"Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiling the New Pocket Flagship"

The official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled on January 16, 2025, catching fans by surprise. Instead of a pre-announced reveal, the new console's form factor was showcased through sudden video releases on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While rumors about the release date had been circulating for some time, NateTheHate accurately predicted the announcement would happen on January 16.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can watch it below:

Table of Content

• Size
• Design
• What's inside?
• Release Date
• Price
• What are we going to play?

Size

From the trailer, it's evident that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the control sticks have been slightly enlarged. Although exact specifications are yet to be disclosed, insiders suggest the Switch 2 will have dimensions of 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 standard Nintendo Switch. Additionally, rumors indicate an 8-inch screen diagonal, compared to the 7-inch screen on the OLED version of the original Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The video presentation introduces a new design for the Joy-Cons, which now feature magnetic attachments. These are secured to the console in portable mode via two recessed contacts within the body. Insiders assure that these contacts are robust and cannot be easily broken as they are fully enclosed by the console's frame. The SL and SR buttons, now larger and metallic, facilitate these magnetic connections, ensuring the Joy-Cons remain securely attached.

The new design includes bezels on the sides of the screen, which are necessary due to the magnetic attachment system. The video also shows that the Joy-Con holders have been modified; they now slide to the side after a button press, and the controllers insert from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have been slightly enlarged, and the sticks now use Hall effect sensors to minimize drift. However, the IR camera has been removed, potentially affecting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

On the top bezel of the console, a microphone and a USB Type-C port are visible. While their specific functions are unknown, they may support direct connections with wired joysticks and enable in-game voice chat.

Image: youtube.com

What's inside?

While we await the full specifications to be revealed at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, we can speculate based on current rumors. It's suggested 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.

Image: youtube.com

Most insiders agree on the following potential specifications for the Switch 2:

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

Although an OLED version isn't expected at launch, the console's specifications are promising. We might see ports of many AAA titles from previous years, including the long-awaited Genshin Impact.

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests the console will not be released before May, with an official announcement expected at the Nintendo Direct in April. We anticipate a release in June, following the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting on April 4, where attendees can get hands-on with the console. Registration for the tour is open until January 26 on the official Nintendo website.

Image: nintendo.com

Here are the cities and dates for the tour:

• 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

Price

While no official pricing has been confirmed, fans speculate a starting price around €399, with some hoping for a slightly lower price of €349. It's best to wait for the Nintendo Direct for accurate information.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video revealed the first exclusive game for the Switch 2: Mario Kart 9. It will support online play for up to 24 players, introduce new types of tracks, and feature more noticeable yellow item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

Further game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans have been speculating about potential titles for the Switch 2:

• 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, with further details to be shared after the Nintendo Direct in April!