The Nintendo Switch 2: A Closer Look at Size and Dimensions
Early glimpses of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal a larger console than its predecessor. The announcement trailer showcases a significant size increase, signaling a shift away from compact handhelds towards larger portable devices like the Steam Deck and iPad. While official dimensions remain undisclosed, analysis of the trailer, combined with hands-on experience at CES 2025 with a Genki mock-up (remarkably accurate to the final design), allows for reasonable estimations.
Screen Size:
Our estimations suggest an 8-inch screen (diagonal measurement, excluding bezels). This aligns with earlier rumors. We project approximate dimensions of 177mm wide and 99mm tall. This represents a nearly 30% increase in diagonal size and a 66% increase in area compared to the original Switch's 6.2-inch display. The increase is even more pronounced when compared to the Switch Lite (45% larger diagonally, 111% larger in area) and the Switch OLED (14% larger diagonally, 30% larger in area). While larger doesn't automatically equate to better, a larger screen offers a potentially improved visual experience, assuming high-quality display technology. The Switch 2's screen also surpasses the Steam Deck's 7-inch and 7.4-inch (OLED) displays, exceeding them by 8% and 11% in area respectively.
Overall Console Size:
The larger screen necessitates a larger console. Measurements from the Genki mock-up, corroborated by trailer analysis, suggest the Switch 2 is approximately 265mm long and 115mm tall. This is roughly a 25% increase compared to the original Switch (239mm x 102mm), making it significantly larger than the Switch Lite (61% larger) but still smaller than the Steam Deck (12% smaller). Depth is estimated to be similar to the original Switch.
Joy-Con Size:
The trailer hints at Joy-Cons with similar width but increased height. Our estimations point to 32mm wide and 115mm tall, a 13% increase compared to the originals.
Screen Unit Size:
Subtracting the Joy-Con dimensions from the overall console size, we estimate the Switch 2 screen unit at 200mm long and 115mm tall, approximately 31% larger than the original. This size comfortably accommodates the 8-inch screen, suggesting relatively slim bezels.
Disclaimer: These dimensions are estimations based on available information and may differ from official specifications. However, the accuracy of the Genki mock-up suggests these figures are likely close to the final product.