Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiling the New Pocket Flagship

The official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was released on January 16, 2025, taking the gaming community by surprise. Without any prior announcement, videos showcasing the new form factor of the console suddenly appeared on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While the release date had been a topic of speculation for a long time, it was NateTheHate who accurately predicted that the Switch 2 would be unveiled on January 16. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can watch it below:

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Size Design What's inside? Release Date Price What are we going to play? 0 0 Comment on this Size

From the video, it's evident that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the sticks have been slightly enlarged. Although exact specifications haven't been 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 original Nintendo Switch. Additionally, rumors indicate an 8-inch screen diagonal, compared to 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 are now magnetic and connect 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 the magnetic connections, ensuring the controllers won't detach accidentally. However, this design necessitates bezels on the sides of the screen.

The video also shows the controllers sliding to the side after pressing a button, indicating a change in the holder that transforms them into a full-fledged joystick. The upper part of the grips is now flat, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have been slightly enlarged, and the sticks are rumored to use Hall effect sensors to prevent drift. However, the IR camera has been removed, which might affect backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

Additionally, the top bezel of the console features a microphone and a USB Type-C port. While their specific uses are not yet known, they could enable direct connectivity with wired joysticks and voice chat in games. We look forward to more details on this.

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, with potential support for Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Insiders agree on the following speculated 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

Despite the absence of an OLED screen at launch, the console's specs are promising. Many AAA projects from previous years are expected to be released for it, including the long-awaited port of Genshin Impact announced in 2020.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests that the console won't be released before May, with the official date to be announced at the Nintendo Direct in April. We predict a June release, especially since the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starts on April 4, allowing early hands-on experiences. Registration for the tour is open on the official Nintendo website until January 26.

Image: nintendo.com

Here is the list of cities and dates where the console will be showcased:

New York — 04/04-06/04
Paris — 04/04-06/04
Los Angeles — 11/04-13/04
London — 11/04-13/04
Berlin — 25/04-27/04
Dallas — 25/04-27/04
Milan — 25/04-27/04
Toronto — 25/04-27/04
Tokyo — 26/04-27/04
Amsterdam — 09/05-11/05
Madrid — 09/05-11/05
Melbourne — 09/05-11/05
Seoul — 31/05-01/06
Hong Kong — To be announced
Taipei — To be announced

Price

While nothing is confirmed yet, fans speculate that the Switch 2 might start at €399, with some believing it could be slightly lower at €349. It's best to wait for the official announcement at the Nintendo Direct before setting expectations.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video showcased the first exclusive game for the console, Mario Kart 9, which will support online play for up to 24 players, introduce new track types, and feature more noticeable yellow item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

More official announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but the gaming community is already buzzing with speculation about potential titles for the Switch 2. Here are some of the most exciting suggestions:

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

This is all the information currently available about the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates following the Nintendo Direct in April!