As a lot as Nintendo’s video games attempt to emphasize the “enjoyable” first, the corporate’s consoles themselves equally need to spark pleasure in odd, although surprisingly endearing, methods. Even earlier than the Swap 2’s launch, Nintendo shared a number of odd and cutesy options past the headlining mouse controls and GameChat that should remind you you’re not simply plugging in any bog-standard gaming machine, particularly not when you possibly can play a track along with your Pleasure-Cons on the connection display screen.
The Swap 2, swathed in its new black end, could look just a little too darkish and drab in comparison with traditional, colourful Nintendo, however the amusements are greater than skin-deep. The extra technologically minded Nintendo followers have poured over recently leaked Switch 2 specs. The console will certainly be many occasions extra highly effective than the unique Swap. The specs additionally revealed the console will help VRR—or variable refresh charge—on handheld mode as much as 120Hz however not on TV when docked.
Variable refresh charge is a approach for shows to alter the speed a display screen refreshes to match a sport’s frames per second (fps). Nintendo confirmed with Nintendo Life that it posted “incorrect info” to its web site suggesting VRR is supported on TVs. That language has been modified, however the hubbub surrounding this discuss of VRR or different spec particulars largely misses the purpose. Video games are already confirmed to run at a max 60 fps at 4K. Different resolutions will carry their very own customary frames per second. The PlayStation 5 didn’t get VRR help till two years after its 2020 launch. In the identical approach, Nintendo might replace this at a later time.
So until lack of VRR results in display screen tearing points, Nintendo would fairly give attention to the oddly endearing features of its new handheld. A lot like the original Switch, there are a number of hidden options that Nintendo has in retailer when the Swap 2 launches June 5. We’ll make sure to add extra as soon as we lastly have the console in hand.
1. You Can Customise the Facet Panels on the Pleasure-Cons 2
It is possible for you to to customise the Pleasure-con 2 facet panes just like the PS5 faceplates.
Some new panels have already began popping up. pic.twitter.com/0Fv9YRbCa5
— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) May 5, 2025
These blue and crimson accents on the Swap 2 Pleasure-Cons 2 aren’t going to be your solely choice. The controllers at present solely are available in black, however customers can take away the small facet panels similarly to how one can swap out the fins on the PlayStation 5. Some outlets are already promoting alternative panels and elimination instruments. We count on Nintendo will attempt to promote a bounty of various coloration choices sooner or later. If the Japanese console maker plans to promote different-colored controllers, we may very well be in retailer for some fascinating coloration combos.
2. The Controller Connection Display screen Will Let You Make a Tune
The unique Swap included a hidden function on the lock display screen, the place urgent completely different buttons activated completely different sounds. Few Swap house owners knew about it, however you—pricey reader—shall be a few of the few to know controllers could make music within the system’s “Change Grip/Order” part of the principle menu. Nintendo stated you possibly can play completely different sounds along with your linked controller by urgent the L/R, ZL/ZR, and SL/SR buttons. Nintendo stated you possibly can “even create a musical scale” with these sounds, however enterprising musicians will definitely be capable of carry a tune. This works with all first-party controllers, together with Swap 2 Professional controllers and even the unique Swap’s Pleasure-Cons.
Talking of sound, Nintendo additionally shared extra of the principle menu chirps and bleeps. Now if solely Nintendo might make one thing as endearing because the Wii Store theme.
Nintendo As we speak confirmed off a few of the system sounds of the Swap 2!
⁰- There are completely different sounds for urgent the C Button and for choosing every icon on the HOME Menu.
– A sound additionally performs once you get up the docked system from sleep mode. pic.twitter.com/pqnYqER5W7— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) May 18, 2025
3. You Can Navigate the Swap 2’s Fundamental Menu With Mouse Controls
Console avid gamers will get a small style of the PC way of life with the flexibility to navigate the Swap 2 major menu with the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. This may occasionally make navigating the newly redesigned eShop a lot simpler. Mouse controls are alleged to be one of many main defining options of the hand held console, and also you’ll discover it in a shocking variety of video games. Tremendous Mario Get together Jamboree will embody mouse-specific minigames, and the upcoming Drag x Drive will use it for pushing round a wheelchair for basketball-based antics. These titles that aren’t utilizing first-person mouse controls—reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077 and Metroid Prime 4: Past—or in real-time technique video games like Civilization VII, will seemingly be utilizing it to navigate menus.
4. The Swap 2 Helps You Discover Your Lacking Pleasure-Con Between the Sofa Cushions
The unique Swap included a Discover Controllers function that made a lacking Pleasure-Con chime and vibrate in case you’re having a tough time discovering it. Nintendo up to date this function for the Swap 2, however it ought to work the identical as earlier than. You’ll discover this functionality underneath the controllers part of the principle menu. The Pleasure-Con must be paired with the console and nonetheless have sufficient battery to obtain the sign.
5. Swap 2 Will Work With Third-Get together Mice
Nintendo has made positive to advertise the brand new mouse controls on the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers’ compatibility with a good variety of video games, together with first-person titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Metroid Prime 4: Past, in addition to technique video games like Civilization VII. What hasn’t been made clear till not too long ago is how the Swap 2 would possibly help third-party controls with mouse performance inbuilt. Not less than one sport seems to work with an everyday USB mouse, specifically Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening.
In a gameplay video, builders Koei Tecmo confirmed the sport performed with an everyday mouse. It’s the primary occasion of this recorded, and it appears to point the Swap 2 is technically suitable with different units constructed with optical mouse performance. Some authentic Swap titles additionally supported mice and keyboards, however that wasn’t true for the overwhelming majority of video games. The one lingering query is which video games would possibly supply us traditional PC controls for individuals who want WASD to joysticks. The machine will help some third-party USB-C cameras for the sake of GameChat, and you must use a “Take a look at USB Digital camera” function in settings to see in case your favourite high-definition webcam is suitable along with your new console.
6. You Can ‘Rewind’ N64 Titles Each Time You Flub a Soar
Individuals who purchase a Swap 2 and pay for the Nintendo Swap On-line + Growth Pack will get access to GameCube games at launch. If that wasn’t sufficient, solely these on Nintendo’s new Swap will get entry to particular options particular to Nintendo 64 video games. Now, in case you mess up in your Tremendous Mario 64 speedrun, you possibly can again up a number of seconds and take a look at once more. One other further function that can solely be on the brand new handheld is a particular CRT filter. This can emulate the scanlines on older cathode-ray tube tv screens, which ought to assist make colours and objects in-game seem extra just like the builders initially meant. Quite a lot of fashionable emulators use comparable CRT shaders to supply higher retro visuals, although in fact nothing beats the true deal for correct pixels and colours.
Followers are miffed Nintendo doesn’t plan to convey these options to the unique Swap, although on the very least the brand new “view/change controls” setting shall be accessible for each techniques when you have the Swap On-line + Growth Move. This may occasionally show particularly helpful in case you’re not utilizing the official N64 controller and also you’re making an attempt to realize an expertise closest to your days spent on the sofa looking at your 4:3 CRT.
7. Swap 2 Will Save on Battery With a Hidden Setting
Swap 2 house owners can allow a “Cease Charging Round 90%” setting that ought to assist protect the long-term well being of the system’s battery. It’s a standard function on different units like smartphones, and it ought to assist hold the battery capability secure over an extended time frame. It is going to cut back undocked playtime, although it’s a good suggestion to make use of it in case you plan on taking the hand held out and about. If it sounds apparent, then know the Steam Deck solely added a battery most cost restrict setting this month by its latest beta.
8. You Can See Associates On-line Via Larger or Smaller Home windows
If you happen to’re planning on speaking up mates on-line along with your Swap 2, Nintendo provides you with a number of methods to see your pals. GameChat will enable as much as 12 individuals to speak without delay, however 4 can share the display screen for video. The usual mode affords bigger home windows to your pals’ mugs, however if you wish to see your gameplay, “increase major display screen” is probably going your greatest wager. The cameras ought to be capable of crop out backgrounds as effectively, which is able to enable for some video games to point out chats on-screen. In accordance with the official GameChat page, the Nintendo Swap 2 would require you to supply a cellphone quantity once you arrange its all-new GameChat function. It’s a type of restrictions that’s clearly made with a thoughts to defending younger individuals, however it’s nonetheless one thing to contemplate in case you plan to hit up mates on-line when the Swap 2 drops.
9. The Swap App Will Be How You Can Entry and Share Screenshots
Whereas Nintendo intends its GameShare function to be the principle approach you’ll work together with mates and share moments, customers ought to be capable of ship their mates in-game screenshots with a brand new Switch app. This can make it far simpler to share your favourite moments while not having to undergo the unique Swap’s tedious technique of scanning a QR code to convey them up in a browser. You’ll additionally use the app to entry mates lists and use it for voice chat on-line. You want a Swap On-line membership to entry these options.
