The Nintendo Switch 2 design has officially been revealed. Yes, after years of speculation, we at last got to see what the Switch 2 actually looks like. And, thanks to some hands-on experience on our part, plus a slew of information from the Switch 2 Direct April 2025 showcase, we know what's in store.
Along with a bigger screen for all the upcoming Switch 2 games, there are plenty of new features to look out for, such as the appearance of an extra USB-C port, a headphone jack, and more. Joy-Cons have had a tune-up, and we can confirm that there are some big design changes, both practical and aesthetic, that distinguish the new console from its predecessor – for more on that, be sure to check out our rundown of the Switch 2 vs the Nintendo Switch.
Main console changes
Paint it, black
The bright blue and red of the original Switch's Joy-Cons – though still here – have been relegated to just the Joy-Cons' thumbsticks and interior-facing panel, the latter of which is barely visible in handheld mode.
Beyond that, it's all black – and although we don't want to read too much into this, it does feel like Nintendo is positioning this as a more serious hardware competitor to PlayStation and Xbox. That was a reputation issue the original Switch never quite shook despite being a phenomenal console in its own right, so Nintendo is likely keen to squash this nice and early.
This design choice fits the console's new tech that uses DLSS and ray tracing technology. The console will prove far more capable of running demanding games that have traditionally stuck to releasing on PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5. That in itself is a game-changer.
Bigger means better?
The Switch 2 screen is 7.9 inches (bigger than both the first Switch and OLED). And, it's not the only thing that's had an increase. The new Joy-Cons are wider and longer than the Switch's.
In fact, the bump in size – along with the darker aesthetic – makes the Switch 2 look closer in nature to Valve's own Steam Deck handheld. The larger screen will be nice for playing the best Switch games, a glow-up. However, despite the size increase, the console is still pretty light. It is 13.9mm thick just like the original and weighs about 1.18 lbs, making it only slightly heavier than the first Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons
No more Joy-Con sliding
As for more tangible design changes, Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons will now plug directly into the console's main body, as opposed to how they would have to slide onto the first Switch with a railing system.
Unlike the Switch 2's all-black makeover, the reasoning behind this change feels a little more obvious. Connecting and removing Joy-Cons from the current Switch has always felt flimsy and a little awkward, so this feels like a pretty straightforward tweak designed to make the Switch 2 feel sturdier than its predecessor.
Based on what we've seen from the first-look trailer and experienced, the connection between Joy-Con and Switch 2 is magnetic, which in theory should further minimize the potential for finicky hardware elements to break – if you still have the launch model Switch, you'll probably be familiar with how wobbly and loose connected Joy-Cons felt after a few years. Since it is magnetic, the slot that Joy-Cons will connect to should also help to keep them stable and less likely to break from accidental drops – not that any of us have ever dropped a Switch, of course.
Joy-Cons... as mice?
You heard right. If the emphasized gliding in the first-look trailer isn't just slick marketing, the Switch 2's Joy-Cons will be able to double as a mouse while the main console body is propped up by its stand.
This feels huge – not only does it offer more accurate inputs, but it could potentially open the door to the Switch 2 being used as a broader entertainment device in the same way that PlayStation and Xbox consoles double as hubs for streaming platforms and the like. A mouse Joy-Con is really fun to play with as well, from our experience already testing them out in our Metroid Prime 4: Beyond preview.
The Joy-Cons can easily switch back into normal control mode from this mouse function as well. In fact, a lot of the new Switch 2 games we've demoed so far had us interchanging between these Joy-Con uses during certain gameplay sections. That means we expect a lot more innovative and creative gameplay mechanics from Nintendo in the future!
Nintendo Switch 2 dock
A redesigned dock
The original Switch dock looked a little flimsy – and, well, a bit chunky. The Switch 2 drops that edgier design for rounded corners, meaning it should look a little less out-of-place squashed in front of your TV.
From a more practical design, it's also good news for everyone who worries about scratching the screen on those previously sharp edges. This came up a lot during the first Switch's launch but never really materialized – but if those softer corners prevent this old worry rearing its head before it has a chance to start, it's an easy win for Nintendo.
Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility
A lot of familiarity – especially for the cartridge slot
Right at the end of the first-look trailer, Nintendo shows that the Switch 2 will have backwards compatibility for physical Switch games – with the cartridge slot remaining in the same position for both consoles.
That positioning in itself isn't a huge deal one way or another, but it is interesting to see how Nintendo has kept much of the Switch 2's design looking like its predecessor. All of its buttons are largely in the same place, so anyone coming over from the Switch should be able to pick up and play the Switch 2 without pesky muscle memory getting in the way of things. After all – the Switch was one of the best-selling consoles in the US, so why change something if it isn't broken?
Nintendo Switch 2 new button
An extra button!
Look below the Switch 2's 'home' button on the right Joy-Con, and you'll see an unmarked square button. Interestingly, the newly launched app Nintendo Today gave us another look at the mystery button, which appears to be a C button. But what does it do?
Well, the C button activates the Switch 2's GameChat feature. This feature is basically Nintendo's version of Discord and will be a paid option once the free trial expires for players on March 31, 2026. After that due date, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use it again.
If you decide not to pay extra for Nintendo Switch Online, the C button basically does nothing and will just exist without a cause on your controller.
As for what's going to be on the console, read our guide on one of the most exciting Switch 2 games, Mario Kart World.
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