Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch & Switch OLED: How the Latest Console Compares
Following considerable anticipation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, the cutting-edge successor to the immensely successful hybrid console. Although complete technical specifications remain undisclosed, Nintendo has confirmed various important enhancements — and numerous others have been leaked or deduced from recent announcements. In this article, we explore the known and speculated differences between the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch OLED version, and the forthcoming Switch 2.
Switch vs. Switch OLED vs. Switch 2: A Comparative Overview
Here is an in-depth comparison of the three consoles. Kindly note that some Switch 2 specifications are derived from leaks and are marked with an asterisk (*) until they receive official confirmation.
| Feature | Switch | Switch OLED | Switch 2 |
|———————-|——————————–|———————————-|—————————————-|
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 23.9 x 13.9 cm | 10.2 x 24.2 x 13.9 cm | tba |
| CPU | Cortex-A57 | Cortex-A57 | Nvidia T239* (ARM A78C cores)* |
| GPU Architecture | Maxwell 2.0 | Maxwell 2.0 | Ampere* |
| TFLOPS | 0.2355 (handheld) / 0.393 (docked) | Same as Switch | 1.7 (handheld)* / 3.1 (docked)* |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB | 256 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Display | 6.2″ LCD | 7″ OLED | 7.9″ LCD, 120Hz, HDR |
| Resolution | 720p (handheld) / 1080p (docked) | Same as Switch | 1080p (handheld) / Up to 4K (docked) |
| Upscaling | – | – | Yes (DLSS or similar)* |
| Weight | ~320 g | ~297 g | tba |
| Battery Life | 4.5–9 hrs (post-2019 model) | 4.5–9 hrs | tba |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 | tba |
What’s Different in the Switch 2?
While the original Switch and its OLED iteration showcased minor variations in display and storage, the Switch 2 signifies a considerable advancement in both technology and attributes.
1. Significant CPU & GPU Enhancement
The Switch 2 is believed to employ a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 chip, featuring ARM Cortex-A78C cores. This represents a notable upgrade over the outdated Cortex-A57 found in the original models. The GPU is reportedly rooted in Nvidia’s Ampere architecture — the same technology behind the RTX 3000 series — permitting contemporary features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) for upscaling and optimized performance.
2. Improved Graphics Capability
With projected TFLOPS of 1.7 in handheld mode and 3.1 in docked mode, the Switch 2 is anticipated to provide significantly enhanced graphical performance. In contrast, the original Switch reaches a maximum of just 0.393 TFLOPS when docked.
3. Larger, Quicker Display
The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen — bigger than both predecessors — featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support. This is expected to result in smoother gameplay and more vivid visuals, particularly in handheld mode.
4. Enhanced Resolution & Upscaling
The new console offers 1080p resolution in handheld mode and up to 4K when docked. Although the precise upscaling technique has yet to be confirmed, the inclusion of performance and quality modes hints at the use of DLSS or a comparable technology.
5. Increased Storage & RAM
Nintendo has verified that the Switch 2 will include 256GB of internal storage — a substantial increase from the 32GB and 64GB available in earlier models. The RAM has also been expanded to 12GB, which should enhance multitasking, accelerate load times, and support more intricate games.
6. New Social & Hardware Features
Nintendo is emphasizing social capabilities with the Switch 2 as well. Upon release, the console will feature:
– A dedicated chat button
– An in-house voice chat system (akin to Discord)
– Support for an external camera
– A new Pro Controller
– Mouse functionality on both Joy-Con controllers
– A built-in stand for