Last week, Nintendo released its latest mainline console, the Switch 2, eight years after the release of the first Switch. It sold more than 3.5 million units in four days following its launch on June 5, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo game system in history.
At first glance, the Switch and its successor look quite similar. The overall form factor remains consistent: a handheld hybrid console with detachable controllers and a dock for TV play. But don’t be fooled by appearances. Underneath the surface, there’s a lot that’s new.
Let's start with the most important improvement: performance. The original Switch used Nvidia’s Tegra X1 chip, a mobile processor that was already a few years old at launch. It got the job done, but it began to struggle with newer games. The Switch 2 addresses the issue with a powerful, custom-designed Nvidia processor. The result is that games look noticeably sharper and run more smoothly. When docked, the system can even deliver visuals in 4K resolution, a huge step up from the original's 1080p limit.
While the first Switch got the job done for many titles, it couldn't keep up with the times. The upgrade came out of necessity. For example, Mario Kart World was originally supposed to be a Switch title – starting production back in 2017. However, Nintendo had to hold on to it because the original console simply couldn't handle it.
And despite having only one new game to judge its performance by, the new console runs games from the Switch library more efficiently, each looking far better on its bigger screen.
That big screen makes a world of difference. The original Switch featured a 6.2-inch LCD screen, which wasn't bad for the time – but competitors have surpassed it in the past eight years.
The Switch 2 upgrades to an 8-inch OLED display. This isn't just a size increase, but also a considerable visual upgrade. Colours are richer, with deeper blacks and dramatically improved contrast. It’s also far easier to use outdoors or in brightly lit rooms, thanks to improved brightness and reduced glare.
Battery life has also been improved. The more efficient hardware and newer screen technology allow the Switch 2 to last longer, whether you’re playing The Legend of Zelda at home or on a long flight. While exact numbers vary depending on the game, expect an extra hour or two of gameplay on average.
Nintendo has revamped the Joy-Con controllers for the Switch 2. While they’re still detachable, the new models feel more solid and premium in hand. They’ve also been ergonomically redesigned for better comfort during long sessions, and now feature a magnetic Snap-On system that’s both easier to use and more secure than the previous rail-based design.
Storage is an area where Nintendo listened to its fans and made significant improvements. The original Switch launched with just 32GB of internal storage, which was barely enough for a couple of modern games. The Switch 2 increases this to 256GB, giving players much more room out of the box. You’ll still be able to expand storage with microSD cards, but for many, that won’t be necessary right away.
One of the most important features, though, is backward compatibility. Your entire Switch library transfers over seamlessly, and some older titles even benefit from shorter load times and visual enhancements on the new hardware. This makes the upgrade feel less like starting over and more like a step forward.
The original Switch launched at about $300, while the Switch 2 costs about $500. So, should you go out immediately and buy it? That depends. As of today, the only exclusive game for the system is Mario Kart World. If you’re not in a rush, it may be wise to wait a few months for more exclusive titles to drop. But if you have a comprehensive backlog of Switch games to play, then the upgrade is worth it – they'll look and feel far better on the new console.
Nintendo Switch 2 is available in stores across the UAE
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Naga
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ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Company profile
Name: Tharb
Started: December 2016
Founder: Eisa Alsubousi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Luxury leather goods
Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year
2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)
MATCH INFO
Azerbaijan 0
Wales 2 (Moore 10', Wilson 34')
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Paltan
Producer: JP Films, Zee Studios
Director: JP Dutta
Cast: Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood, Arjun Rampal, Siddhanth Kapoor, Luv Sinha and Harshvardhan Rane
Rating: 2/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Scotland v Ireland:
Scotland (15-1): Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones, Sam Johnson, Sean Maitland; Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (capt); Josh Strauss, James Ritchie, Ryan Wilson; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Simon Berghan, Stuart McInally, Allan Dell
Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, D'arcy Rae, Ben Toolis, Rob Harley, Ali Price, Pete Horne, Blair Kinghorn
Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)
Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour
Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
