Differences Between Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch Consoles and Accessories

Information

The consoles and the accessories will often be able to be distinguished by the logos, but some may have additional differences.

For compatibility information, see Compatibility of Nintendo Switch with Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 console vs Nintendo Switch console

The consoles have their respective logos displayed on the back of the unit. If you own both, you'll notice the Nintendo Switch 2 console is larger in size.

Joy-Con 2 vs Joy-Con

Joy-Con 2 features a magnetic connector to attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console, where Joy-Con uses a rail to slide on to the Nintendo Switch console. If you own both, you'll notice Joy-Con 2 are larger than Joy-Con.

Joy-Con are able to be paired wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2. Joy-Con 2 are unable to connect wirelessly with Nintendo Switch.

Joy-Con 2 Grip vs Joy-Con Grip

The Joy-Con 2 and Joy-Con grip is included when buying the respective console. They are able to be distinguished by the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch logos on the front, and they vary in size and attachment style for the respective controller.

The grip will only work with the correlating controller type, e.g. the Joy-Con 2 controllers can not be attached to the Joy-Con grip.

Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip vs Joy-Con Charging Grip

The Joy-Con 2 and Joy-Con charging grips are able to be distinguished by the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch logos on the front, and they vary in size and attachment style for the respective controller.

The grip will only work with the correlating controller type, e.g. the Joy-Con 2 controllers can not be attached to the Joy-Con charging grip.

Nintendo Switch 2 dock vs Nintendo Switch dock

The docks have their respective logos displayed on the front of the unit. The Nintendo Switch 2 dock features more rounded edges where the Nintendo Switch dock is squared.

Nintendo Switch docks that came with Nintendo Switch – OLED Model have a LAN port, while earlier models do not. Nintendo Switch 2 docks include a LAN port.

Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter vs Nintendo Switch AC adapter

The Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter comes as a separate AC plug and USB-C cable. The Nintendo Switch AC adapter is one piece. Their model number is displayed on the piece that plugs into the wall.

The Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter can be used for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch AC adapter is able to charge the Nintendo Switch 2 when plugged into the console directly, but due to power output differences it is not able to be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 dock.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller vs Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has the addition of the C Button on the front, and the GL/GR Buttons on the back. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is uniform in color, but the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller's top panel is a lighter color.

Nintendo Switch 2 game and game-key cartridge vs Nintendo Switch game cartridge

Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridges are red in color and will have the Nintendo Switch 2 logo, where Nintendo Switch 2 game-key cartridges will have the same features but will also include a key symbol. Nintendo Switch game cartridges are gray in color and will have the Nintendo Switch logo.

Many Nintendo Switch games can be played on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. See our compatibility guide for more information.

microSD Express card vs microSD card

microSD Express cards are marked with "EX" or "Express" printed on the card. For compatibility information, see microSD Card and microSD Express Card Compatibility.