The opening moments of the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer offer a clear visual hint: this new console is noticeably larger than its predecessor. As the original Joy-Cons detach from the Switch, the screen section expands and evolves into what appears to be the next-generation design. This size increase suggests that Nintendo is shifting further away from the compact, handheld-focused form factor of earlier consoles and aligning more closely with the trend of larger portable devices like the Steam Deck and iPad.
So just how much bigger is the Switch 2? While Nintendo has yet to officially release exact dimensions, we can make an educated estimation based on observations from the trailer and a hands-on experience with a Switch 2 mock-up at CES 2025. The peripheral designer Genki showcased a prototype that appears nearly identical to the system shown in Nintendo’s official reveal, giving us a solid basis for approximate measurements.
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Size
Based on our analysis, the **Switch 2 is expected to feature an 8-inch display**, measured diagonally across the visible portion of the screen (excluding bezels). This aligns with rumors dating back to early 2024. If accurate, the display would measure approximately **177mm wide by 99mm tall**.
- This represents a **diagonal increase of nearly 30%** compared to the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen.
- In terms of surface area, the new screen would be **approximately 66% larger** than the first Switch.
For context, here's how it compares to other Nintendo handhelds:
- Switch Lite: 5.5-inch screen — the Switch 2 will be around 45% larger diagonally and over twice as large in area.
- Switch OLED: 7-inch screen — the Switch 2 offers a 14% diagonal increase and 30% more screen area.
Even when compared to modern portable PCs:
- Steam Deck (7-inch): The Switch 2 screen is slightly smaller in aspect ratio but still offers an 8% larger diagonal measurement and 11% more total area.
- Steam Deck OLED (7.4-inch): The Switch 2 maintains a small edge in both diagonal size and screen real estate.
Nintendo Switch 2 Overall Console Size
With such a significant jump in screen size, the overall footprint of the console naturally increases. Our on-site measurements of the Genki mock-up at CES, combined with careful scaling comparisons against the official trailer footage, suggest the following approximate dimensions:
- Length: ~265mm
- Height: ~115mm
This makes the Switch 2 about **25% larger than the original Switch**, which measures 239mm x 102mm. Compared to the Switch Lite (208mm x 91mm), the new model is roughly 61% larger. However, it remains slightly more compact than the Steam Deck (298mm x 117mm), being about 12% smaller in length.
It’s worth noting that while we were unable to confirm the depth of the console, early impressions indicate the Switch 2 likely retains a similar thickness to the original Switch (~12.9mm).
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Size
Judging from the transformation animation in the trailer, the Joy-Con controllers maintain a similar width to those of the original Switch but appear to have increased slightly in height. Based on scaled image comparisons and physical reference points:
- Width: ~32mm
- Height: ~115mm
This means the new Joy-Con are approximately **13% taller** than before, matching the increased height of the main console unit while retaining the same grip width.
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Unit Size
By subtracting the Joy-Con width from the total console length, we estimate the standalone screen unit dimensions to be:
- Length: ~200mm
- Height: ~115mm
This translates to a screen unit that is around **31% larger** than the original Switch, comfortably housing the rumored 8-inch 16:9 display. Bezel estimates are also tighter than before:
- Sides: ~11mm each
- Top and bottom: ~8mm each
These numbers suggest a sleeker, more modern design while maintaining enough space for internal components and improved cooling systems.
All figures remain unofficial and subject to change upon official launch. However, given the strong resemblance between the Genki mock-up and the final design seen in the trailer, these estimates are likely very close to the actual console dimensions. Stay tuned for more details as they become available, including deeper insights into the Switch 2’s features, performance, and potential capabilities.
