The Switch 2 will have eight times the memory of the original Switch at 256 GB, and a screen that measures 7.9 inches (20 centimetres) versus 6.2 inches for the first Switch.
Its controllers, which attach with magnets rather than sliding on, can also be used like a desktop computer mouse, a new functionality the company is clearly hoping game developers will make use of.
A new GameShare function will also enable users to share games with friends to allow them to temporarily play together.
Analysts had predicted that the company would opt to bring out an improved iteration of a winning formula, rather than announce revolutionary changes – and that appeared to be the case overall.
“When you ask gamers, they mention performance and game software, but in reality, they seem to want the same experience as the original Switch,” Hideki Yasuda, an analyst at Japanese brokerage Toyo Securities, had said beforehand.
“I think what they truly want is simply higher performance.”
The Switch won favour with gamers of all ages thanks to its hybrid concept, which allows players to use it on-the-go and connected to a TV.
SLOWDOWN
Despite recent diversification efforts into movies and theme parks, Nintendo’s core business still relies heavily on video games and investors were closely scrutinising Wednesday’s announcements.
The company cut its profit forecasts in February due to slowing sales of the original Switch, but its shares have risen this year overall on expectations of strong demand for the Switch 2.
Nintendo could sell around 19 million units in 2025 and 21 million the following year, according to Toyo Securities estimates.
One unknown factor is the impact of import tariffs on Switch 2 availability in the United States, with US President Donald Trump unveiling sweeping new duties on Wednesday that could spark a global trade war.
Reports suggest Nintendo has recently switched an increasing amount of production from China to Vietnam to avoid US tariffs, while building up stocks of the product in the world’s biggest market.
The video game industry has been struggling with a global slowdown, with sales down by 35 per cent in 2024 year-on-year in the United States, according to data from US market research firm Circana.
