After months of intense speculation, rumors, and leaks, Nintendo has fully revealed the Switch 2 through its own Direct presentation. We were treated to trailers for new titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza, as well as exclusive Nintendo GameCube titles available through Switch 2 Online. More importantly, we got an in-depth look at the console itself. From an accessibility standpoint, it’s clear the Switch 2 represents a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor in nearly every aspect.

Several months ago, I discussed my accessibility expectations for Nintendo’s upcoming console. I hoped for more comprehensive accessibility features, smarter use of Joy-Con controllers, and thoughtful inclusive design practices. Surprisingly, Nintendo delivered on each of these points—and even introduced a few extra features. In this Access Designed feature, let’s explore the exciting, confirmed accessibility improvements coming to the Switch 2.

New Accessibility Settings

The Direct didn't showcase many tangible accessibility features during the broadcast, aside from fully customizable controls for each virtual GameCube game that align with the system settings. However, Nintendo has since published a dedicated accessibility page outlining a range of returning and brand-new options.

Fully customizable controls are back, working just like they did on the original Switch. Text size adjustments—now available in three different variants—also return, this time with the ability to enable High Contrast and alter display colors. Zoom functionality is making a comeback as well, a vital feature for blind and low vision players. Perhaps the most exciting addition is a new Screen Reader setting.

For blind and low vision players, features like Text-to-Speech are essential for navigating menus and system settings. While the Screen Reader is currently limited to the HOME menu and system settings, it’s a critical step forward, empowering disabled players to use the Switch 2 more independently. The Screen Reader also includes options to select different voices, adjust reading speed, and control volume. It’s still unclear whether individual games will support these system-level tools or offer their own accessibility options, but Nintendo's recognition of its disabled audience is encouraging—and definitely sparks my curiosity about the company's future accessibility plans.

Innovative Design

Outside of the system menus, Nintendo highlighted a novel inclusive tool that adds depth to a beloved franchise while boosting accessibility for players with cognitive, physical, and visual impairments. The renamed Nintendo Switch App now includes Zelda Notes, a companion application for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The app’s Navigation feature lets players locate shops, points of interest, and even hard-to-find Koroks using a GPS-style interface. With audio cues and voice guidance, the app directs players to the exact location of their selected objective. Though it’s not perfect—since it doesn’t help with precise navigation or enemy encounters—it still offers meaningful support for blind and low vision players exploring the overworld, reducing the cognitive load of traversing a vast game world.

For players with cognitive, visual, or physical disabilities, another helpful feature is the Autobuild Sharing tool, which allows users to share custom Zonai device designs. By scanning a QR code, players can automatically construct a Zonai machine if they have the necessary materials. Personally, I found it challenging to manage the controls and button combinations required to build Zonai devices in Tears of the Kingdom. Now, with this tool, I only need to focus on gathering materials—not the complicated assembly process. This is inclusive design in action, something Nintendo has consistently impressed me with in the past.

Finally, disabled players can also exchange items using the Item Sharing feature, which works much like Autobuild Sharing. By scanning a QR code, players can instantly receive items sent by friends, minimizing the physical effort of constantly searching the world for weapons and food items. Does this make Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom fully accessible? Not entirely. But it’s a remarkable step in the right direction.

Wheelchair Sports

One of the biggest surprises for me was the announcement of Drag X Drive, a Rocket League-inspired game where players control characters using manual wheelchairs on a basketball court. This unexpected reveal not only showcases positive disability representation but also highlights one of the Switch 2's new hardware innovations: mouse-style control.

By placing the Joy-Con on its side, players can move the controller across any surface, mimicking the function of a computer mouse. While we don’t yet know the sensitivity or force required to move the cursor—for reference, my ultrawide monitor mouse operates at 6400 DPI—this new input method is sure to benefit a wide range of disabled players. It’s exciting to think about how Nintendo will make use of this functionality, but more importantly, it provides another accessible way to play. Combined with the variety of controller types already supported on the Switch and Switch 2, it’s clear Nintendo is continuing to innovate in the controller space.

As a longtime Nintendo fan, I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the Switch 2. While the expected $450 price gives me some pause, my love for gaming started with Nintendo. With each new console, we see even more meaningful accessibility enhancements that reinforce the company’s dedication to inclusive design. While Nintendo hasn’t released a first-party accessible controller like Xbox’s Adaptive Controller or PlayStation’s Access Controller, the company is forging its own path—creating new ways for disabled individuals to play. When you pair these innovations with the recent news that Nintendo is collaborating with other developers on standardized accessibility tags, it’s clear the company is positioned to keep pushing accessibility forward for everyone.