The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming to town (soon)
After months of rumors and leaks, Nintendo has officially confirmed the existence of the Switch 2. This will be the first time the company releases a numbered console, moving away from its usual quirky platform names. The reveal has got fans buzzing with excitement for what’s to come.
Design & Features
The design of the Switch 2 closely follows the sleek, all-black aesthetic, with the iconic blue and red Joy-Con accents making a return. While it maintains the same general concept as the original Switch, there are some noticeable upgrades.
- The Joy-Con controllers are now larger and magnetic, making them easier to attach and detach from the console.
- A new C button has been added, and the console features fresh ports for improved connectivity.
- The kickstand has been upgraded, offering more adjustable angles for tabletop gaming, and the dock has received a complete redesign to improve the overall experience.
Launch & Release Info
Nintendo has not yet given an official release date, but they’ve confirmed a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, where more details will be revealed. There’s speculation that the Switch 2 could launch as early as April 2025, though this is not official yet.
- Alongside the console, we can expect to see new accessories like controllers and docks, which may launch at the same time.
Specs & Hardware
Although we don’t know all the details yet, early reports suggest some impressive upgrades in terms of hardware. The Switch 2 is expected to feature some key enhancements over the original model.
- A custom Nvidia chip is expected to power the console, along with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage.
- The display is rumored to be an 8-inch LCD, which could be a move to keep costs lower (goodbye OLED?).
- The dock might support 4K upscaling using DLSS 2 technology, but this is still unconfirmed, and it remains to be seen if the chip will support it.
Joy-Con Updates
One of the most common issues with the original Switch was the dreaded stick drift in the Joy-Con controllers. Thankfully, the Switch 2 may address this problem with a new design.
- The Switch 2 could feature Hall Effect analog sticks, which are designed to prevent stick drift by improving durability.
- Although this hasn’t been confirmed yet, the improved design hints at a more reliable and lasting gaming experience.
Game Compatibility
The Switch 2 will be compatible with physical Switch game cartridges, so your existing game library will still work. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.
- Some older games might not be fully compatible, likely due to the need for specific accessories (e.g., Ring Fit Adventure or Amiibo support).
- Fortunately, digital games and Nintendo Switch Online will carry over, so you’ll still have access to your existing digital library.
New Games & Backwards Compatibility
While Nintendo hasn’t officially announced new games for the Switch 2 yet, we did get a sneak peek during the reveal video.
- Mario Kart was shown running on the Switch 2, though it could just be a backwards-compatible version of the game. Still, it’s exciting to think that a new Mario Kart might be on the way.
- We’re also expecting big titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends Z-A to launch on the Switch 2 in 2025.
- There are also rumors that major Microsoft games, including Halo and Flight Simulator, could eventually make their way to the Switch 2, though these may not launch alongside the console.
Price
Nintendo hasn’t revealed the official price of the Switch 2 yet, but analysts are speculating based on current trends and similar devices.
- The price is expected to be around $400, placing it in a similar range to other high-end portable gaming consoles like the Steam Deck and PlayStation Portal.
- It’s possible that the price could range from $400 to $499, depending on the final specs and features of the console.
Next Steps
We’ll likely get all the official details we’re waiting for in the April 2025 Nintendo Direct. This is where we expect to hear about the price, release date, full specs, and any major game announcements for the Switch 2.
- Until then, we’ll just have to stay tuned and wait for all the exciting news to drop!
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First Look: Nintendo Switch 2
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