The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled, bringing with it a host of exciting new features and a fresh look at the system. Among the highlights are the new Joy-Cons, which now come equipped with optical sensors that allow them to function as a mouse. But there's another significant quality-of-life improvement that might have slipped under the radar during the initial reveal: the addition of a second USB-C port.
The original Nintendo Switch featured a single USB-C port on the underside of the tablet. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 doubles down on connectivity with two Type-C ports. This change is more impactful than it might seem at first glance. With the original Switch, using multiple accessories simultaneously often required the use of third-party adapters, which were not only costly but also posed a risk of damaging the console due to their inconsistent quality and compatibility.
The original Switch's USB-C port was notorious for its non-standard specifications, which required third-party manufacturers to reverse-engineer the exact requirements to ensure their docks and accessories worked safely. This often led to issues with the console's internal components.
With the introduction of a second USB-C port on the Switch 2, there's a strong indication that Nintendo might be adopting full USB-C standards this time around. This would be a welcome change, as USB-C technology has evolved significantly since the original Switch's release in 2017. Modern USB-C standards, especially the high-end Thunderbolt variant, support high-speed data transfer, 4K display outputs, and even the ability to connect an external GPU to a small PC or laptop.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
The addition of a second port suggests that Nintendo is embracing the universal USB-C standard, which can handle a variety of connections including external displays, networking, data transfer, and high-wattage power. The bottom port, likely to be used with Nintendo's official dock, might be more sophisticated to accommodate all the necessary accessories. Meanwhile, the top port could support fast charging, display outputs, and other accessories, making it possible to use external power banks alongside other devices. This represents a significant quality-of-life upgrade over the original console.
For more details on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the mysterious C button, we'll need to wait until the Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2, 2025.
