The Nintendo Switch, first released in 2017, transformed gaming and brought portability to home console capabilities. Its special design and strong game library have made it a favorite among gamers worldwide, with over 129 million units sold as of 2024. But technology never stands still, and the industry is buzzing with rumors about its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2.
Gamers have high expectations for the next update of this hybrid console. Every fan’s wishlist is filled with several features, such as improved hardware and improved online features.
Top Features Gamers Expect In Nintendo Switch 2
Gamers have taken to Reddit and other gaming forums to define their expectations for the next console. Let’s go through some top features gamers are hoping to see in the Nintendo Switch 2.
Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility is one of the top features that has been mentioned repeatedly by gamers. Many Switch owners have invested heavily in physical and digital games, and they expect to carry these over to the new console if they are updating their devices. They expect Switch cartridges to work well on the new hardware too.
And most importantly, they wish that the games that they have already invested in from the Nintendo eShop remain accessible without additional charges. This feature will be like a reward for loyal fans and also give Switch 2 an immediate big library upon its launch.
Reliable JoyCons
The Joy-Cons are controllers, but they have been criticized for durability issues, especially for the “drift” problem. Gamers are expecting a redesign that addresses these concerns. Reliable Joy-Cons will only help the Switch 2’s reputation as a versatile gaming device.
Main expectations for Joy-Cons:
- Improved hardware to avoid stick drift and get precise control.
- A design that caters to long gaming sessions without causing any discomfort
- New buttons or haptic feedback to improve gameplay experiences.
More Internal Storage
Storage limitations have been a continuous complaint among Switch users. The base model has 32GB of storage, which fills up quickly with the size of modern games. Gamers want larger built-in storage. At least 512 GB to accommodate bigger game libraries. They also expect support for larger microSD cards without any limitations. More storage would reduce the need for constant file management and deleting files.
Better Performance And Graphics
Another one of the most requested upgrades for the Nintendo Switch 2 is a jump in hardware performance. While the original Switch does offer impressive games, it lags behind competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in terms of raw power. Gamers are hoping for a docked mode that supports 4K gaming. It will give sharper and more detailed visuals.
They also want higher frame rates around 60 FPS or higher that will give smoother gameplay, especially for action-packed and open-world games. To pair with it a more powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) to handle graphically intense games without any compromise
Virtual Reality (VR) Integration
As VR gaming is becoming more and more popular, gamers hope the Switch 2 will incorporate this feature into the gaming console. Nintendo has already tried this with the LAbo VR kit. But having affordable VR headsets that go well with the console will be a great addition. New games should be released that are designed just for VR.
Better Battery Life
Portability is one of the appealing qualities of Switch, but its battery life has been a limitation. The updated Switch models have improved on this, but gamers are hoping the Switch 2 makes it even better. Gamers wish for at least 8-10 hours of uninterrupted gameplay in handheld mode.
It would be great to have USB-C charging with fast charging capabilities with it. This would make the Switch 2 better for long commutes and long gaming sessions away from home.
Higher Quality Display
The Switch base model already has a good screen of 6.2 inches, and the OLED model comes with a 7-inch screen. But gamers are hoping for more improvements in the Switch 2. They prefer to have a bigger screen around 8 inches for better visibility. A higher resolution of 1080p will make the visuals more crisp. And durable panels to top it off to resist scratches and perform well outdoors. This would make the gaming experience more immersive and give a premium experience.
Dual-Screen Functionality
This feature will provide new ways to interact with games, which will improve gameplay and user convenience. For example, with dual-screen functionality, you can display the main gameplay on one screen while the second can be used to show additional information such as maps, inventories, or multiplayer stats. This will help gamers multitask and stream their game on one screen while playing the game on the other. Or it can also be used to get different perspective views of their own game.
4K DLSS Upscaling
Another feature that is highly anticipated within the gaming community is the inclusion of 4K DLSS upscaling technology in the Nintendo Switch 2. NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) gives a more efficient solution to the high cost of 4K rendering.
DLSS uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images to 4K and delivers exceptionally clear and detailed graphics without the need for excessive hardware power. Unlike the native 4K, DLSS allows the system to maintain higher frame rates which will result in smoother gameplay even in graphically rich titles.
Explore more: Top 15 Must-Play Nintendo Switch Games For 2024
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 definitely has the opportunity to set a new standard in gaming by addressing the growing needs of gamers. There’s no shortage of expectations for improved hardware, better battery life, and innovative features like VR. Nintendo has always led the way in the video game industry. They are known for consistently delivering top-notch gaming experiences.
If the Switch 2 does incorporate all these expected upgrades, it could cement its position as a leader in the hybrid console market. Fans are eagerly waiting for the official announcements. The excitement surrounding the new Switch 2 shows the depth of impact the original console had in the lives of gamers till now.
