Watching Nintendo Switch 2 for Game Dev Insights? So Are We… and You Should Be Too

The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, 2025, and honestly, it’s everything fans were hoping for. In just the first four days, it sold 3.5 million units, making it the biggest console launch in history. With millions of original Switch owners ready to upgrade, and a noticeable jump in performance and graphics, this next-gen hybrid console is opening new doors for developers.

For developers and studios, the opportunities are exciting. But the decisions ahead can feel complex. What should you prioritize? How do you plan your next build or port? And what does all this mean for your pipeline?

At Devoted Studios, we’ve been keeping a close eye on everything. Hardware details, dev kit updates, even early experiments from the dev community. We’ve also seen Unity’s official support for Switch 2, which means studios can start preparing real pipelines right no

As a trusted co-development partner, we’re here to help studios think ahead, build smarter, and take full advantage of what the Nintendo Switch 2 makes possible.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch 1: What’s Changed for Developers?

At first glance, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t look wildly different from the original. But under the hood, there are big changes that make it a much more powerful console for both players and developers. Here’s a breakdown of how it stacks up, and what that means for game dev.

Power and Performance: More Room to Build

The biggest leap is in performance. According to Nvidia, Nintendo Switch 2 has 10x the graphics power compared to the first Switch. That means smoother gameplay, better lighting and effects, and more room for complex systems like AI and physics. It also supports DLSS, which upscales visuals without hurting frame rate.

Feature Switch 1 Switch 2
RGPU/CPU Custom Tegra chip New custom Nvidia chip with DLSS
RAM 4GB Expected 12GB (based on leaks)
Storage 32GB 256GB, expandable
Battery 4,310 mAh (4.5–9 hrs) 5,220 mAh (2–6.5 hrs)

So what does all that power actually mean for developers?

This means, you can do more, with less compromise.

On the original Switch, you probably had to scale back. Lower texture sizes, simpler environments, fewer NPCs on screen. With the Switch 2, you’ve got more headroom to work with.

And with DLSS, you don’t need to brute-force every frame. The system can upscale intelligently, letting you save on GPU load while still delivering sharp, high-quality visuals.

Basically, Nintendo Switch 2 opens the door to console-quality experiences in a hybrid format (something developers have wanted since the first Switch launched *wink wink*)

Joy-Cons and Controls

The Switch 2 Joy-Cons are bigger and connect magnetically instead of sliding into plastic rails. They’ve got better shoulder buttons, new detaching mechanisms, and even a mouse mode that lets you use them for games like strategy titles or simulations.

This opens up fun new design possibilities, especially for unique control schemes or local co-op.

Display and Visuals

The new screen is 7.9 inches with 1080p resolution, up from the original’s 6.2 inches at 720p. It can hit 120Hz in handheld mode, and even output up to 4K when docked (for supported games).

Feature Switch 1 Switch 2
Screen 6.2" LCD, 720p 7.9" LCD, 1080p, 120Hz
TV Output 1080p Up to 4K
HDR & VRR No Yes (up to 120Hz)

With support for 120Hz in handheld mode and 4K output when docked, the Nintendo Switch 2 gives developers a lot more room to create visually impressive experiences.

For developers, this means:

  • Faster, smoother gameplay for action games, racers, or anything that benefits from high frame rates
  • Crisp, detailed visuals that look great on big screens and modern TVs
  • More space for stylized art or cinematic visuals without worrying about blur or pixelation
  • Support for HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR), making lighting and motion feel more natural

If you’re building a game with rich animation, atmospheric lighting, or fast-paced movement, the Switch 2 gives you the tools to make it shine, with smooth visuals and rich detail both on the couch and on the go.

Docked Versus Portable and What Developers Need to Know

Switch 2 is powerful, but that power depends on how it’s used by players.

  • In docked mode, you get more processing power, better cooling, and up to 4K output
  • In portable mode, the system reduces performance to save battery, which can limit playtime for demanding games
If your game supports both modes, it's important to:
Plan for memory and performance differences
Keep an eye on battery use and frame stability
Build with these limits in mind from the start

Development: Building for Switch 1 vs. Switch 2

The first Nintendo Switch always demanded creative workarounds. Studios had to optimize for limited memory, compressed textures, and simplified systems. Now, the Switch 2 gives dev teams more space to dream, but smart technical planning is still crucial.

Maybe we can have insight from one of our experts 
"How can co-dev partners support studios who are planning for porting to Switch 2?"

Expectations will rise. Just because the hardware improves doesn’t mean performance challenges go away. Studios must still build with platform-specific constraints in mind:

  • Memory-efficient level streaming
  • Asset compression and loading strategies
  • UI scaling for handheld vs. docked

As a co-development partner, we’ve helped teams navigate these questions across multiple generations. That experience will matter even more in the transition to Switch 2.

Unity Confirms Official Support for Nintendo Switch 2

On April 2, 2025, Unity officially announced that its engine will support Nintendo Switch 2 development via Unity 6, offered as an add-on for approved Nintendo developers. This is big news for teams working in Unity who want to prepare for a Switch 2 launch or post-launch release.

“Unity has battle-tested our support for Nintendo Switch 2 through hands-on development of a day-one launch title,” said Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg.

Here’s what Unity developers can expect:

  • Rendering & performance enhancements like URP, GPU Resident Drawer, and Spatial-Temporal Post-Processing
  • Improved multiplayer capabilities tailored for Nintendo Switch 2
  • Streamlined porting for existing Switch games to Switch 2
  • Full compatibility with Unity 6’s input system and build tools

While the tooling is still rolling out, this confirms that Unity-built games will be ready to target Switch 2 from day one. If you’re building in Unity and working with a co-dev team, now’s the time to prepare your pipelines.

What We’re Watching as a Co-Dev Partner

According to The Game Business, many developers are still waiting for Switch 2 dev kits. Nintendo has prioritized major publishers and launch partners, while smaller studios are eager to join the platform but remain in a holding pattern.

At Devoted Studios, we’re staying close to these developments. We know how important it is for teams to get a head start on toolchain setup, content strategy, and cross-platform planning, even before dev kits land.

Here are some of the trends we’re watching, and supporting across our co-dev projects:

🎨 Stylized games will thrive

The Switch audience has always loved creative, expressive art styles. With better GPU performance, those visuals can be brighter, richer, and more dynamic than ever.

📱 Hybrid-first design is becoming standard

Games need to feel natural both on a handheld screen and a TV. UI scaling, font sizes, control schemes, and performance targets all need to adapt.

🧩 Modular development will save time

Clean, modular builds with reusable assets make future porting easier. If you’re planning for PC or other consoles too, now’s the time to build smart.

🌐 Multiplayer games will improve

Unity’s new tools point to stronger support for online features. Studios building multiplayer or live-service elements should align early with these changes.

🚀 Cyberpunk 2077 as proof of third-party potential

The fact that Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Switch 2 says a lot. Big, AAA games that used to be “too much” for a hybrid console are now possible. It shows that if you plan things right and optimize your build, even the most detailed games can run smoothly on Nintendo Switch 2.

Ready to Start Planning for Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is already shaping the future of handheld and console development. With stronger specs, improved tools, and a growing player base, it’s a great platform for studios who want to push creative ideas without leaving behind accessibility and reach.

At Devoted Studios, we’re here to help you plan smart, build scalable systems, and support your vision across platforms. If you’re starting a project now or thinking about how to expand in the future, this is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork.

Build Smart Today, Scale Smoothly Tomorrow
The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and forward-thinking studios are already planning how to keep their pipelines flexible. At Devoted Studios, we support teams with scalable co-dev solutions built to adapt across platforms. 
Start fresh or expand an existing project, we can help you set the right foundation.

Error: Contact form not found.

Error: Contact form not found.

Error: Contact form not found.

    CONTACT US



    By clicking the button you agree to our Privacy Policy