STACK #247 May 2025

GAMING FEATURE

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been revealed. The ‘C’ button is for “GameChat” functions,

bringing up a special chat menu and enabling closer play with others online – requiring a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Locally, up to four Switch 2 units can share the one compatible game, too. That’s not all that’s new with the controllers - or Joy-Con 2 – though. With their more subtle blue and red/orange highlights in rings around the new, larger thumbsticks and on the sides, they boast some impressive new features. When used singly as controllers, the SL and SR buttons are now significantly bigger, and are made of steel. This works hand in hand with the new attachment method, which is magnetic. They lock in place and are easily released by dedicated buttons on either side at the rear of the Switch 2 unit. The other big new Joy-Con 2 thing is mouse abilities. Each of them can be used like a computer mouse, which opens a world of new possibilities for Switch 2 game control where supported. Say cheese! With the addition of the separately available Switch 2 Camera, a range of options for having yourself and friends appearing onscreen within games, or in boxes underneath a reduced size

Details have finally been revealed on the highly anticipated next chapter of Nintendo’s Switch, the Switch 2. Here’s a rundown of what we can look forward to when it launches on June 5… Words Amy Flower WHAT’S NEW WITH SWITCH 2?

The basics Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 is a hybrid console with a handheld unit featuring removable controllers that can also be docked for playing on a television. However, while it may look similar, it’s more than a mere evolution, having been redesigned from the ground up. Screen talk There’s a big improvement on screen size, with a jump from 6.2 inches on the original Switch to a significantly larger 7.9 inches on the Switch 2. Yet the unit maintains the same thickness as the original Switch. The new LCD screen will also support 1080p, up from 720p, while when placed in the newly rounded-off dock – complete with internal fan to keep things cool - it will be able to output 4K to a television. It will also support HDR in both handheld and docked modes, as well as being capable of handling up to 120 frames per second, as well as supporting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

At its heart Inside the Switch 2 sits improved CPU and GPU hardware, while the onboard memory takes a massive leap from 32GB up to an impressive 256GB. Additional storage is still available via microSD card, but you’ll need the Express variants rather than standard ones – your old one from the first-generation Switch won’t work. Great news is that we’ll be able to system transfer our original Switch save data and digital games, too. Oh, and Switch 2 game cards will be bright red, rather than black.

play screen, presents itself, regardless of what they’re playing (as long as you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership). The Switch 2 Camera will work hand in hand with the new inbuilt microphone atop the Switch 2, which promises impressive noise cancelling. Sharing that top space is a second USB-C port, ideal for plugging in the camera when docked, or charging as you play. Going Pro Finally in hardware news, a new Switch 2 Pro Controller with added C button will be hitting, also boasting two rear buttons and an audio jack in the new features department.

Kicking back On the back of the unit there’s a larger, freely adjustable height kickstand, which looks a lot sturdier and stabler than that of the first-generation

Switch, and even more flexible than the Nintendo Switch OLED one. ‘C’ is for controller, and a new button

One mystery has been what that extra face button on the right will do, and that’s

MAY 2025

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