The Nintendo Switch 2: A Giant Leap for Handheld Gaming?

Initial glimpses of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer confirm a larger console than its predecessor. The transition animation shows a noticeable size increase, suggesting a departure from Nintendo's traditionally compact handhelds and an embrace of larger portable devices like the Steam Deck and iPad.

While Nintendo hasn't released official dimensions, estimations can be made based on the trailer and a recent leak. A Switch 2 mockup, handled at CES 2025 by peripheral designer Genki, closely resembles the console in the trailer. Therefore, measurements from the mockup likely approximate the final dimensions.

Estimated Switch 2 Screen Size:

The estimated screen size is 8 inches diagonally (excluding bezels), aligning with earlier rumors. This translates to approximately 177mm wide and 99mm tall. This represents a nearly 30% diagonal increase and a 66% larger area compared to the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen. The Switch Lite's 5.5-inch screen is dwarfed, with the Switch 2 offering a 45% diagonal and 111% area increase. Even against the Switch OLED's 7-inch display, the Switch 2 boasts a 14% diagonal and 30% area advantage.

Compared to the Steam Deck's 7-inch (original) and 7.4-inch (OLED) displays, the Switch 2 still emerges larger, surpassing even the largest Steam Deck screen by 8% diagonally and 11% in area.

Estimated Overall Console Size:

The larger screen necessitates a larger console. Measurements from the Genki mockup suggest the Switch 2 is approximately 265mm long and 115mm tall, a 25% increase over the original Switch (239mm x 102mm). It's significantly larger than the Switch Lite (61% larger) but slightly smaller than the Steam Deck (12% smaller). Thickness remains comparable to the original Switch.

Estimated Joy-Con and Screen Unit Size:

Joy-Con width remains similar, but height increases. Estimated dimensions are 32mm wide and 115mm tall—a 13% increase over the originals. Subtracting Joy-Con dimensions from the overall console size estimates the screen unit at 200mm long and 115mm tall, a 31% increase compared to the original Switch. This size comfortably accommodates the 8-inch screen with relatively slim bezels.

It's crucial to remember that these are estimations. Official dimensions from Nintendo will provide definitive figures. However, based on the Genki mockup, these estimations appear reasonably accurate, predicting a console approximately 25% larger than its predecessor.