Gaming

The Nintendo Switch 2, released on June 5, 2025, builds upon the original Switch's hybrid concept with significant upgrades in performance, display, and features. Here are its key characteristics and price in Kenya

Console & Performance:

• Custom NVIDIA Processor: Powered by a custom NVIDIA chip with Ampere architecture and eight ARM Cortex A78C cores, offering substantially improved processing and graphics performance compared to the original Switch (reportedly 10x the graphics performance). This enables smoother frame rates, sharper visuals, and faster loading speeds.
• Enhanced Storage: Comes with 256GB of internal UFS storage (8x the original Switch's 32GB), expandable with microSD Express cards up to 2TB. It also features a custom file decompression engine (FDE) for faster load times.
• Improved Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster download speeds and features Bluetooth. The dock also includes an Ethernet port for a stable wired connection.
• Dual USB-C Ports: One on the bottom for docking/charging, and a new one on the top for accessories or charging in tabletop mode.
• Backward Compatibility: Plays both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, with some older titles potentially receiving enhanced "Switch 2 Edition" versions to take advantage of the new hardware.
• Improved Audio: Offers crisp audio quality and 3D spatial sound through its built-in speakers, and supports linear PCM 5.1ch output in TV mode.
• Battery Life: Approximately 2 - 6.5 hours, depending on usage and games.

Display:

• Larger, Higher Resolution Screen: Features a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD touchscreen with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. This is a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 6.2-inch 720p screen.
• High Refresh Rate & HDR: Supports HDR10 and a variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120Hz in handheld mode.
• 4K TV Output: When docked, the system can output up to 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 60fps, with support for HDR10. It also supports 120fps at 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 resolutions. The dock has a built-in fan to keep the system cool during 4K output.

Joy-Con 2 Controllers:

• Magnetic Attachment: Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically to the console, offering a more secure and satisfying "snap" compared to the original rail system.
• Mouse Controls: Each Joy-Con 2 has an optical sensor, allowing them to be used as mouse controllers in compatible games. This opens up new gameplay possibilities.
• New "C" Button: A new "C" button on the right Joy-Con 2 is dedicated to the new GameChat feature.
• HD Rumble 2: An enhanced vibration function for more immersive haptic feedback.
• Improved Ergonomics: Slightly larger than the original Joy-Cons with a matte finish, redesigned for better comfort and access to shoulder buttons.
• Lost Controller Locator: Can be remotely "pinged" to vibrate or beep, helping users locate misplaced controllers.

New Gameplay & Social Features:

• GameChat: A built-in voice chat service that allows users to voice chat, share their game screen, and even video chat (with a compatible USB-C camera, sold separately) with friends. It features a built-in microphone with noise and echo cancellation. GameChat is free until March 31, 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
• Virtual Game Cards: A new feature allowing users to temporarily lend digital games to friends and family, replicating the experience of sharing physical cartridges. This works for games on both Switch and Switch 2.
• Nintendo Classics (GameCube on NSO): The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack now includes a selection of GameCube games, exclusive to the Switch 2, with additional features like button remapping, CRT filters, and a rewind function for N64 games. A new GameCube controller is also available.
• Improved Kickstand: A wide, U-shaped metal arch on stiff hinges, offering greater stability and adjustable viewing angles in tabletop mode.