Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Shows Familiar-Looking UI

Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 UI will closely resemble its predecessor.
The differences between the two mostly come down to the new Switch 2 features, like 3D audio, HDR, and 120Hz output support.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will have a user interface that's virtually identical to its predecessor, according to a newly surfaced leak. While the similarity may not appeal to all fans, it aligns with Nintendo’s design goals for its next console, which is meant to be an iterative upgrade on the Switch.

Prior to the Switch, Nintendo was on a 10-plus year streak of releasing consoles with playful UI designs. Its first-ever hybrid device marked a break from that tradition, delivering a fairly subdued, inoffensive interface. This shift left some people disappointed, to the point that Switch UI redesigns became fairly common experiments among the fandom.

Mario and Luigi emerging from Nintendo Switch 2 in front of blurred Farming Simulator Signature Edition screenshot 2x1 composite

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By Dominik Bošnjak

The Switch 2 now appears poised to continue this design direction, according to a newly emerged video overview of the console. The clip, shared by YouTube channel Popsculture2, shows a familiar-looking UI that's almost indistinguishable from the Switch. The only novelties appear to be hidden in the System Settings menu, predominantly under its Display section, which includes options related to a few Nintendo-first features, including the Switch 2's HDR and 120Hz output support.

Nintendo Switch 2 Audio Settings Include One New Option

Another new settings option is seen around the 7:37 mark, which shows the Headphone Virtual Sound toggle under the Audio section. This is related to the Switch 2's 3D audio support, which was announced during the early April 2025 Nintendo Direct. While this setting specifically relates to headphones, 3D audio will also work with other external devices, namely TVs. Even the console's built-in speakers will support it, albeit not out of the box, instead requiring a system update to enable it. This patch is likely to be available on day one, arriving as part of the same release that will enable microSD Express card support on the Switch 2.

The TV resolution settings have also been expanded to reflect the Switch 2’s ability to output at 1440p (WQHD) and 2160p (4K). By contrast, its predecessor supported a maximum output of 1080p. In practice, however, most games are still expected to be upscaled rather than rendered natively at these higher resolutions.

Early Switch 2 Units Aren't Usable Yet

Popsculture2's unofficial menu walkthrough was seemingly made possible thanks to their pre-ordered device shipping early. Several other Switch 2 units were already spotted in the wild beforehand, beginning on May 27, nine days ahead of the console's street date. While some users thus already have the hardware in hand, they cannot yet use it for its primary purpose. As with microSD Express support, the ability to run games is locked behind a day-one patch, with Nintendo previously confirming as much. This approach is an effective way to prevent early game leaks, but it also prevents the press from trying it in advance, meaning no Switch 2 reviews will be available before the console hits the store shelves on June 5.

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