Nintendo Switch 2 Supports 4K Resolution in Docked Mode, 1080p in Handheld
Posted on April 02 2025 by Nick Miller
“The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system is here!”
In today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, it was revealed that Nintendo’s new console will support 4K resolution for compatible games in docked mode. The console’s LCD screen will also support 1080p output. This is a big step up from the Switch’s 1080p docked resolution and 720p handheld, which amounts to roughly double the pixel count for the Switch 2. These improved resolutions also come with the promise of up to 120 frames per second with the disclaimer that 4K output is capped at 60 frames per second. The Switch was capable of 60 frames per second, but most games settled for 30.
The Switch 2’s screen size has also been improved over its predecessor, boasting a 7.9″ screen, roughly 1.6 times larger than that of the base model Switch at 6.2″. The new high-definition LCD screen supports high dynamic range (HDR) in docked mode which allows for a wider range of brightness and higher contrast displays, as well variable refresh rate (VRR) which adjusts the display’s refresh rate to sync with the game to prevent visual disruptions.
To keep up with increased demand from the console, the Switch 2 dock has a built-in fan ventilation for “powerful cooling.” This should help keep performance stable, even for more demanding games with high graphical output.
These improvements to resolution and frame-rate make the Switch 2’s graphical output competitive with other consoles in the marketplace, something Nintendo hasn’t generally pursued in the past. Director Shinya Takahashi had previously commented on Nintendo console’s lagging hardware specifications at a 2023 investor Q&A, saying:
As a game software developer, if you ask me whether Nintendo Switch has sufficient performance, I would not say it is lacking. However, game developers generally want more, and will always want to incorporate a lot of elements that exceed the hardware limitations. Since the Famicom era, we have worked on how to fit these elements inside a framework with certain limitations, and our job is to figure out how to create a fun game within these constraints. I believe that some interesting content are created as a result of accommodating the limitations and we have actually been able to make this happen.
Additionally, Director Ko Shiota commented:
We have been developing Nintendo Switch software for a long time and have used various methods to overcome performance barriers. Even now, the system developers are listening to game developers and continuously implementing initiatives to increase the smoothness and longevity of Nintendo Switch software development.
There’s a fair argument to be made that many of Nintendo’s sparks of creativity, as well as their emphasis on gameplay — qualities that often set them apart from competitors — may be attributed to working within hardware constraints. Only time will tell if competitive hardware specifications will influence Nintendo’s development process and the quality of their output, though the lineup of launch titles and other games announced for release early in the Switch 2’s lifecycle seem to be in line with the Nintendo spirit that keeps fans coming back for more.
However, improved hardware specifications should make the Switch 2 more viable for larger third-party titles that either weren’t capable of running on the Switch or had to cut corners with special Switch versions or by resorting to cloud-based gaming. This type of third-party support for the Switch 2 is evidenced by Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, both of which have already been announced for the new console.
Today’s Direct also outlined other technical details of the Switch 2, including the improved Joy-Con 2 controllers — which boast larger control sticks, mouse functionality, and magnetic connections — improved speakers for clearer audio, a built-in microphone, and larger storage capacity.
Nintendo Today! provided a 3D View of the Switch 2, which you can view below.
Nintendo Switch 2 will hit the shelves on June 5th, 2025 for $449.99 USD. A Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will also be available that same day for $499.99 USD in the United States.
What did you think of today’s Direct? Is 4K resolution on the Switch 2 something you’ve been hoping for? Do you think Nintendo will take full advantage of these improved hardware specifications in their first-party titles? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
Nick is a writer for Zelda Dungeon and a longtime fan of the Zelda franchise. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, archery, skateboarding, and some good ol’ fashioned family time. He’s an advocate for physical media and an avid video game collector. His favorite Zelda game is Ocarina of Time, though Breath of the Wild and the Link’s Awakening remake are close contenders. His other favorite video games series include Kingdom Hearts, Fallout, and Ratchet & Clank.
