Nintendo's new console offers notable upgrades to its current system, most obviously with its increased size. To match its larger Joy-Con, Switch 2's screen is much bigger than its predecessor, with more display real estate for anybody playing in handheld or tabletop mode.
In this guide, we break down the Nintendo Switch 2 screen size and rumoured capabilities, plus compare it to the current Switch models.
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Switch 2 Screen Guide
How big is Switch 2's screen?
Switch 2's screen offers a decent size bump over the original Switch and even Switch OLED. A comparison shot in the reveal trailer showed that it's significantly larger and Nintendo has released official measurements: the screen is exactly 7.9 inches diagonally, compared to 7 inches for Switch OLED and 6.2 inches for the original Switch.
It's 1.6x larger than the standard Switch, and the console is the same thickness of 13.9mm.
What's the resolution?
Switch 2 has a 1080p screen, which offers a handheld bump over the current console (720p).
It should be noted that the clear panel across the front makes the screen look even bigger when the power's off, but as you can see, there is a bezel around the edge beneath that clear panel.
Does Switch 2 support HDR?
Switch 2 supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which significantly improves the contrast between light and dark areas on the screen.
What's the Switch 2 screen's maximum refresh rate?
The new Switch supports VVR (Variable Refresh Rate) and is able to display up to 120 frames per second.
Plus, all games will run with a frame rate that high, but support for 120 Hz enables the console to display games at 40 fps with smooth frame pacing, meaning the functionality will help for games with much lower frame rates than the machine's maximum. Result!
Currently, it's unclear if that stretches to docked mode, as Nintendo has been removing mention of "VRR support for TV play" from various Nintendo websites.
How does Switch 2's screen compare to the old Switch?
Here's how Switch 2's screen measures up to the previous consoles, including screen type and resolution:
Switch 2 / Switch (Lite, OLED) screen comparison
| Switch 2 | Switch OLED | Original Switch | Switch Lite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size (diagonally) | 7.9 inches | 7.0 inches | 6.2 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Screen Resolution / Type | 1920x1080 / LCD, HDR10 support, up to 120 Hz VVR | 1280x720 / OLED | 1280x720 / LCD | 1280x720 / LCD |
Switch 2 Screen FAQ
Here is a selection of common Nintendo Switch 2 screen questions that people also ask:
Is Switch 2's screen an OLED or LCD?
Nintendo is avoiding the added expense of OLED technology and going for an LCD screen in Switch 2.
Why doesn't Switch 2 have an OLED screen? Well, LCD screens are cheaper to produce, for one thing, and Nintendo is obviously trying to make the system as affordable as possible.
On the plus side, the quality of LCD screens can vary dramatically and the best LCDs in 2025 are significantly improved on the displays available back in 2017. Even if Switch 2 doesn't sport an OLED screen, we've seen firsthand that it has a bright and handsome display, helped by HDR support that dramatically improves contrast.
If you're interested to know the difference between LCD and OLED screens, check out our guide below: