"Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiling the New Pocket Flagship"

On January 16, 2025, Nintendo unveiled the official trailer for the highly anticipated Switch 2 console. The reveal came as a surprise, with no prior announcement; instead, videos showcasing the new form factor appeared suddenly on Nintendo's YouTube channels. Despite the unexpected reveal, speculation about the release date had been rampant for months, with NateTheHate accurately predicting that the Switch 2 would be revealed on that very day.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, take a moment to watch it below:

Table of Contents

• Size
• Design
• What's Inside?
• Release Date
• Price
• What Are We Going to Play?

Size

The trailer clearly shows that the Switch 2 is larger in every aspect compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the sticks are slightly bigger. While exact specifications are not yet confirmed, insiders suggest the Switch 2 will measure 116 mm in height, 270 mm in width, and 14 mm in thickness. This makes it 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Nintendo Switch. Additionally, it is rumored to feature an 8-inch screen, surpassing the 7-inch screen of the OLED version of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The video presentation introduces a new design for the Joy-Cons, which now use magnetic connections secured by two recessed contacts within the console's body. This design ensures durability, as the contacts are protected by the console's frame, making it nearly impossible to damage them without affecting the console itself. The SL and SR buttons have been enlarged and made metallic to enhance the magnetic connections, which are strong enough to prevent accidental detachment.

The Joy-Cons now slide to the side after pressing a button, and the holder for turning them into full-fledged joysticks has been modified with flat upper grips. The Joy-Cons insert from the sides rather than the top, and the buttons on them have been slightly enlarged. Rumors also suggest that the sticks will use Hall effect sensors to reduce drift, although the IR camera has been removed, potentially affecting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

A microphone and a USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel of the console, hinting at potential direct compatibility with wired joysticks and voice chat capabilities.

Image: youtube.com

What's Inside?

While we await official details at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, speculation suggests that the Switch 2 will have performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. In docked mode, it might support Quad HD resolution if not 4K. Insiders have speculated on the following specifications:

• Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
• Screen: LCD, 8 inches

Despite the lack of an OLED screen at launch, the console's specs are promising, and it's expected to support many AAA titles from previous years, including a potential port of Genshin Impact announced back in 2020.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests that the Switch 2 won't be released before May, with the official date to be confirmed at the Nintendo Direct in April. A June release is anticipated, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting on April 4. This tour allows early hands-on experience with the console, and registration is open until January 26 on Nintendo's official website.

The tour will visit several cities:

• New York — April 4-6
• Paris — April 4-6
• Los Angeles — April 11-13
• London — April 11-13
• Berlin — April 25-27
• Dallas — April 25-27
• Milan — April 25-27
• Toronto — April 25-27
• Tokyo — April 26-27
• Amsterdam — May 9-11
• Madrid — May 9-11
• Melbourne — May 9-11
• Seoul — May 31-June 1
• Hong Kong — To be announced
• Taipei — To be announced

Image: nintendo.com

Price

While nothing is confirmed, speculation suggests the Switch 2 might start at €399, though some believe it could be priced around €349. It's best to wait for the official announcement at the Nintendo Direct.

Image: stuff.tv

What Are We Going to Play?

The announcement video showcased Mario Kart 9 as an exclusive for the Switch 2, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and redesigned, more noticeable yellow item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

More game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans are already buzzing with speculation about potential titles:

• Fallout 4
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Tekken 8
• Starfield
• Diablo IV
• Elden Ring
• MySims Action Bundle
• Halo: The Master Chief Collection
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
• Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Stay tuned for more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 as we approach the Nintendo Direct in April!