You’ve seen the big features. Now let’s talk about the cool stuff hiding in the settings.
Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is in players’ hands, most of the big selling points – faster performance, crisper visuals, and a sleeker design – are well known.
But beneath the surface, Nintendo has packed in a number of subtle touches and smart system-level tweaks that many users are only now discovering.
Here’s a look at some of the Switch 2’s lesser-known quirks and upgrades you might not have spotted yet.
Joy-Cons: Familiar Feel, New Behaviors
The good news first: standard Joy-Cons from the original Switch will still work with the Switch 2.
However, there's a new twist with how all kinds of joycons behave during intense gameplay.
In titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and Fortnite, users have noticed that the Joy-Cons' rumble feature will automatically shut off during prolonged vibrations.
This isn’t a glitch, but appears to be a deliberate design choice – possibly to prevent overheating or preserve battery life during handheld use.
Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed this behavior, but it seems the console has built-in limits to manage power consumption more intelligently.
Battery Health: Use It Or Lose It
Battery care is especially important with the Switch 2.
Nintendo has reiterated a warning from the original model: leaving your system unused for long periods without charging can cause “deep discharge,” potentially damaging the battery beyond repair.
It’s recommended to plug in the console at least every 2–3 months.
The new system includes a smart feature to help maintain battery longevity – a setting that halts charging at 90% capacity.
This approach, already common in smartphones, helps reduce wear on the battery when the console is docked for long periods. For players who mostly game on a TV, enabling this feature is highly recommended.
GameChat: Real-Time Captions For Voice Chat
A standout feature tucked into the Switch 2’s multiplayer experience is real-time captioning for GameChat.
If you’re talking with friends online, the console can transcribe what’s being said and show it on-screen as text in a separate box.
It’s surprisingly quick and even keeps up when multiple people are talking. For anyone who’s hard of hearing – or just gaming in a noisy room – it’s a smart, thoughtful addition.
Wake-Up Sounds And Button Customization
Nintendo has added a small but charming detail to the way the Switch 2 wakes from sleep mode: different buttons produce different sounds when pressed.
By default, users must press the same button three times to unlock the console, but a setting also allows for single-button wake-up.
The variation in button sounds offers a bit of playful experimentation that feels uniquely Nintendo.
New Way to Find Lost Controllers: Feel the Buzz
The upgraded HD Rumble in the new Joy-Cons isn’t just for games – it’s also your new best friend when a controller goes missing.
In the settings under Controllers, you can select a Joy-Con or Pro Controller 2 and make it buzz loudly using the new haptic motor. The vibrations are more precise and can now reach higher frequencies, making them much easier to hear and feel, even from under furniture.
Smarter, More Personal eShop
The eShop has received a thoughtful overhaul with a new “For You” section offering personalized game recommendations.
These are based on your purchase and play history and update weekly with trailers and previews.
Wishlist users will appreciate a notification bubble showing how many of their saved titles are currently on sale – with the option to filter only discounted items.
Zoom In With Accessibility Shortcuts
Need a closer look at a tricky UI or in-game detail? Switch 2 includes a zoom function under accessibility settings. When enabled, simply double-tap the Home button to magnify the screen – a small feature with big impact for players who prefer or need enlarged visuals.
Automatic Screenshots to Your Phone
One quality-of-life feature sure to appeal to content creators and social media sharers is automatic screenshot uploads.
With the Nintendo Switch app and the right settings enabled under Gallery -> Automatic Uploads, your screenshots can be sent directly to your smartphone without manual transfers.
It’s another way Nintendo is quietly streamlining the experience for connected gamers.
Taken individually, these features might seem minor – but together, they create a more refined, player-friendly console that’s full of personality.
Something tells us there are still a few surprises hiding in there. Just make sure you don't have a username that's not up to Nintendo's standards, or you might not be able to use most of those features at all...