Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: 30 Key Details from Trailer

It’s *finally* here. After months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has unveiled its latest innovation: the Nintendo Switch 2. The name might be understated, but the console itself is anything but. At first glance, it may seem similar to its predecessor, yet a closer inspection reveals a wealth of enhancements and new features. We've identified 30 exciting details from the reveal trailer, and we're thrilled to share them all with you.

From a brand new face button to innovative ways to utilize the Joy-Con, here's a comprehensive rundown of everything showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

28 Images01 - The Switch 2 maintains a similar form factor to its predecessor, though slightly larger. The main unit and Joy-Con controllers have increased in size, making the entire console about 15% bigger than the original Switch.

02 - The vibrant Joy-Con colors of the past are replaced with a sleek, uniform dark grey across the console, resembling the aesthetic of the Steam Deck.

03 - However, the console isn't completely devoid of color. It features a ring of color around each analogue stick, echoing the original's red and blue controllers. This color coding extends to the inner edges of the console and Joy-Con, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

04 - The Joy-Con now slot directly into the device with a protruding connector, rather than sliding on rails. Rumors suggest a magnetic connection, similar to Apple's Magsafe, though this hasn't been confirmed.

05 - A new trigger system on the back of each Joy-Con allows for easy detachment from the main unit. A brief demonstration on Nintendo.com shows how squeezing the trigger activates a piston-like mechanism to release the controller.

06 - The Joy-Con's front maintains the classic control layout with offset analogue sticks, direction buttons, A, B, X, and Y face buttons, Plus and Minus buttons, and the familiar capture and Home buttons.

07 - A new, mysterious button beneath the Home button awaits further revelation from Nintendo.

08 - The L and R shoulder buttons and ZL and ZR triggers remain in their expected positions, with the latter now deeper and more rounded for improved comfort and ease of use.

09 - The analogue sticks feature a new design with smaller inner rings and taller rims, aimed at enhancing thumb grip and control.

10 - While the NFC Amiibo interface isn't visible on the right Joy-Con, it might still be present as it was on the original Switch. The IR sensor from the bottom edge of the original right Joy-Con appears to be omitted, reflecting its limited use in games.

11 - The internal edges of the Joy-Con retain the SL and SR buttons, confirming continued support for using each Joy-Con as a standalone controller. These buttons are notably larger, promising improved usability.

12 - The player assignment LEDs have moved to the forward-facing edge of the connector strip, maintaining their functionality with a new placement.

13 - The connector port between the SL and SR buttons links the Joy-Con to the main unit, with the Sync button below for pairing, mirroring the original Switch's design.

14 - Above the connector, a small, clear lens suggests a potential laser sensor for mouse-like functionality, as hinted by the Joy-Con's movement in the trailer.

15 - The wrist-straps return with a new design, matching the internal color scheme of the Joy-Con.

16 - The main console unit features a larger screen, though not as edge-to-edge as the Switch OLED. The display technology remains undisclosed but could be either OLED or LED.

17 - The top edge retains the power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a slightly redesigned ventilation grill, split into three vents.

18 - The Game Card slot stays on the top edge, indicating backwards compatibility with the original Switch's cartridges.

19 - A new USB C port next to the headphone jack sparks curiosity about potential new peripherals, despite the existing bottom-mounted USB C port for docking and charging.

20 - New downward-firing speakers replace the original's rear-facing ones, promising improved sound quality.

21 - The rear of the console boasts an extended kickstand running its full length, possibly enhanced by rubber feet for stability. It appears to lock into multiple angles for versatile positioning.

22 - The console docks into a TV via a dock similar to the original Switch's, with rounded corners to match the Joy-Con and a prominent Switch 2 logo.

23 - A controller peripheral that accommodates the Joy-Con is included, though it may still need ergonomic improvements based on the original's feedback.

24 - The reveal trailer teases a new Mario Kart game, featuring a starting grid for 24 racers, doubling the original's capacity.

25 - A new track, "Mario Kart - Mario Bros. Circuit," suggests a larger, more open and off-road racing environment.

26 - The trailer confirms a roster of ten characters: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, and Wario, spotted briefly.

27 - Backwards compatibility with old Switch games is supported, though some may not be compatible due to the new Joy-Con design and discontinued peripherals like Ring Fit Adventure.

28 - The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch in 2025, likely not before June.

29 - More details, including a possible release date, will be shared during the Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd.

30 - Following the direct, fans can experience the console firsthand at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour, visiting cities like New York, Paris, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Seoul from April to June. Entry is open to Nintendo Account holders through a free ticket ballot, with registration starting January 17th.

These are the 30 key details unveiled by the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer. Stay tuned to IGN for the latest updates and more Nintendo Switch 2 news in the coming months.