The very first moments of the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer reveal an exciting change: the new console is noticeably larger than its predecessor. As the iconic Joy-Con controllers detach from the original Switch, the tablet section dramatically expands, morphing into the upgraded Switch 2. This size increase indicates Nintendo's shift towards larger portable devices, aligning with the trend set by the Steam Deck and iPad, moving away from the more compact handhelds of the past.
While Nintendo hasn't released official size dimensions for the Switch 2, we can estimate its size from the trailer and insights from a hands-on experience at CES 2025 with a mock-up by peripheral designer Genki. The trailer's console design closely matches the Genki mock-up, suggesting that our measurements from CES are likely close to the final product's dimensions.
Let's dive into the specifics:
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Size
Our estimates indicate that the Switch 2 features an 8-inch screen. This measurement is the diagonal length of the display, not including the bezels, and aligns with a rumor from early 2024. We expect the display to be approximately 177mm wide and 99mm tall. If accurate, this would make the Switch 2's screen nearly 30% larger diagonally and 66% larger in total area than the original Switch's 6.2-inch LCD display. A larger screen could significantly enhance the gaming experience, assuming the display technology is up to par.
Comparing the Switch 2 to other handhelds, it boasts a 45% larger diagonal and 111% larger surface area than the Switch Lite's 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen. Against the Switch OLED's 7-inch display, the Switch 2's screen is 14% larger diagonally and 30% larger in total area. In the current era of portable PCs, the Switch 2's screen is even larger than the Steam Deck's 7.4-inch OLED display, being 8% larger diagonally and 11% larger in overall area.
Nintendo Switch 2 Overall Console Size
The increased screen size naturally means a larger overall console. At CES, we measured the Genki mock-up at just over 10.5 inches long and 4.5 inches tall, including the Joy-Cons. By scaling images from the trailer and comparing them to our photos, we estimate the Switch 2 to be approximately 265mm long and 115mm tall. This makes it about 25% larger than the original Switch, which measures 239mm long and 102mm tall.
In comparison, the Switch 2 would be 61% larger than the Switch Lite (208mm x 91mm) and about 12% smaller than the Steam Deck (298mm x 117mm). Although we couldn't measure the depth precisely, it appears to be similar to the original Switch's half-inch thickness, suggesting that while the console's footprint has grown, its depth remains consistent.
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Size
The Switch 2 trailer's transformation animation shows that the Joy-Con controllers maintain a similar width but are taller than the original ones. Our estimates suggest that the Switch 2 Joy-Cons are about 32mm wide and 115mm tall, matching the width of the original controllers and being 13mm taller to fit the larger console. This makes the new Joy-Con approximately 13% larger than their predecessors.
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Unit Size
By subtracting the Joy-Con dimensions from the overall console size, we estimate the Switch 2 screen unit to be 200mm long and 115mm tall, which is about 31% larger than the original Switch's screen unit. This size should comfortably accommodate the 8-inch 16:9 screen, with an estimated bezel of 11mm on either side and 8mm at the top and bottom, making the side bezels slimmer than those on the original Switch.
These measurements are our best estimates, pending official confirmation from Nintendo. However, based on our hands-on experience with the Genki mock-up, we believe these figures are reasonably accurate. We look forward to seeing the actual console later this year, which we anticipate will be about 25% larger than the original Switch.
For more details, explore the 30 insights from the Switch 2 announcement trailer and our theories on the console's mouse-like capabilities and the significance of its extra USB-C port.
