Technologies

Is Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Worth the Upgrade? It Depends

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. See how older Samsung phones compare to help make your decision.

This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 just launched in February, so you may be wondering: Is it worth the upgrade? Truth is, there isn’t one answer that can be applied to everyone. The age and condition of your current phone, your budget and whether your device will support new versions of Android should all factor into your decision.

The Galaxy S23, which starts at $800, has a 6.1-inch screen and a 50-megapixel main camera, just like the Galaxy S22. But the S23 has a larger battery, a new processor and slightly updated camera algorithms that improve the way photos are processed. While these changes are appreciated, the Galaxy S23 is generally a minor improvement over the Galaxy S22. The upgrade is worth it if you’re looking to replace a phone you’ve had for several years, ideally one that’s more than two years old. Even the Galaxy S21, which launched in 2021, likely still has enough life left to make it through another year.

Buying decisions will always vary depending on your needs and budget. But if you’re a current Samsung user considering making the jump, here’s what to know about how the Galaxy S23 compares to older devices.

Samsung Galaxy S23

$800 at Samsung

Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22

The Samsung Galaxy S22.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

With the Galaxy S23, Samsung addressed my biggest concern about the Galaxy S22: its short battery life. The new phone has a larger battery (3,900 mAh compared to 3,700), which has made a difference in my testing.

Otherwise, compared to the Galaxy S22, you’re getting a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized for the new Galaxy lineup specifically, while the Galaxy S22 runs on last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Performance is faster, especially when exporting video. But you probably won’t notice much of a jump in everyday use, since most modern processors are well-equipped to handle gaming, multitasking and other run-of-the-mill tasks.

The Galaxy S23’s cameras are largely the same as the Galaxy S22’s, except the algorithms have been updated to improve processing in low light conditions. The selfie camera also has a slightly higher resolution (12 megapixels versus 10), although I didn’t notice much of a difference. There’s nothing about the Galaxy S23’s camera that feels hugely different from the previous generation, although I did notice that low-light portraits looked better.

The phone launches with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software, both of which are available for the Galaxy S22 series.

The bottom line: Don’t upgrade to the Galaxy S23 if you have a Galaxy S22. The changes aren’t noticeable enough to warrant an upgrade. Battery life is the only meaningful change you’ll notice between the two phones, but I’d only recommend upgrading if you can get the S23 for free through a trade-in deal.

Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S21

Samsung's Galaxy S21 — Samsung’s Galaxy S21.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The differences between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S21 are more noticeable, but you can probably hold onto your S21 for another year before upgrading.

The Galaxy S23 has a noticeably improved camera since it inherits the 50-megapixel sensor that debuted on the Galaxy S22. As I wrote in my review, the Galaxy S22’s cameras offer better color, contrast and low-light performance compared to the Galaxy S21.

The Galaxy S21 also runs on a processor that’s now two years old, compared to the brand-new chip in the Galaxy S23. That said, if you’re just using your phone for simple tasks like video calls, playing games and checking social media, the older Snapdragon 888 chip is probably holding up just fine.

The bottom line: If your Galaxy S21 still feels fast and the battery life is satisfactory, you can wait another year before upgrading. Samsung supports three generations of Android operating system updates for the Galaxy S21, meaning it will get new platform-wide software updates until 2024.

Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S20

Samsung's Galaxy S20 — Samsung’s Galaxy S20.

Angela Lang/CNET

Whether you should upgrade from the Galaxy S20 isn’t as straightforward of an answer. There’s enough to gain that would justify making the jump, but the Galaxy S20 also still has plenty to offer.

By upgrading, you’ll get a faster chip, an improved camera with significantly better low-light performance and a fresh design. Since the Galaxy S20 launched in 2020 with Android 10, it’ll no longer be eligible for new Android OS updates moving forward.

Samsung committed to providing three generations of updates for the Galaxy S20 lineup, making Android 13 the last one. That means you’ll have to upgrade to get future versions of Android and the new features that come along with these updates. The company does, however, still provide monthly security updates for the Galaxy S20.

At the same time, the Galaxy S20 is still a very capable phone. Even though you won’t get the option to shoot photos at a 50-megapixel resolution like on the Galaxy S23, you’ll still get a triple-camera setup on the Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S20 also has a 30x digital zoom like the Galaxy S23, so you won’t miss out on getting close-up shots.

But keep in mind that the Galaxy S20 has a larger battery and a slightly bigger screen than the Galaxy S23. And most importantly, the Galaxy S20 has a microSD card slot for adding more storage, which the Galaxy S23 does not.

The bottom line: The updates in the Galaxy S23 will feel significant enough to justify the upgrade, but you also don’t need to if you’re happy with your Galaxy S20. Hang onto the S20 if you’re happy with its performance, battery life and if you value keeping that microSD card slot over having a better camera. Just remember you won’t get the next version of Android.

Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S10

The Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup.

Angela Lang/CNET

Galaxy S10 owners: it’s time to upgrade. Not only will the camera and processor feel like a huge step up, but you’ll get 5G and the latest version Android.

If you purchased the Galaxy S10 at launch back in 2019, the processor and battery are now four years old. That means your phone may be starting to feel sluggish, and the battery probably struggles to get through a day. The Galaxy S10’s battery is also smaller than the Galaxy S23’s (3,400 mAh capacity versus 3,900) and the S23’s processor is more power efficient — so the battery gains should be meaningful. Your Galaxy S10 also doesn’t support 5G, unless you splurged on the 6.7-inch Galaxy S10 5G, which started at $1,300 when it launched.

But more importantly, the Galaxy S10 no longer receives Android version updates. Like the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S10 was eligible for three generations of new Android releases. That would make last year’s Android 12 update the last one since the Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9. (You will, however, still get quarterly security updates if you have the regular Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10E or S10 5G.)

While software support and battery life are among the biggest reasons to upgrade, you’ll also get a much better camera on the Galaxy S23. Samsung’s camera has come a long way over the last four years, now offering a higher resolution main sensor (50 megapixels versus 12 megapixels on the Galaxy S10), enhanced performance in low light and a closer digital zoom (up to 30x on the Galaxy S23 compared to 10x on the Galaxy S10).

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you’ll lose the beloved microSD card slot by upgrading to the Galaxy S23. So be sure to pick a storage capacity that makes sense for your needs since you won’t be able to expand it.

The bottom line: Yes, if you have a Galaxy S10 it’s worth upgrading to the Galaxy S23. You’ll get 5G support, access to new versions of Android, longer battery life, a faster new processor and a much-improved camera. But be prepared to say goodbye to the microSD card slot.

Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S9

The Samsung Galaxy S9.

James Martin/CNET

There are many reasons to upgrade from the Galaxy S9 — so many, in fact, it’s hard to know where to start. All of the points mentioned above for the Galaxy S10 also apply to the Galaxy S9. Samsung’s five-year-old phone lacks 5G, and its processor and battery have likely started to show their age. You’ll also no longer receive Android version updates.

But there are plenty of other benefits to be had from upgrading. The camera is among the biggest changes; the Galaxy S9 only has one rear 12-megapixel camera, and the Galaxy S9 Plus has an additional 12-megapixel telephoto camera. The Galaxy S23 has a higher resolution 50-megapixel main camera, along with a 10-megapixel telephoto camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens for capturing a wider field of view. The Galaxy S23’s selfie camera also has a higher resolution (12 megapixels versus the S9’s 8), along with other improvements like better low-light capture.

If you have the standard 5.8-inch Galaxy S9, you’ll also get a larger screen since the Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display. The Galaxy S23 also has twice the storage in the base model compared to the Galaxy S9, but there’s no microSD card slot in Samsung’s new phone for adding more storage.

The bottom line: There are a bunch of reasons to upgrade if you have a Galaxy S9. You’ll get a significantly improved camera with multiple lenses, much faster performance, longer battery life, new versions of Android and 5G support.

Overall, it’s worth upgrading if you have a phone that’s more than two years old. Galaxy S20 owners can probably get another year out of their device if it’s in good condition, but the Galaxy S23 also offers enough improvements to justify the upgrade. If you have a Galaxy S10 or earlier, the answer to whether you should upgrade is a resounding yes.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. older Galaxy phones

	Galaxy S23	Galaxy S22	Galaxy S21	Galaxy S20	Galaxy S10	Galaxy S9
Display	6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate	6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate	6.2-inch AMOLED;2,400×1,080 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate	6.2-inchAMOLED; 3,200×1,440 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate	6.1-inch AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 resolution	5.8-inch AMOLED; 2,960×1,440 resolution
Pixel density	425 pixels per inch	425 pixels per inch	421 pixels per inch	563 pixels per inch	550 pixels per inch	570 pixels per inch
Dimensions (inches)	2.79 x 5.76 x 0.3 in	2.78 x 5.74 x 0.3 in	2.80 x 5.97 x 0.31 in	2.72 x 5.97 x 0.311 in	5.9 x 2.77 x 0.31 in	5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 in
Dimensions (millimeters)	70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6 mm	70.6 x 146 x 7.6 mm	71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9mm	69.1 x 151.7 x 7.9 mm	149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm	147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)	168 g (5.93 oz)	167 g(5.93 oz)	171 g(6.03 oz)	5.75 oz (163 g)	5.53 oz (157 g)	5.75 oz (163 g)
Mobile software	Android 13	Android 12	Android 11	Android 10	Android 9	Android 8
Camera	50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)	50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)	64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	12-megapixel (wide-angle), 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)	12-megapixel
Front-facing camera	12-megapixel	10-megapixel	10-megapixel	10-megapixel	10-megapixel	8-megapixel
Video capture	8K at 30fps	8Kat 24 fps	8K at 24fps	8K at 24fps	4K at 60fps	4K at 60 fps
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
RAM/storage	8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 256GB	8GB RAM + 128GB8GB RAM + 256GB	8GB RAM + 128GB	8GB RAM + 128GB	8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 512GB	4GB RAM + 64GB; 4GB RAM + 128GB; 4GB RAM + 256GB
Expandable storage	None	None	None	Yes (Up to 1TB)	Yes (Up to 512GB)	Yes (Up to 400GB)
Battery	3,900 mAh	3,700 mAh	4,000 mAh	4,000mAh	3,400mAh	3,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor	In-display	In-display	In-display	In-display	In-display	Back
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Special features	5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, wireless PowerShare to charge other devices	5G (mmw/Sub6), 120Hz display, IP68 rating, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging	IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 30x Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, 120Hz display	5G enabled; 120Hz refresh rate; water resistant (IP68)	Wireless PowerShare; hole punch screen notch; water resistant (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0	Dual-aperture camera, water-resistant (IP68); super slo-mo video; wireless charging; iris scanning

Technologies

Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know About the Console, New Games, Release Date

The $450 console will get Mario Kart World at launch, 4K gaming when docked, Switch 2 Edition game enhancements and new mouse controls.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console’s biggest reveal yet arrived Wednesday morning as part of the company’s Nintendo Direct event. This teed up a day of Switch 2 reveals that include its June 5 release date, a $450 price, its specs, and its initial game lineup that extends from launch into 2026.

The console will be further buoyed by having Mario Kart World as a launch title, which will go on sale in either a $500 bundle with the Switch 2 or on its own for $80 — making the open-world racing game one of Nintendo’s most expensive yet. Other games announced, such as Donkey Kong Bananza, are being priced around $70, which matches the cost of 2023’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. That Zelda game and Breath of the Wild are among the original Switch titles that will get enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades, a premium upgrade allowing players to get new features, modes and graphical enhancements that take advantage of the newer system’s capabilities.

Here are the top highlights from Nintendo’s console event, all of the games we’ve heard about so far (including new titles, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition titles and GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online) and all of our coverage so far. You can also check out our Nintendo Switch 2 live blog for even more updates about the Switch 2 as we learn them.

Nintendo Switch 2 console

The Nintendo Switch 2’s specs saw a noticeable technical bump over the Switch. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch, 1080p resolution LCD that supports a 120Hz refresh rate — matching what we now see on most Android phones. When the Switch 2 is docked, compatible games can run in 4K resolution. The new dock also includes a cooling fan.

The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, and the new Switch 2 Game Cards will load games faster. For digital libraries, however, the Switch 2 will only work with microSD Express cards, which are different from the microSD cards that are compatible with the prior Nintendo Switch. Nintendo will have a Software Transfer feature available to help move games and data from the original Switch to the Switch 2.

The new Joy-Con for the controllers will support mouse controls, and a new C button will be part of a new GameChat communication feature that allows both voice and video chat. There’s also a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, allowing players to see each other.

The Switch 2 also adds a second USB-C port to the top of the system, which Nintendo says can help connect its new camera accessory or charge the console when playing in tabletop mode. Nintendo also revealed a new Switch 2 Pro Controller with the C button and customizable GL and GR buttons on the back.

Following the presentation, Nintendo unveiled the system’s price of $450 in the US. It will also sell the Switch 2 bundled with a digital version of Mario Kart World for $500.

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World removes its traditional boundaries and lets drivers roam freely across an entire world of race courses. The game will get its own Nintendo Direct later this month, where we’ll see additional details, but we already know it’ll include traditional races and a Free Roam mode, much like in the Forza Horizon series.

Getting the game bundled for an extra $50 on the cost of the Switch 2 might be the move if you are interested in the game, because Nintendo announced on its website that standalone copies of Mario Kart World will cost $80.

Joy-Con 2 C button and GameChat

Nintendo’s rolling out its new C button across several new Switch 2 controllers. The button will be used for the new GameChat communication features without a headset. The button will be used alongside a microphone on the console itself, which Nintendo says can be used whether it’s docked to a TV or in handheld mode.

In its teaser video, Nintendo promises the microphone will be able to cancel out loud background noises. GameChat will also work with a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, allowing video chat and various camera-based game modes in supported titles. GameChat will be free at launch through March 31, 2026.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games upgrade titles

The Nintendo Switch 2 will play three types of games: original Switch games, Switch 2 games and Switch 2 Edition games that will receive substantial enhancements. For many of these Switch 2 Edition games, you’ll need to buy an upgrade pack if you own the original for Switch. Many of them will get more than just enhanced graphics in the upgrade; for example, Super Mario Party Jamboree will get new games that support the new Joy-Cons’ mouse controls, audio recognition and video camera gameplay options through the Switch 2 Camera.

Other Nintendo Switch games that are getting Switch 2 Edition options include The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Enhancements vary: The Zelda games will start working with a companion phone app for maps and sending schematics to friends, while Kirby will get a new story that’s exclusive to the Switch 2 Edition. On the third-party side, Civilization 7 will get mouse controls.

Nintendo did not announce what upgrade packs will cost. However, some Switch games will get free updates that will improve performance or enhance features when playing them on the Switch 2. The Switch games getting these updates include:

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a new game set in the world of Zelda that tells the story that leads into The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This appears to be similar to how Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity told the story of a war that led to the events of Breath of the Wild. The teaser shows Zelda discovering that she’s arrived in the past of Hyrule, and the game will expand on how she gets involved in the corresponding Imprisonment War.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

Several other first- and third-party games were spotlighted during the Switch 2 Direct. These include Donkey Bananza, one of the first 3D platforming games featuring DK since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64. Kirby will also return to the racing genre in Kirby Air Riders, which comes more than 20 years after the GameCube racer Kirby’s Air Ride. DragXDrive will use mouse controls to control a futuristic wheelchair basketball game in which players will simulate push and pull motions to control their character.

An onslaught of Switch 2 third-party games were quickly shuffled through during the Direct, which I list below. An unnamed James Bond game is in development at Hitman studio IO Interactive, as is a darker title from Elden Ring creator FromSoftware called The Duskbloods, which will be exclusive to the Switch 2.

The full list of announced Nintendo Switch 2 games includes:

Borderlands 4
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Deltarune
Donkey Kong Bananza
Drag x Drive
EA Sports FC
EA Sports Madden NFL
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
Enter the Gungeon 2
Fast Fusion
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Fortnite
Hades 2
Hitman World of Assassination — Signature Edition
Hogwarts Legacy
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby and the Forgotten Land — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Star-Crossed World
Kunitsu-Gai: Path of the Goddess
Mario Kart World
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
NBA 2K
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Pokemon Legends: Z-A — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Project 007
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Split Fiction
Star Wars Outlaws
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
Street Fighter 6
Super Mario Party Jamboree — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Jamboree TV
Survival Kids
The Duskbloods
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4
WWE 2K
Yakuza 0 Definitive Edition

Among these titles, you can see the full list of June 5 Switch 2 launch day games here.

Nintendo GameCube library coming to Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch Online game library will add GameCube games to the Switch 2. On launch day, these games will initially include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur 2 and F-Zero GX, with each game getting enhanced graphics. Online multiplayer will also be added to certain titles. Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Strikers and Luigi’s Mansion are among the games set to arrive later. At launch, Nintendo will also sell a GameCube controller, which will be wireless and include a C button for GameChat.

Technologies

Which Nintendo Switch Accessories Will Work With the Nintendo Switch 2?

The next-gen Switch console has many physical changes, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to get rid of all your gear for the original Switch.

Nintendo detailed the highly anticipated Switch 2 on Wednesday. We still have to wait a few more months before we can actually get our hands on it — June 5, to be precise — but that gives us plenty of time to make sure we have all the extra accessories we’ll need. On the upside, many of the accessories for the original Nintendo Switch will work with the Switch 2, but some important ones won’t.

Controllers

Joy-Con

The Switch 2 will come with its own set of updated Joy-Cons, but you can still use the original ones. They won’t attach physically to the Switch 2, as the new Joy-Cons are larger and attach magnetically, but you can pair the original Joy-Cons wirelessly. That way, you can still play with your family and friends without buying extras.

Pro Controller

Nintendo’s excellent Pro Controller also got an upgrade for the Switch 2, but as with the Joy-Cons, the original Pro Controller will work fine with the Switch 2. It will pair wirelessly with the console and can be charged via a USB cable from the Switch 2 dock. The new Pro will have some decent upgrades, like enlarged buttons and triggers, GameCube-esque ergonomics, and programmable back paddles, but it will also cost $80, so if you don’t feel you need to upgrade, you won’t have to.

Other Nintendo controllers

Nintendo also clarified that all the wireless versions of the NES, SNES, N64 and Sega Genesis controllers will work wirelessly with the Switch 2. However, it also said that not every game would be compatible, but we don’t know yet which games those would be. It’s probably safe to assume all games supporting those controllers (also compatible with the Switch 2) would work, but we’ll update this once we know more.

Third-party controllers

This is the big question mark at the moment. We have not been able to confirm anything from either Nintendo or other controller manufacturers if third-party controllers will work with the Switch 2. I assume that since the original Pro Controller will work with the Switch 2, at the very least, officially licensed third-party controllers will work, but as of publish time, we have not had any confirmation about support for third-party controllers on the Switch 2. One vendor I spoke with confirmed it is currently in talks with Nintendo about compatibility but couldn’t share any details.

MicroSD cards

One of the biggest (and most welcome) upgrades to the Switch 2 is an 8x increase in internal storage from 32GB to 256GB. That means a microSD is no longer an immediate must-have accessory. That’s also good because not every microSD card that worked with the original Switch will work with the Switch 2.

Nintendo specified that only microSD Express cards will work with Switch 2. You can still view screenshots and videos from your non-Express microSD cards, but you won’t be able to save or load games or save data to them. You can tell if your microSD card is Express because it will have a little EX printed on it.

Bluetooth headphones

The original Nintendo Switch infamously did not have Bluetooth capabilities, so you had to plug in headphones or buy an adapter. Nintendo remedied this with updated Switch versions and kept that functionality for the Switch 2. That means all your favorite Bluetooth headphones should work just fine with your new Switch 2.

Docks

The Switch 2 dock is also getting a big upgrade. It’s larger with rounded corners and now supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, a welcome upgrade for a modern game console. That being said, for households with multiple Switch consoles and TVs, you may not want to buy extra Switch 2 docks to use around your home.

However, Nintendo confirmed that the original Switch Dock is incompatible with the Switch 2, which also means it’s likely the original Switch will not work in the Switch 2 Dock.

Third-party docks

Several docks not made by Nintendo work just fine with the first-generation Switch, so there’s no reason to expect they would not be compatible with the Switch 2 as long as they provide adequate power. However, once again, we’ve not had any confirmation, so we can’t say for sure.

Chargers, cables and adapters

Chargers

The first-generation Switch was notoriously fickle with non-Nintendo chargers, particularly when docked, and the Switch 2 looks likely to continue that trend. The Switch 2 has a different power input from the original Switch so that the original Switch charger won’t work for TV mode with the Switch 2. You can still charge the Switch 2 with it by plugging it in directly, but that’s it.

We also don’t know anything about third-party chargers for the Switch 2 yet. There were several that worked perfectly fine with the original Switch, but we don’t yet know the power draw of the Switch 2, so we can’t say for sure which chargers will work. Hopefully, we’ll find out more closer to launch, but for right now, the only charger that we know will work for TV mode with the Switch 2 is the charger that comes with it.

Cables

The Switch 2 most likely supports HDMI 2.1, which means the HDMI cable that came with the original Switch won’t work. Nintendo has confirmed as much, though, as with most other accessories, it hasn’t given specifics as to whether third-party HDMI cables will work or not. We’ll have to wait to find out. The Switch 2 will have an HDMI cable, so at least there’s that.

Adapters

Nintendo has confirmed that the only adapter that works with the Switch 2 is the GameCube Controller adapter. This lets you connect a wired GameCube controller to the Switch Dock, and Nintendo says it can be used in TV mode while connected to a Switch 2 Dock. We don’t know anything else about any other adapters at this time.

Nintendo did give us quite a lot of information about the Switch 2 today, including the price, most of the key upgrades, and the launch date, but as you can see, there’s still a lot we don’t know. We’ll continue to update this list and our other coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2 as we learn more.

Technologies

Save Up to 20% on Your Phone Plan Thanks to Ultra Mobile’s Spring Sale

Need to lower your monthly phone bill? Switching to Ultra Mobile could be a wise decision. We’ll explain why.

If you’re looking for more ways to decrease your spending, switching to a cheaper phone plan could be just the ticket. Many cellphone providers lavish perks on new clients, so making the switch could be a smart financial decision. For those looking for a new cellphone plan, we’re glad to announce that Ultra Mobile is offering up to 20% off on select phone plans until May 18.

Ultra Mobile is also offering 10% off its three- and six-month contracts as a part of this deal. These discounts are available for deals providing 5GB, 10GB or 15GB of data per month. The carrier also has two Unlimited Plans you can choose from to nab this discount. Note: Ultra Mobile has a Talk & Text plan and a 3GB plan, but they aren’t currently eligible for any discounts.

The biggest savings right now are for 12-month plans. You can save 20% on Ultra Mobile 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, Ultra Unlimited and Unlimited Plus Plans. The Ultra Unlimited plan includes unlimited 5G, 4G and LTE data, international calls to more than 90 countries, unlimited national and global texts and a $5 credit for international calls and roaming per month. You’ll also get 10GB of hotspot data per month.

The Unlimited Plus Plan includes 20GB of hotspot data, as well as all the aforementioned features. You’ll also get a $10 credit for international calls and a $10 credit for roaming per month. Keep in mind that your device and SIM must be compatible with Ultra Mobile, so make sure to confirm that before making the switch. Finally, these are prepaid plans, which means up-front payment is required.

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Looking for a new phone plan but aren’t sure if this deal is for you? We have the best cheap phone plans and the best family phone plans lists so you can find what works for you.

Why this deal matters

Your phone bill can strain your monthly budget, but prepaid plans like these are a great way to save. Ultra Mobile’s plans are already relatively inexpensive, but these deals can shave 10% to 20% off per month. Though three- and six-month plans are available, its biggest savings are on 12-month plans.