The day many have waited for is finally here – the Nintendo Switch 2 is launching soon! This successor to the wildly popular Nintendo Switch isn’t just expected to fly off shelves; it’s set to bring a whole new level of gaming experience, especially with anticipated titles like Mario Kart World. We got some hands-on time with the new console, and while we’ve already shared our hardware impressions, explored Mario Kart World, and even tried out GameChat with the new camera, many are curious about one big thing: how does it feel? How does it compare in size and weight to the original Switch and its big competitor, the Steam Deck? Let’s break down the physical differences.
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Key Takeaways:
- The Switch 2 is noticeably bigger and heavier than the original Switch models.
- It’s much thinner and lighter than the Steam Deck, making it more portable.
- The screen is significantly larger and gets a resolution and HDR boost.
- The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are bigger and more comfortable for longer sessions.
- Despite spec changes, Nintendo’s design makes the Switch 2 feel balanced and good in the hand.
Size Matters (But Maybe Not How You Think)
If you’re upgrading from an original Switch or Switch OLED, the first thing you’ll notice unboxing the Switch 2 is that it’s bigger. That’s not a huge shock given the screen size jump from 6.2 inches (original Switch) and 7 inches (OLED) to a roomy 7.9 inches on the Switch 2.
While it’s definitely not going to magically fit in your average jeans pocket (unless you’re bringing back the JNCO look), it takes up less space in a backpack or tote bag compared to chunkier handhelds like the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck is thick, built that way to fit cooling fans and sculpted grips. The Switch 2 keeps the same thin profile as the original, measuring just 13.9mm. It does include a cooling fan, but it’s housed in the dock for better performance when plugged into a TV.
Here are the official measurements for comparison:
- Switch / Switch OLED: 239 x 102 x 13.9mm, 242 x 102 x 13.9mm
- Switch 2: 272 x 116 x 13.9mm
- Steam Deck LCD / Steam Deck OLED: 298 x 117 x 49mm
Personally, I appreciate that the Switch 2’s overall footprint is smaller than the Steam Deck’s. The Steam Deck is a fantastic device, but it feels like a portable brick. Dropped one on my chest once while gaming in bed, and yeah, it hurt. The Switch 2, while wider and taller, feels much less cumbersome.
Nintendo Switch 2 next to original Switch and Steam Deck for size comparison
The Screen: Bigger and Brighter
As mentioned, the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch screen is a significant step up, especially if you’re coming from the original 6.2-inch model. If you have a Switch OLED or Steam Deck OLED, the size difference isn’t quite as dramatic, but it’s still noticeable.
Here’s how screen sizes compare:
- Switch / Switch OLED: 6.2 inches and 7 inches
- Switch 2: 7.9 inches
- Steam Deck LCD / Steam Deck OLED: 7 inches and 7.4 inches
More than just size, the Switch 2 screen also boasts a 1080p resolution, an upgrade from the 720p found on all previous Switch models. Playing games like Mario Kart World, the display felt more immersive. While the Switch 2 uses an LCD panel instead of OLED (meaning blacks aren’t quite as deep and inky), the colors are more vibrant, partly thanks to HDR support. For HDR to work effectively, a screen usually needs to get quite bright, suggesting the Switch 2 has good peak brightness.
Even comparing it to my Steam Deck OLED (which has a matte screen that reduces vividness), the Switch 2’s colors popped nicely. Could it have been even better with an OLED? Sure, and Nintendo might save that for a future revision. But honestly, don’t let the LCD aspect scare you. When you’re racing friends or trying to survive chaotic 24-player Mario Kart World rounds, you won’t be focused on pixel-perfect black levels.
Side-by-side view comparing the screen size of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck OLED
Thickness and Weight: A Balancing Act
Here’s a pleasant surprise: the Switch 2 maintains the same 13.9mm thickness as the original models.
- Switch / Switch OLED: 13.9mm
- Switch 2: 13.9mm
- Steam Deck LCD / Steam Deck OLED: 49mm
Keeping it thin helps make the device feel less bulky, especially compared to devices like the Steam Deck or other handheld PCs that can feel quite chunky. While some might wish Nintendo had made it thicker to cram in a bigger battery, keeping it thin helps with comfort, especially if you don’t have huge hands. Every design choice involves tradeoffs.
The Switch 2 does gain some weight, coming in at 535 grams (1.18 pounds). This is heavier than the original Switch (398g) and Switch OLED (422g), but significantly lighter than both Steam Deck models (around 640-669g).
- Switch / Switch OLED: 398g (0.87 pounds), 422g (0.93 pounds)
- Switch 2: 535g (1.18 pounds)
- Steam Deck LCD / Steam Deck OLED: 669g, 640g (1.47 pounds, 1.41 pounds)
Comparing the thickness of the Nintendo Switch 2 handheld console
But numbers only tell part of the story. How a device feels in your hands is crucial. Nintendo is a master at this. The Switch 2 feels incredibly balanced despite being heavier. Playing for 30-45 minutes straight in handheld mode felt comfortable; I never felt the need to rest it on my lap. The distribution of weight across the larger body makes a big difference.
Improved Joy-Con 2 Controllers
A key physical change is the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. They’re larger and attach magnetically to the console instead of using the original sliding rail system. While only time will tell if they suffer from the dreaded joystick drift, the larger size is a definite win for comfort during longer gaming sessions. My fingers felt less cramped reaching for buttons and sticks.
Using the Joy-Con 2 as individual controllers also feels better. The SL and SR buttons on the side are larger and clickier, a nice upgrade from the sometimes mushy feel of the original Joy-Cons.
Comparing the new, larger Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controller on the left with the original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con on the right
The new magnetic attachment feels secure, and the controllers feel sturdy overall. Nintendo clearly put thought into refining the tactile experience.
The Verdict on Feel
Physically, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a solid step forward. It’s bigger and slightly heavier than its predecessor, which is necessary for the larger screen and components, but it manages to stay comfortably thin and feels remarkably balanced in hand thanks to smart design. Compared to bulkier handheld PCs, it retains a high level of portability. The improved screen size and resolution, plus the more comfortable Joy-Con 2 controllers, make it feel like a premium, familiar, and enhanced version of the console we love.
Want to dive deeper into other aspects of the Switch 2? Check out our initial hardware impressions, see what we thought after playing Mario Kart World, or read about the chaotic fun of GameChat.
