Nintendo Switch 2 Specs Include Support For HDR, 4K, And 120FPS

Nintendo has shared concrete specs about the Switch 2 hardware in its latest Nintendo Direct, including support for HDR, 4K resolution while docked, 120fps in supported titles when not in 4K, and magnetic Joy-Con controllers.

The Switch 2 LCD screen is larger than its predecessor at 7.9 inches, but the device overall is the same thickness as the original Switch. The screen itself is an upgrade and will run at 1080p in handheld mode and features an improved, adjustable kickstand and two USB-C ports--one on the top of the console and one on the bottom. When docked, the Switch 2 will be able to run at 4K (but will be fixed to 60fps). When not running in 4K, certain titles will support framerates of up to 120fps (with variable refresh rate, or VRR, also supported). The dock itself is also receiving an upgrade in the form of a built-in fan to keep the console cool.

It's not just the screen and dock that are receiving upgrades. The Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers (fittingly called Joy-Con 2) will attach to the console magnetically, with a release button on the back of the controllers that will allow for easy detachment. Each Joy-Con 2 will additionally have larger control sticks and bigger SL and SR buttons for more comfort when playing with a single Joy-Con horizontally.

The Switch 2 itself weights about .88 pounds, or 1.18 pounds when you have both Joy-Cons attached. That compares with .71 pounds/.93 pounds for the Switch OLED.

Nintendo also confirmed mouse support for Switch 2, allowing players to use the system's Joy-Con 2s as if they were a computer mouse for specific games. The Switch 2 will additionally feature a built-in mic (with noise-canceling technology) and improved speakers to make better use of the console's new GameChat feature that can be activated via the right Joy-Con 2's "C" button.

When it comes to storage, the Switch 2's internal storage will be eight times greater than the original Switch, with the Switch 2 sporting 256GB of internal storage space. Nintendo said the SSD will also read and write data faster than the original Switch's SSD.

A full specs list is available on Nintendo's website.

In addition to revealing new details about the Switch 2 hardware, Nintendo revealed new games like Mario Kart World and upgrades coming to original Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.