Nintendo Switch 2: The New Pocket Flagship Unveiled

The official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled on January 16, 2025, surprising fans with its sudden release on Nintendo's YouTube channels. The announcement, which had been speculated upon for a long time, was accurately predicted by NateTheHate, who had previously announced the reveal date. If you haven't seen it yet, you can watch the trailer below:

Table of Contents

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

Size

The new console promises to be larger in every dimension compared to the original Switch. From the trailer, it's evident that the screen, Joy-Cons, and even the analog sticks have been upscaled. According to insiders, the Switch 2 will measure 116 mm in height, 270 mm in width, and 14 mm in thickness, making it 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the standard Nintendo Switch. Moreover, the console is expected to feature an 8-inch screen, a step up from the 7-inch OLED display of the original Switch's OLED model.

Image: x.com

Design

The design of the Switch 2 introduces magnetic Joy-Cons, which attach securely to the console via two recessed contacts. The SL and SR buttons, now larger and metallic, also contribute to the magnetic connection, ensuring the Joy-Cons won't accidentally detach. However, this design choice necessitates bezels on the sides of the screen.

The Joy-Cons now slide out to the sides instead of the top, and the holder for turning them into a full joystick has a flatter top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have also been enlarged, and the sticks are rumored to use Hall effect sensors to prevent drift. Notably, the IR camera has been removed, which might affect backward compatibility with games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

The top bezel of the console features a microphone and a USB Type-C port, hinting at potential uses like direct wired joystick support and in-game voice chat.

Image: youtube.com

What's Inside?

While full specifications will be revealed at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, rumors suggest the Switch 2 will have performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It's speculated to feature a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, with support for microSDHC, microSDXC, and microSD Express cards. The console is expected to launch with an LCD screen rather than OLED, but it's poised to run many AAA titles from previous years, including a potential port of Genshin Impact.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests that the Switch 2 won't hit the market before May, with an official announcement expected at the Nintendo Direct in April. A June release seems likely, especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting on April 4, allowing early hands-on experiences in various cities worldwide.

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 no official pricing has been confirmed, speculation points to a starting price of €399, with some suggesting it might be slightly lower at €349. It's best to wait for the Nintendo Direct for a definitive price announcement.

Image: stuff.tv

What Are We Going to Play?

The announcement video showcased Mario Kart 9 as the first exclusive title for the Switch 2, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and more noticeable item boxes. Other game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans are already speculating about potential titles like 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, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Image: youtube.com

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