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.
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.
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?
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*)
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.
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:
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.
Switch 2 is powerful, but that power depends on how it’s used by players.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Unity’s new tools point to stronger support for online features. Studios building multiplayer or live-service elements should align early with these changes.
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.
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.
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