Everything You Need to Know About the Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo fans, the wait is nearly over! On January 16, 2025, Nintendo offered the first official look at its highly anticipated console, the Nintendo Switch 2. While the initial reveal left us with plenty of excitement, it also sparked countless questions. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything we know so far about this next-generation handheld console.

Key Features of the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces an updated design that retains the beloved handheld format while incorporating sleek new elements:

• All-black colourway with subtle pops of blue and red.
• Larger Joy-Con controllers that attach magnetically to the console.
• Enhanced kickstand for better stability in tabletop mode.
• New ports and an additional button on the right Joy-Con controller.
• Backward compatibility with some, but not all, Nintendo Switch games.

A full unveiling is planned for April 2, 2025, during a Nintendo Direct presentation, promising further details about its features, release date, and games lineup.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Release Date and Pricing Speculations

Although Nintendo hasn’t confirmed an official release date, rumours suggest an April 2025 launch. Industry insiders and accessory manufacturers have hinted at this timeframe, but all eyes are on the upcoming Nintendo Direct for a concrete announcement.

Price-wise, analysts predict the Nintendo Switch 2 may cost around £350/£400. This pricing would align it with competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, offering a balance of affordability and performance.

Enhanced Specs and Performance

Nintendo is keeping hardware details under wraps, but leaked information and patents hint at exciting possibilities:

• Custom Nvidia chip: Likely powering enhanced visuals and performance.
• Display: Rumoured to feature an 8-inch LCD screen, balancing cost and quality.
• Battery life: Expected improvements for extended gameplay.
• Upscaling capabilities: Potential support for DLSS 2 technology for 4K visuals when docked.
• Storage and memory: Reports suggest 64GB of internal storage and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

One standout rumour involves Hall Effect analog sticks, which could eliminate the infamous Joy-Con drift issues that plagued the original Switch controllers.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Backward Compatibility and Game Library

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will support physical game cartridges from the original Switch. However, not all games will be compatible. Details about digital compatibility and Nintendo Switch Online services remain unclear but are expected to be clarified in April’s presentation.

Exciting game possibilities include:

• A new Mario Kart title.
• The long-awaited Metroid Prime 4.
• Enhanced versions of popular Nintendo titles for the new hardware.

Third-party collaborations could also bring games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection to the Switch 2.

A Refined Design for Gamers

Nintendo’s design philosophy for the Switch 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor. The console’s new kickstand offers improved stability, while the larger Joy-Con controllers enhance comfort. The magnetic attachment system introduces a fresh innovation to the console’s modular design.

Latest Updates and Developments

The Switch 2’s development journey has been marked by various leaks and rumours. Here’s a timeline of key updates:

• January 16, 2025: The official reveal showed off the new all-black design, magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and a larger kickstand. Backward compatibility was confirmed, with some exceptions for certain games.
• January 13, 2025: Reliable sources predicted a mid-January reveal, which aligned with the actual announcement.
• January 9, 2025: Leaks provided a 360-degree look at the console’s design, featuring an 8.4-inch display and updated controller rails.
• January 7, 2025: Images of the new dock and voltage specifications emerged, suggesting a 60W charger for the handheld.
• January 1, 2025: A patent for machine learning technology to enhance graphics was discovered, hinting at advanced upscaling capabilities.

Anticipated Games and Exclusive Titles

Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the Switch 2’s game library, but several titles are highly anticipated:

• Mario Kart: A possible new entry or enhanced version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
• Metroid Prime 4: A long-awaited title that could debut alongside the Switch 2.
• Pokemon Legends Z-A: Announced during a previous Pokemon Presents showcase, this game is expected to release on both the Switch and Switch 2.

Third-party titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo may also make their way to the console, expanding its appeal to a broader audience.

Looking Ahead

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a significant evolution in handheld gaming. With its sleek design, enhanced performance, and a promising game library, it aims to build on the success of its predecessor. The April 2025 Nintendo Direct will undoubtedly provide the definitive answers fans are eagerly awaiting.

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Nintendo ecosystem, this next-gen console promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.

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