Nintendo Switch 2: Why Are the Screen Bezels So Thick?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially here, marking the evolution of Nintendo’s hybrid console concept first introduced in 2017. While the tablet’s screen is now larger, its bezels remain noticeably thick, sparking curiosity among fans and tech enthusiasts alike.
A Long-Awaited Reveal with Limited Details
After months of speculation, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2 through a short promotional video. The video, however, leaves many questions unanswered. There’s no glimpse of the user interface, limited information on the games—other than a new Mario Kart title—and only vague hints about new features. What we can analyze, though, is the console’s design.
The Switch 2 maintains its predecessor’s core hybrid design, combining a tablet with two detachable controllers, known as Joy-Cons. Several improvements are apparent, including a significantly larger screen. However, unlike the edge-to-edge screens found on most modern devices, the Switch 2 features thick bezels, a detail that feels out of place in 2025. Surprisingly, there’s a practical reason behind this design choice.
The Role of Joy-Cons in the Screen Design
The most noticeable feature is the thick lateral bezels on the Switch 2’s screen, which some might consider outdated or even unattractive. According to the specialized site Switch-Actu.fr, this choice stems from a design compromise. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on January 18, the site explained: “One logical reason for this design choice is the space required by the Joy-Cons.”
The updated Joy-Cons now utilize a magnetic attachment system rather than the rail-based mechanism used in the original Switch. This redesign means that part of the Joy-Con docks into the tablet itself—a significant departure from the previous model. The docking mechanism includes a cavity that houses a connector, a design element that has sparked debates over its durability. An image circulating on Reddit illustrates this structural change, showing how Nintendo could have potentially minimized the bezels by a few additional millimeters.
Technical Constraints and Trade-Offs
This new attachment system affects the internal structure of the Switch 2, reducing available space for other components. Consequently, the screen cannot stretch edge-to-edge due to technical limitations. Achieving a borderless design would require the screen to be extraordinarily thin to sit atop these structural components—something that isn’t feasible with current technology. While edge-to-edge screens are now standard in devices like smartphones and TVs, the Switch 2 had to prioritize practicality over aesthetics.
Despite this, the Switch 2 still features a much larger screen compared to its predecessor, offering enhanced gaming comfort. While it may not satisfy those who hoped for a sleeker design, the console’s larger display is a strong selling point, underscoring Nintendo’s focus on gameplay experience over purely cosmetic trends.
The Nintendo Switch 2, with its innovative Joy-Con system and larger screen, balances technical innovation and design compromises, ensuring it remains a compelling choice for gamers.
