Switch 2 vs Switch 1: what changes, and should you upgrade?
The Switch 2 is a bigger, sharper and more powerful Switch: a 7.9-inch 1080p screen instead of the original's 6.2-inch 720p one, 4K on a TV, 256 GB of storage instead of 32 GB, and new Joy-Con 2 controllers, and it still plays your Switch 1 games, apart from those Nintendo lists as not fully compatible. Upgrade if you want the games made only for Switch 2 or a better picture; keep your Switch 1 if it already plays everything you want, because Nintendo's battery estimate for the Switch 2 is shorter.
See the Nintendo Switch 2, $349 →
VoltVault sells the Nintendo Switch 2, not the original Switch. Ours is open-box and never used, in stock at $349 USD with the console, dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers and cables in the box. It ships from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment, with free tracked shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
against Nintendo's Switch 2 tech specs, Nintendo's Switch tech specs, Nintendo's transfer guide and Nintendo's game compatibility page. "Switch 1" is the name buyers use; Nintendo calls it Nintendo Switch.
Switch 2 vs Switch 1, spec by spec
The Switch 1 column is the standard Nintendo Switch (model HAC-001(-01)) from Nintendo's spec page. The Switch OLED Model differs from it in two rows: a 7.0-inch OLED screen, still 1280x720, and 64 GB of storage.
| Switch 2 | Switch 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 7.9-inch LCD, 1920x1080, HDR10, VRR up to 120 Hz | 6.2-inch LCD, 1280x720 |
| On a TV | Up to 4K at 60 fps; 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p; HDR10 | Up to 1080p |
| Processor | Custom processor made by NVIDIA | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor |
| Built-in storage | 256 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory card | microSD Express only, up to 2 TB | microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC, up to 2 TB |
| Game cards | Switch 2 and Switch game cards | Switch game cards |
| Controllers | Joy-Con 2, with a mouse sensor and a C Button | Joy-Con |
| Battery, per Nintendo | About 2 to 6.5 hours | About 4.5 to 9 hours |
| Wi-Fi and wired internet | Wi-Fi 6; LAN port on the dock | Wi-Fi 802.11ac; LAN adapter sold separately |
| USB-C ports on the console | 2 | 1 |
| Weight with controllers | About 1.18 lb | About 0.88 lb |
What actually changes for you
- Screen. The handheld screen goes from 720p to 1080p and gains HDR10 and a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz. Docked, the console can send up to 4K at 60 fps to a TV that supports it; the Switch 1 tops out at 1080p.
- Performance. Nintendo lists a custom processor made by NVIDIA. The Switch 1 takes only Switch game cards, so Switch 2 games need a Switch 2; those games are the main reason to upgrade. Selected older games also get a paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade, which Nintendo says can bring improved image quality, smoother framerates and extra modes.
- Storage. 256 GB built in, eight times the original's 32 GB. The card slot changed too: it takes microSD Express cards only, so your old microSD card won't hold Switch 2 games.
- Joy-Con 2. The new controllers add a mouse sensor, so games with mouse controls can use a Joy-Con 2 like a computer mouse, and a C Button that starts GameChat (online chat needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership). Nintendo rates them at about 20 hours per charge.
- Battery. This is the biggest step backwards. Nintendo estimates about 2 to 6.5 hours for the Switch 2 against about 4.5 to 9 hours for the current original Switch.
- Weight. It is heavier: about 1.18 lb with the controllers attached, against about 0.88 lb.
Your Switch 1 games, saves and controllers
Nintendo says the Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Switch games, and that some Switch games "may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2". Its compatibility page lists the problem titles. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit can't be played at all, and games that use the IR Motion Camera or the Ring-Con need an original Joy-Con, because Joy-Con 2 have no IR camera and don't fit the Ring-Con (Nintendo's game compatibility page). Check your favourite games there first; Does the Switch 2 play Switch games? covers what our listing says about older titles.
Moving across is built in. System Transfer copies the digital games you bought, your save data and your settings from the old console to the new one, and the games download again by themselves. Your Switch Joy-Con and Pro Controller also work with compatible games, though not with games that need Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls (Nintendo's transfer guide). Nintendo also offers free updates for selected Switch games that may improve performance once the Switch 2 is online.
Should you upgrade?
- Yes, if you want games that are made only for Switch 2, you play docked on a 4K TV, or the 720p handheld screen bothers you.
- Yes, if you are short on space: 256 GB built in is a big step up from 32 GB.
- Wait, if your Switch already plays everything you care about and you mostly play on long trips away from a charger, since Nintendo's battery estimate for the Switch 2 is lower.
- Check first, if your family plays Labo, Ring Fit Adventure or other games that use the IR camera: keep at least one pair of original Joy-Con.
- If you own a Switch OLED, the screen gap is smaller; see Switch 2 vs Switch OLED. Deciding between a Switch 2 and a PlayStation instead? See PS5 vs Switch 2.
Manufacturer image shown for reference; not a photo of the individual item.
Buying a Switch 2 from VoltVault
- Nintendo Switch 2, open-box, never used, $349 USD
- In the box: console, dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers and cables; no game and no memory card (what's included)
- Ships from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment; US transit is about 2–5 business days, and the tracking number is emailed when the label is made
- Return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund of the item price (returns policy)
- Ask a person before you pay: orders@shopvoltvault.com
Still weighing it up? Read Is the Switch 2 worth it? or see Switch 2 in stock.
See the Nintendo Switch 2, $349 →
Common questions
What is the difference between the Switch 2 and the Switch 1?
The Switch 2 has a bigger 1080p screen (7.9 inches against 6.2 inches at 720p), 4K output on a TV, 256 GB of storage instead of 32 GB, a new custom processor made by NVIDIA and new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Nintendo's battery estimate is shorter: about 2 to 6.5 hours against 4.5 to 9 hours.
Should I upgrade from the Switch 1 to the Switch 2?
Upgrade if you want games made only for Switch 2, a sharper screen or 4K on your TV. If your Switch already plays everything you want and you mostly play long sessions away from a charger, there is no rush.
Will my Switch 1 games work on the Switch 2?
Compatible ones do. Nintendo says the Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Switch games, but some are not supported or not fully compatible. Check each title on Nintendo's compatibility page before you buy.
Can I move my games and saves to the Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo's System Transfer moves the digital games you bought, save data and settings from a Switch to a Switch 2. It needs an internet connection and a user profile linked to a Nintendo Account.
Do my old Joy-Con work on the Switch 2?
Yes, for compatible games. Nintendo says Switch Joy-Con and the Pro Controller work, but not in games that need Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls. A few older games need the original Joy-Con, for example ones that use the IR Motion Camera.
Can I use my Switch 1 microSD card in the Switch 2?
Not for games. The Switch 2 takes microSD Express cards only; an older card can only copy screenshots and videos across.
Is the Switch 2 battery worse than the Switch 1?
On paper, yes. Nintendo estimates about 2 to 6.5 hours for the Switch 2 and about 4.5 to 9 hours for the current original Switch. It depends on the game.
What comes in the VoltVault Switch 2 box?
The console, the dock, the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the cables. No game and no memory card. It is open-box and never used, $349 USD, and ships from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment.