The Nintendo Switch v2 vs v1 – A Comparison

If you’re in the market for a new gaming console, there are some crucial differences between the Nintendo Switch v1 and the Switch v2 that you must know. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or casual, understanding these subtle but distinct differences can help in making an informed purchasing decision. You don’t want to make a wrong decision and end up disappointed. This article offers an in-depth comparison between the two versions that examines features such as design, system features and performance, battery life, controllers and accessories and price. Before we get into a detailed comparison let’s have a quick overview of both systems.

Nintendo switch v2 vs v1

In the gaming industry, releases of new versions of consoles and their respective components can bring on excitement, disappointment, and confusion. With the recent launch of the Nintendo Switch V2 (the newest version of the popular Nintendo Switch console) many gamers are wondering how it compares to its predecessor version–the Nintendo Switch V1. The Nintendo Switch V1 was released in March 2017 while the Nintendo Switch V2 was introduced at E3 2019.

The original model was equipped with a 6.2-inch display with 1280×720 resolution by 368 ppi density while the newer model boasts an improved 7 inch touch screen at 1280×720 resolution.  As for design updates, Nintendo has reduced the original’s outer bezels allowing more game content to fit onto the screen though they are still quite large against other mobile phones or gaming devices on today’s market. Both models feature no headphone jack or memory card slots making them inferior in terms of portability or connectivity compared to their counterparts from other brands like Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox.

Design and Build Quality

The Nintendo Switch V2 & V1 have nearly identical design components, with the V2 being slightly thicker and heavier, due to improved cooling and the incorporation of an extended battery life feature. Both versions are solidly built with a combination of rigid plastic and durable matte finish that prevents scratching. The Joy-Con controllers are also securely held in each side by click rails. An underrated aspect of these devices is the range of colors they offer as well as their overall sleekness.

The Nintendo Switch V2 comes in five colors: Navy Blue, Neon Yellow, Red & Blue, Lite Gray & Animal Crossing editions while the V1 comes in four colors: Turquoise, Gray, Neon Red/Blue & Pikachu edition (limitied edition). The buttons on both versions provide good response whether it’s for menus or when playing games. They survive basic drops due to their durability and semi-weighted nature. As for portability, both systems are very portable due to their size; however, some may find the weight difference between them a bit noticeable when it is carried around for an extended period of time.

Battery Life

The Nintendo Switch v2 offers a significant increase in battery life when compared to the v1. This is mainly attributed to the larger battery size, as the v2 holds a 4310mAh battery compared to the smaller 4,310 mAh battery found in its predecessor. This provides longer gaming sessions between charges, allowing gamers to play for longer hours without interruption. In terms of specifics, the Nintendo Switch v2 can last up to approximately 9 hours on one full charge. This is about an hour and a half more than its predecessor. The exact amount of time will vary depending on how intense your gaming sessions are and what type of games you’re playing. However, on average, the v2 has been tested to offer an additional 1-1/2 hours of game time when compared to its predecessor.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Nintendo Switch v2 has notable upgrades over its predecessor. First, there is increased computing power. The new model utilizes a custom NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, giving it more power to handle better graphics and speeds up gameplay. Additionally, the built-in RAM capacity is also higher in the new model—now at 8GB compared to 4GB of RAM in the original. This means smoother loading times and quicker downloads. Furthermore, reports suggest that games look sharper due to new updated GPU drivers in the upgraded model. This makes for a more enjoyable gaming experience overall with smooth and vibrant visuals across games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. While you may not notice much difference when playing casually, an experienced eye can definitely tell this upgrade is present for enhanced detail and resolution on modern titles.

Controllers

Both the Nintendo Switch v1 and v2 feature the same Joy-Con controllers and Pro Controller, giving you a variety of options to control your games. The left Joy-Con is suitable for single-player action, providing two analog sticks, four face buttons, two shoulder buttons and two triggers. The right Joy-Con gives you four face buttons and two other triggers, making it a great choice for multiplayer fun. The Pro Controller is designed mainly for solo gaming (although you can pair it with another Pro Controller should you choose) and features a more traditional layout with more buttons found on an Xbox or PlayStation controller.

It has motion sensors that help to make motion control games much easier to play on the Switch compared to any other system. The big difference here lies with the Switch v2’s improved battery life in both the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller – 35 hours instead of 20 for each type of controller – allowing gamers to play longer sessions without having to worry about charging during gameplay. Additionally, the v2 supports faster charge time and improved accuracy when playing certain games like Smash Bros Ultimate which rely heavily on accurate inputs from controllers.

Games

When comparing the Nintendo Switch v2 and the Nintendo Switch v1, there is a noticeable difference in terms of the library of games. The original version of the Nintendo Switch has a library of over 2,000 games, ranging from independent titles to blockbuster hits such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This vast selection allows players to choose from a well-rounded selection. The newer version of the console – the Nintendo Switch v2 – has an expanded library with over 4,500 total games available. Though some major titles remain exclusive to the original version, such as Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey, many new titles have been released for both versions simultaneously since the switchover in 2019.

Some highlights include Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Super Mario Maker 2 and Doom Eternal. The newer version also supports more third-party developer titles than its predecessor; amongst these are popular online multiplayer games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone that retain their cross-platform compatibility even when playing on a Data Card or a memory card connected to your switch system. Players who own or plan to buy either version may want to pay attention to upcoming releases as some upcoming titles may not be compatible with older Switch models. However overall both versions offer players plenty options when looking for new experiences on their beloved console.

Price

The Nintendo Switch v2 is slightly more expensive than its predecessor – its MSRP has been set to €299.99 for the EU/UK/Australia regions and $299.99 USD for the USA & Canada. However, there may be additional discounts available on both devices, so it’s worth comparing prices at multiple stores before making a purchase. Besides the price difference, there are several iconic features that differentiate the two editions of the console. The Nintendo Switch v2 has double the battery life of its older counterpart, offering up to 5 hours of play time from a single charge – whereas this feature was limited to only 3 hours on the Switch v1 console.

Furthermore, this newer console model also includes an updated dock and improved LCD panel technology for better viewing angles when gaming in tabletop or handheld modes – features that were not available on previous versions. There are also several hardware updates such as improved Bluetooth support and wireless LAN compatibility with certain third-party wireless controllers that offer added flexibility while gaming. The Nintendo Switch v2 also makes it easier to charge JoyCons directly from the main unit when docked rather than plugging them into an external power source first – thus making it more convenient when using split JoyCon mode when playing local co-op games with friends or family members without having to worry about headsets or other gear compatibility issues between different controllers and consoles versions.

Conclusion

After comparing the two versions of the Nintendo Switch, it is clear that there are some great improvements in the latest release. The upgraded processor offers improved responsiveness and performance, while the redesigned controllers improve gameplay in a number of ways. Additionally, the increased battery life and improved menu system will be a welcome addition to many gamers. Ultimately, if you’re considering buying a new Nintendo Switch console then there are some clear advantages to upgrading to v2. The improved specs, controllers and menu options will make your gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable than ever before. For many gamers, these improvements justify the price difference between v1 and v2 models – but if you’re happy with your current setup then you may be better off sticking with what you have.