Latest Details on Nintendo Switch 2: Comprehensive Insights Revealed
Nintendo has officially unveiled its highly anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch, dubbed the Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement came during a Nintendo Direct on March 27, although the company remained tight-lipped about the Switch 2 itself. However, hints and details about the new console have been trickling out since then.
Design and Specifications
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a sleek new design, featuring an additional USB-C port, extra speakers, and air vents. The console is expected to be larger than the original Switch, with a more substantial 8-inch LCD screen. The new JoyCons have a more rounded design, slotting into the console with a dedicated port and magnetic sides, and come with redesigned joysticks.
The dock for the Nintendo Switch 2 is rumoured to include two USB-A connections, one HDMI port, an ethernet port, and a single USB-C connector for power. The console is also rumoured to support NFC (near-field communication) and WiFi 6.
Performance and Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumoured to use a custom variant of the Nvidia T239 chip, which could make it more powerful than the original Nintendo Switch. The console is expected to offer a 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate in handheld mode, and up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz when docked. Internally, it has 256 GB of storage, expandable via microSD Express cards, and features 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
While the Switch 2 is expected to be compatible with most original Switch games, some games may not be compatible with the new console.
Game Library
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched with a impressive lineup of 23 titles, including major first-party games like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the eagerly awaited Metroid Prime 4. Other notable upcoming games include a new Hyrule Warriors, Pokemon Legends Z-A, a FromSoftware exclusive planned for 2026, and ports like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.
The console supports backward compatibility with most original Switch games, enhanced Switch 2 Edition ports optimized for the new hardware, and a new form of "Game-Key Cards" that require internet download before play. The total number of listed Switch 2 games is currently 121.
Price and Release Date
The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumoured to cost around $400. While Nintendo has not confirmed a release date, hints suggest the console could be released in May or June.
Future Updates and Collaborations
Nintendo has hinted that it may update older titles to take advantage of the Switch 2 hardware, much like Sony did with its "Enhanced" games for the PlayStation 5 Pro. The Switch 2 reveal trailer also showcased a level in Mario Kart that's not currently available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, suggesting a new Mario Kart game could be a Switch 2 launch title.
Nintendo has also partnered with Lego for a line of Mario Kart sets, which gives more credence for a new Nintendo racer coming soon.
Availability and Online Features
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has stated that customers should be able to find a Switch 2 at retail without going through scalpers. The console will also come with expanded features for Nintendo Switch Online, including GameCube emulation exclusive to this system, and new social features like GameChat for remote voice and webcam sharing during play.
Nintendo will host several hands-on events in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, giving gamers a chance to get their hands on the new console before it hits stores.
[1] Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
[2] Nintendo Switch 2 Game Library
[3] Nintendo Switch 2 Design
[4] Nintendo Switch 2 Features
[5] Nintendo Switch 2 Press Release
- Future updates for the Nintendo Switch 2 may include enhanced versions of older titles, similar to Sony's "Enhanced" games for the PlayStation 5 Pro.
- Gizmodo reviews have hinted that the Nintendo Switch 2's improved specifications like the 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of storage make it more powerful than the original Nintendo Switch.
- In the future, the technology behind the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to support NFC (near-field communication) and WiFi 6, offering improved connectivity for gadgets and devices.
