The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is now official, and with its announcement, we've been treated to a first look at the system. Alongside new Joy-Cons, which now feature optical sensors that allow them to function as a mouse, the Switch 2 introduces a design enhancement that might have slipped under the radar in the initial reveal trailer.

Unlike the original Nintendo Switch, which sports a single USB-C port on the underside of the tablet, the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts two USB-C ports. This seemingly small change brings significant improvements to the user experience.

The addition of a second USB-C port addresses a major limitation of the original Switch. With only one port, users often had to resort to third-party adapters to connect multiple accessories, which could sometimes lead to catastrophic failures, such as bricking the console. The original Switch's USB-C port was notorious for its non-standard specification, requiring reverse-engineering by accessory manufacturers to ensure compatibility and avoid damaging the console's internal components.

With the Nintendo Switch 2, the inclusion of an additional USB-C port suggests a shift towards standard USB-C compliance. As USB-C standards have evolved significantly since the original Switch's release in 2017, the new console could support a wide array of functionalities right out of the box. These include high-speed data transfers, 4K display outputs, and even the possibility of connecting an external GPU via the Thunderbolt standard.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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The presence of two USB-C ports indicates that Nintendo may fully embrace the universal USB-C standard, facilitating connections for external displays, networking, data transfer, and high-wattage power. The bottom port, likely to be used with the official dock, might have more advanced capabilities to handle a variety of accessories. Meanwhile, the top port could also support fast charging, display outputs, and other functionalities, making it possible to use external power banks alongside other devices. This represents a substantial quality-of-life upgrade over the original console.

For more details on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the mysterious C button, we'll have to wait until April 2, 2025, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation.