The opening moments of the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer clearly show the new console is larger than its predecessor. As the original Joy-Con detach from the classic Switch, the tablet section grows and transforms into its upgraded design. This significant size increase signals Nintendo's continued shift away from pocket-sized handhelds, embracing the trend of larger portable devices like the Steam Deck and iPad.
But just how much bigger is the Switch 2? Nintendo hasn't released official dimensions, but we can make an educated estimate based on the trailer and a recent leak. At CES 2025 earlier this month, we handled a Switch 2 mock-up created by accessory maker Genki. While we couldn't confirm its accuracy then, Nintendo's new trailer reveals a console nearly identical in every detail. This gives us confidence that the measurements we took at CES are likely very close to the final product.
So, what are the approximate dimensions of the Switch 2? Here is our best estimation.
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Size
According to our estimates, the Switch 2 boasts an 8-inch screen. This diagonal measurement covers the actual display area from corner to corner, the standard way screen sizes are measured, and aligns with rumors from early 2024. Based on this size, we project the display to be approximately 177mm wide and 99mm tall.
If accurate, this means the Switch 2's screen has a diagonal nearly 30% larger than the original Switch's 6.2-inch LCD, representing a 66% increase in total screen area. That's a substantial upgrade. While a larger screen isn't everything, the Switch 2 could offer a fantastic visual experience, assuming the display technology meets high standards.
How does the Switch 2's screen compare to other handhelds? The Switch Lite's 5.5-inch display means the new console's screen would be 45% larger diagonally and 111% larger in area. Compared to the Switch OLED's 7-inch screen, the Switch 2 display is about 14% larger diagonally and 30% larger in total area.
The original Switch launched with little direct competition, but today it faces portable PCs like the Steam Deck. The first Steam Deck has a 7-inch screen similar to the Switch OLED, albeit with a slightly taller 16:10 aspect ratio versus the Switch's 16:9. Both the original Steam Deck and the newer Steam Deck OLED (with its 7.4-inch screen) have larger displays than any current Switch. However, the Switch 2's 8-inch screen would still be larger—about 8% bigger diagonally and 11% larger in area than the Steam Deck OLED.
Nintendo Switch 2 Overall Console Size
The significantly larger screen naturally means a bigger console overall. The original Switch already requires spacious pockets, so the Switch 2 will likely fit only in cargo pants or a bag.
Measuring Genki's mock-up at CES, we found it to be just over 10.5 inches wide (including Joy-Con) and 4.5 inches tall. Through detailed analysis—scaling trailer images to match our mock-up photos and taking measurements—we believe the mock-up closely matches the final design. Therefore, the Switch 2 is approximately 265mm long and 115mm tall.
For reference, the original Switch measures 239mm long and 102mm tall. If our estimates are correct, the Switch 2 is roughly 25% larger than the previous model.
These dimensions would make the Switch 2 about 61% larger than the Switch Lite (208mm x 91mm) and roughly 12% smaller than the substantially bigger Steam Deck (298mm x 117mm).
We couldn't get a precise depth measurement for the mock-up, but all indications suggest the Switch 2 will be comparable to the original Switch's half-inch thickness. So, while the console's footprint is notably larger, its profile should be similar to its predecessor.
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Size
The transformation sequence in the trailer suggests the new Joy-Con are similar in width to the originals but slightly taller. Using this as a basis and applying our scaling method, we estimate the new Joy-Con to be about 32mm wide and 115mm tall—the same width (excluding the rail) and 13mm taller to match the new console's height. If this holds true, the new Joy-Con are approximately 13% larger overall.
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Unit Size
With estimated Joy-Con dimensions, we can subtract them from the total size to approximate the tablet unit. We calculate the Switch 2 tablet to be 200mm long and 115mm tall. That's about 31% larger than the original Switch tablet.
This size comfortably accommodates an 8-inch 16:9 display, likely with an 11mm bezel on each side and an 8mm bezel on the top and bottom. The side bezels would be slimmer than the original Switch, while the top and bottom bezels appear similar.
Remember, these are estimates based on our best efforts and may differ from Nintendo's official specs. However, based on our experience with the Genki mock-up, we're confident we're in the right range and expect a console roughly 25% larger than the original Switch when we get our hands on it later this year.
For more details, explore the 30 key details from the Switch 2 announcement trailer, along with our insights on the console's rumored mouse-like features and the purpose of its extra USB-C port.
