is supported, though certain games may not work due to incompatible peripherals like those used in Ring Fit Adventure.

28 - The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in 2025, likely no earlier than June.

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

30 - Following the Direct, fans can experience the console at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour from April to June, starting in New York and Paris. The tour will visit various cities, and entry is via a free ballot for Nintendo Account holders, with registration opening on January 17th.

These are the 30 key details unveiled in the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage on IGN as we approach the console's release.