Nintendo Switch 2: Latest Rumors, Specs, Release Date, and More

Nintendo Switch 2 — What We Know So Far

Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 is in the works, though an official announcement has not yet been made. However, in a recent statement, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that there will be an announcement about the successor to the Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year, which runs through March 2025. With rumors circulating and some insights into its potential features, let’s dive into everything we know so far about the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date and Price Rumors

The buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2 has been growing for some time, with many speculating that it could launch as early as 2024. However, recent reports suggest that the Switch 2 may not arrive until March 2025. A trusted Japanese media outlet, Nikkei, stated that the console’s release date has been delayed to ensure that it will have a strong lineup of games and meet the high demand at launch. Nintendo has learned from past experiences, such as the shortage of PS5 consoles, and is reportedly planning to produce enough units to avoid scalping.

The release date delay makes sense as Nintendo may be aiming for a late spring or early summer launch. This could put the Nintendo Switch 2 on the market by April or May 2025, at the earliest. Some leaks suggest that the price of the Switch 2 could exceed $500, but this is still unconfirmed.

Nintendo Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility

One of the most exciting aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it will be backwards compatible with existing Nintendo Switch software. This means that players can bring their entire library of digital and physical games from the current Switch to the new console. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch Online service will carry over to the new device, allowing players to continue enjoying their favorite online services and retro games without any interruptions.

While it’s great news that Nintendo is prioritizing backward compatibility, there are still questions about whether physical Switch game cards will be supported. Nintendo has not yet clarified whether players will be able to use their old Joy-Con controllers and accessories with the new Switch, but there’s hope that they will be compatible as well.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs and Power Improvements

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature a significant upgrade in power compared to its predecessor. It is widely speculated that the next-gen Switch will include a custom Nvidia system-on-chip (SoC), possibly based on Nvidia’s next-generation technology. The current Switch uses the Nvidia Tegra X1 chip, and it’s likely that the Switch 2 will feature a more powerful chip to enhance performance, especially for more demanding games.

Leaked information suggests the Switch 2 might include an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor and 8GB of RAM, which would be a considerable improvement over the original Switch. However, some reports indicate that the console’s power might still fall short of competing with the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. The device could also have 64GB of onboard storage, with an upgrade to 512GB for higher-end models.

Interestingly, some rumors have also hinted that the Switch 2 could include a co-processor chip in the dock. This would allow the console to deliver improved performance and 4K video output when docked and connected to a TV. However, these rumors have not been confirmed, and details about the Switch 2’s dock remain scarce.

Nintendo Switch 2 Display — OLED vs LCD

When it comes to the display, it seems likely that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature an OLED screen, similar to the Nintendo Switch OLED model. However, there are some concerns that the new device might switch back to an LCD panel to keep production costs down. Sharp, which manufactures the current OLED screens for the Switch, has mentioned that it is working on a new LCD panel for a “new gaming console,” which may or may not be the Switch 2.

In any case, we’re hoping for a display upgrade with a faster refresh rate, possibly moving from 60Hz to 120Hz. This would make the device feel more responsive and improve gameplay, especially for fast-paced games. There is also speculation that the Nintendo Switch 2 could come with an 8-inch display, a slight increase over the current 7-inch display of the original Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Design and Features

When it comes to design, we have seen a few leaked mockups and renders that hint at what the Nintendo Switch 2 might look like. The most notable difference between the current Switch and the Switch 2 could be a wider form factor. The Switch 2 might also adopt a more rounded shape, similar to the Valve Steam Deck. Additionally, the new console could feature two USB-C ports, one on the bottom and another on the top, allowing for easier charging while playing in handheld mode.

The Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch 2 could be larger, with some reports suggesting that they will be more comfortable to hold. There might also be additional buttons on the right Joy-Con, though their exact function remains unclear. It’s also expected that the Joy-Cons will attach to the console magnetically, which could improve the overall ergonomics.

Improved battery life is another feature we hope to see with the Nintendo Switch 2. The original Switch has a fairly good battery life, but there’s always room for improvement. Longer battery life would make the Switch 2 a more portable gaming device, ideal for extended gaming sessions, such as on long flights.

Nintendo Switch 2 Games

One of the biggest selling points of the Nintendo Switch 2 will undoubtedly be its games. According to leaks, a new 3D Mario game is expected to launch alongside the Switch 2. This would likely be the first major title for the console, and rumors suggest it will be powered by the Unreal Engine 4. It’s also expected that the Switch 2 will feature a new Mario Kart game, possibly called Mario Kart X, which is rumored to be the most expensive game Nintendo has ever made.

Other reports hint that the Switch 2 could bring high-profile third-party games to the platform, including the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This game, which originally launched on PlayStation, could run smoothly on the Switch 2, showcasing the console’s upgraded power. Additionally, some leakers have suggested that the Bayonetta trilogy might be brought to the Switch 2, complete with enhanced graphics and HDR support.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Improvements

The Nintendo Switch 2 might improve upon the original’s Joy-Con controllers, which have faced issues such as stick drift. The new Joy-Cons could feature a more reliable design, with better ergonomics and possibly even analog triggers for improved precision in racing and action games. Given that the Joy-Cons will likely attach magnetically, it could also make for a more secure connection between the controllers and the console.

Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatibility with Accessories

While Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with software, there are still many questions about how it will work with existing accessories. It’s expected that the Switch 2 will support the current Switch’s Joy-Cons, docking station, and other peripherals, such as the Ring Fit Adventure accessories. However, whether other Switch accessories will be compatible, such as the Pro Controller or external controllers, remains unclear.

Given the popularity of accessories like the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller, it would be disappointing if Nintendo didn’t allow backward compatibility for these items. Fans of the original Switch will certainly hope that their investments in these accessories won’t go to waste with the launch of the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 — Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be an exciting next-generation console. While official details are still scarce, the rumors and leaks suggest that the Switch 2 will bring significant improvements in power, design, and gameplay. The potential for backwards compatibility with current Switch games, better graphics, and a more powerful processor makes it an appealing upgrade for fans of the original Switch.

We can expect to see a more refined gaming experience with improved graphics, faster load times, and possibly even better online features. While we don’t have an official release date yet, it seems likely that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch in 2025, and when it does, it could potentially be one of the most sought-after gaming consoles on the market.

Keep an eye out for more updates, as the first official reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 might be coming sooner than expected!