Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know About the Next-Gen Console

The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming in 2025, with a reveal on April 2nd, and promises a larger screen, enhanced Joy-Cons, and improved performance. It will play both physical and digital Switch games, but some may not be fully compatible. Eager to learn more? Keep reading for all the in-depth information you need about pricing, design, specs, and more.

Image Source: Official Nintendo Website

The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to the wildly popular original Nintendo Switch. The official reveal of the console on 16th January 2025, along with a first-look trailer, has generated massive online interest and speculation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything we know so far about the Switch 2, drawing on the available information and addressing key questions that potential buyers might have. While many details remain under wraps until the upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation on 2nd April, 2025, let's dive into what has been revealed.

Release Date and Availability

Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released sometime in 2025. While a specific date has not been given, a Nintendo Direct event is scheduled for 2nd April, 2025, where more detailed information will be shared. In addition to this digital event, Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events will be held in various cities around the world, beginning in April 2025, allowing consumers to get hands-on with the new console. Given the timing of these events, some speculate that a launch window in late May or June is possible. Another possibility, based on typical release patterns, is a launch around September to allow people to purchase the console as a gift for the holiday season.

Pricing

The question of price is a significant one, but Nintendo has yet to announce the official cost of the Switch 2. However, an analyst has suggested that the launch pricing might not matter too much, provided it is not "egregious". This is based on the idea that early adopters of Nintendo hardware are typically not very price-sensitive. It's widely expected that the Switch 2 will be more expensive than the original due to more powerful hardware and the increased cost of chips. A predicted price range is around $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$699.95 or lower.

Design and Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 appears to retain a similar overall design to the original Switch, but with a larger display and a bigger overall footprint. Key design elements and features include:

• New Joy-Con controllers with a black colour and coloured accents under the sticks and where each controller interlocks with the console.

• The Joy-Cons appear to connect magnetically to the console.

• The Joy-Cons may feature an optical sensor, allowing them to be used as a computer mouse.

• The shoulder buttons on the new Joy-Cons appear to be larger.

• The console has two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom.

• A kickstand runs the full length of the console and appears to be more robust.

• The ventilation grille has been redesigned with three vents instead of five.

• The dock is similar to the current one but with more rounded edges.

• There are new downward-firing speakers on the bottom edge.

Display

The display on the Nintendo Switch 2 is noticeably larger than the original Switch, and has much slimmer bezels. It's estimated that the display could be around 7.4 inches. The type of display panel remains unknown, but there's hope for an OLED display, which would offer more punchy colours and better contrast. Many are also hoping for a resolution bump from the original's 720p to a sharper 1080p resolution. While higher refresh rates have been speculated on, it is not a given since most games may target 60 frames per second.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature a significant increase in processing power and graphics rendering capabilities compared to the original. It will likely utilise an Nvidia system-on-a-chip. Rumours and leaks suggest that the new console could have an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. There is also speculation about the console using Nvidia's DLSS technology to provide AI-powered upscaling, which could enhance the visuals in both handheld and docked modes.

Game Compatibility

The Nintendo Switch 2 will support both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, it’s important to note that some Nintendo Switch games may not be fully compatible with the new console. In addition, the Switch 2 will feature exclusive games, and a new Mario Kart title is anticipated.

Online Play

Improved online play is a significant expectation for the Nintendo Switch 2. Many users want to see an improvement in the online infrastructure, as it's currently an area where the original Switch has been criticised. Nintendo Switch Online members will be able to continue using the service on the new console.

Community and Reception

The Switch 2 reveal video has been a huge hit, breaking records and surpassing even the PlayStation 5 reveal in views. The video has garnered over 18 million views within four days on YouTube. There has been significant interest and discussion on social media and online forums, such as the dedicated Reddit community r/NintendoSwitch2. While the excitement is palpable, some users have voiced concerns about certain aspects of the Switch 2's design.

Other Considerations

The potential for using the Joy-Cons as a computer mouse is a novel feature that has caught the attention of many. For those contemplating a new purchase, the question of whether to buy a Switch now or wait for the Switch 2 is a common one. The original Switch is available in value bundles and can be found at a discounted price. However, the Switch 2 will play your existing games, as well as offer new and exclusive games. Nintendo has prepared a robust supply chain network, with the aim of selling 20 million Switch 2 units in the first year.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a major step forward for Nintendo, building on the success of the original Switch and offering new features and enhanced performance. While many details are still unknown, the upcoming Nintendo Direct on 2nd April, 2025 will undoubtedly reveal more. Consumers will be able to experience the new console at hands-on events starting in April. With a blend of new features and backwards compatibility, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks set to make a significant impact on the gaming landscape and build on the success of its predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2: Frequently Asked Questions

• When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release sometime in 2025. A more specific date is expected to be revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation on 2nd April, 2025. Hands-on experience events in various cities starting in April and May suggest a potential release window around that time, or perhaps September.

• How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

  • Nintendo has not officially announced the price. However, an analyst suggests that the launch price won't matter much as long as it's not "egregious". It's anticipated that the Switch 2 will be priced higher than the original Switch, likely around $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$699.95 or lower.

• What are the key design changes compared to the original Nintendo Switch?

  • The Switch 2 maintains a similar hybrid design with detachable Joy-Con controllers but features several key changes:

    • A larger display that goes closer to the edges.

    • Two USB-C ports (one on top, one on the bottom).

    • A full-length kickstand that appears sturdier.

    • Redesigned Joy-Cons with a magnetic connection.

    • A new dock with more rounded edges.

    • The Joy-Cons may have a laser sensor for use as a mouse.

    • The ventilation grille has been changed to three vents.

• Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be compatible with existing Nintendo Switch games?

  • Yes, the Switch 2 will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, Nintendo has stated that certain games may not be fully compatible. More specific details will be shared later on the Nintendo website.

• What is known about the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2?

  • The Switch 2 is expected to have a significant increase in processing power and graphics rendering. It will likely use an Nvidia system-on-a-chip. Rumours suggest an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. There is also speculation about AI-powered upscaling using NVIDIA's DLSS technology.

• How have the new Joy-Cons been redesigned?

  • The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic connection system instead of the sliding lock. They are black with colour accents on the sticks and where they attach to the console. The layout remains similar, but a new square button has been added to the right Joy-Con. The controllers also have a laser sensor, allowing them to be used as a mouse.

• What is the display like on the Nintendo Switch 2?

  • The Switch 2's display is larger than the original and has slimmer bezels. It's speculated to be around 7.4 inches. The type of display panel (LCD or OLED) is unknown, but many are hoping for an OLED display. There is also a possibility of a resolution increase to 1080p.

• Will the Nintendo Switch 2 improve online play?

  • Improved online play is a significant expectation for the Switch 2, with many hoping for an improved online infrastructure. Nintendo Switch Online members will be able to continue using the service on the new console.

• Where can I try the Nintendo Switch 2 before it's released?

  • Nintendo is holding "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" hands-on events in various cities around the world starting in April 2025. A Nintendo Account is required to participate. Ticket registration details will be available on the Nintendo website soon.

• What has the initial reaction been to the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal?

  • The reveal has been very popular, with the trailer breaking records and surpassing the PS5 reveal in views within the first two days. The video has amassed over 18 million views in four days.

• Should I buy a Nintendo Switch now or wait for the Switch 2?

  • This depends on individual needs. The original Switch is available in bundles and at discounted prices. If you are on a tight budget, purchasing the original console may be better for you. However, if you already have a Switch, the Switch 2 will play most of your games and also offer new and exclusive titles, such as a new Mario Kart.