Nintendo Switch 2 Specifications: Confirmed Details and Rumored Leaks

Confirmed Details: What Nintendo Has Revealed

Nintendo has been characteristically tight-lipped about the Switch 2, but a few key details have emerged, offering a glimpse into the next generation of handheld gaming.

Larger Display: While the exact dimensions remain undisclosed, the Switch 2’s screen will be noticeably larger than both the original Switch (6.2 inches) and the OLED model (7 inches). This promises a more immersive experience, particularly for handheld play.
Redesigned Joy-Cons: The new Joy-Cons appear slightly larger, potentially improving ergonomics and addressing past criticisms. A key upgrade is the magnetic attachment mechanism, which could eliminate the infamous “Joy-Con drift” issue. This new attachment system also hints at potential compatibility with new accessories.
Dual USB-C Ports: With one port on top and another on the bottom, the Switch 2 embraces the versatility of USB-C. This could mean faster charging, improved docking options, and possibly even support for new peripherals.
Robust Kickstand: The redesigned kickstand appears wider and more integrated, offering greater stability for tabletop mode. This addresses a significant weakness of the original Switch’s flimsy kickstand.
Backward Compatibility (Mostly): Nintendo has confirmed support for both physical and digital Switch games, although they’ve stopped short of guaranteeing 100% compatibility. Some titles may require updates to run optimally on the new hardware.

Confirmed Specs at a Glance

Feature	Switch 2	Original Switch	Switch OLED
Screen Size	Larger (exact size TBD)	6.2 inches	7.0 inches
Joy-Cons	Larger, Magnetic Attachment	Standard	Standard
USB-C Ports	2 (Top & Bottom)	1 (Bottom)	1 (Bottom)
Kickstand	Wider, Integrated	Flimsy	Improved
Backward Compatibility	Partially Confirmed	N/A	N/A

Rumored and Leaked Specs: Piecing Together the Puzzle

While confirmed details are scarce, the rumor mill has been churning out intriguing possibilities about the Switch 2’s internal hardware and potential capabilities. It’s crucial to remember that these are unconfirmed and subject to change.

Processor: Rumors point to a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 (modified Orin) processor, a significant upgrade from the original Switch’s Tegra X1. This suggests a substantial performance boost, although it likely won’t rival the power of the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Graphics: The T239 likely integrates an Ampere-based GPU, potentially enabling features like ray tracing and DLSS upscaling, which could significantly enhance visuals.
RAM: Leaks suggest a generous 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a massive leap from the original Switch’s 4GB. This increased memory capacity should allow for smoother performance and more detailed game worlds.
Storage: A 256GB storage option utilizing faster UFS 3.1 technology is rumored, addressing storage limitations of previous models.
Display Size and Type: While an 8-inch LCD screen is speculated, the exact resolution remains unknown. The choice of LCD over OLED could be a cost-saving measure.
“C” Button: Leaked images reveal a mysterious new button, possibly related to enhanced communication features or new gameplay mechanics.

Rumored Specs Compared

Feature	Nintendo Switch	Switch OLED	Rumored Switch 2
CPU	Custom Tegra X1	Custom Tegra X1	Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
GPU	Custom Tegra X1	Custom Tegra X1	Integrated Ampere GPU
RAM	4GB	4GB	12GB
Storage	32GB/64GB	64GB	256GB
Screen Size	6.2″	7″	~8″
Screen Type	LCD	OLED	LCD

Performance Analysis: A Generational Leap?

Based on leaked information, the Switch 2 is expected to deliver a noticeable performance upgrade. Estimates suggest around 3.1 TFLOPS of graphical power in docked mode, a substantial improvement over the original Switch’s ~1 TFLOP. However, handheld mode performance is likely to be lower, around 1.7 TFLOPS.

The larger RAM capacity and faster storage should also contribute to a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. Features like DLSS, if implemented, could further enhance visuals and performance.

Performance Comparison (Estimated)

Feature	Docked (Leaked)	Handheld (Leaked)	Original Switch	Switch OLED
Estimated TFLOPS	~3.1	~1.7	~1 (Docked)	~1 (Docked)
RAM	12 GB LPDDR5	12 GB LPDDR5	4 GB LPDDR4	4 GB LPDDR4

Key Takeaways:

The Switch 2 represents a significant upgrade, but it’s unlikely to match the raw power of current-gen consoles.
The performance gap between docked and handheld modes remains, presenting challenges for developers.
Nintendo’s expertise in optimization could help maximize the hardware’s potential.
DLSS support could be a game-changer, boosting visuals and frame rates.

Disclaimer: All rumored and leaked information is unconfirmed and subject to change. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.