Nintendo’s consoles, much like their games, strive to bring joy to users in unique and endearing ways. Prior to the Switch 2’s release, the company unveiled several charming features that go beyond the console’s headlining mouse controls and GameChat. These features are designed to remind players that they’re not just using any ordinary gaming machine, but one that can even play a song with the Joy-Cons on the connection screen.
The Switch 2, with its sleek new black finish, may appear somewhat drab compared to the classic, colorful Nintendo consoles. However, its charms run deeper than its appearance. Technically inclined Nintendo fans have scrutinized the recently leaked Switch 2 specs, which reveal the console to be significantly more powerful than its predecessor. The specs also indicate that the console will support variable refresh rate (VRR) in handheld mode, with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, although this feature will not be available when the console is docked and connected to a TV.
Variable refresh rate technology enables displays to adjust their refresh rate to match the frames per second (fps) of a game. Initially, Nintendo’s website suggested that VRR would be supported on TVs, but the company has since corrected this mistake, confirming with Nintendo Life that the information was incorrect. Although the absence of VRR on TV mode may be a disappointment to some, it’s worth noting that games on the Switch 2 will run at a maximum of 60 fps at 4K resolution, with other resolutions having their own standard frames per second. The PlayStation 5, for example, did not receive VRR support until two years after its release in 2020, suggesting that Nintendo could potentially update the Switch 2 with this feature in the future.
Unless the lack of VRR support leads to screen tearing issues, Nintendo seems to be focusing on the Switch 2’s quirky and endearing features. Similar to the original Switch, there are several hidden features that Nintendo has planned for the Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5. We will be sure to provide more information on these features once we have the console in hand.
Customization Options for Joy-Con Side Panels
The Joy-Con 2 side panels can be customized, similar to the PS5 faceplates, with some new panels already available for purchase.
— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) May 5, 2025
The Joy-Cons 2 for the Switch 2 come in black, but users can remove and replace the small side panels, similar to how you can swap out the fins on the PlayStation 5. Some shops are already selling replacement panels and removal tools, and it’s likely that Nintendo will offer a variety of color options in the future, potentially leading to some interesting color combinations.
Making Music with the Controller Connection Screen
The Switch 2’s “Change Grip/Order” section of the main menu features a hidden function that allows users to create music using their connected controllers. By pressing the L/R, ZL/ZR, and SL/SR buttons, players can produce different sounds and even create a musical scale. This feature is compatible with all first-party controllers, including the Switch 2 Pro controllers and the original Switch’s Joy-Cons.
Nintendo has also shared more information about the Switch 2’s system sounds, including different sounds for pressing the C Button and selecting icons on the HOME Menu. A sound also plays when the docked system is awakened from sleep mode.
Nintendo Today shared some of the system sounds of the Switch 2, including sounds for pressing the C Button and selecting icons on the HOME Menu.
— Genki (@Genki_JPN) May 18, 2025
Navigating the Switch 2’s Main Menu with Mouse Controls
The Switch 2 allows users to navigate the main menu using mouse controls, providing a PC-like experience. This feature is expected to make navigating the redesigned eShop easier. Mouse controls will be implemented in various games, including Super Mario Party Jamboree, which will feature mouse-specific minigames, and Drag x Drive, which will utilize mouse controls for pushing around a wheelchair in basketball-based gameplay.
Locating Missing Joy-Cons with the Switch 2
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