Nintendo says the Switch 2 “isn’t simply an improved Nintendo Switch, we redesigned the system from the ground up,” and after 8 years, I’d sure hope so

The forthcoming Switch 2 is touted by Nintendo as more than just an enhanced Switch, inciting collective sighs of disbelief from audiences worldwide.

As revealed during today’s highly anticipated Switch 2 Showcase, Nintendo tossed around several concepts while brainstorming a name for its upcoming console, including the retro-inspired Super Nintendo Switch. In the end, they opted for the straightforward title of Switch 2, which is eye-catching but raises questions about how it will differ from its predecessor. With eight long years since the debut of the original Switch, one would certainly expect a significantly improved device, and thankfully, it appears that’s precisely what we can anticipate.

While the fundamental operation remains unchanged, we now have much clearer insights into the core mechanisms, and by all indicators, it’s a substantial leap forward. We can expect a larger 1080p display in contrast to the original’s 720p output, support for 4K and 60 FPS when connected to compatible TVs, along with eight times the internal storage. We also learned that major titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade are headed to the console, demonstrating the strength of its custom Nvidia processor and GPU.

Moreover, Nintendo emphasized that the Switch 2 is an entirely new console rather than just an upgrade to the existing Switch. “As you just witnessed, Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t merely an enhanced Nintendo Switch,” stated Switch 2 hardware development lead Tetsuya Sasaki (timestamped here). “We restructured the system from the ground up and incorporated numerous new gameplay features.”

In a separate Q&A, Nintendo outlined several ways in which the Switch 2 excels beyond the original, including its enlarged, sharper screen, enhanced memory, superior processor, extended battery life, and much more.

In the meantime, here is our thorough guide to all the upcoming Switch 2 titles we currently know about.