This article covers news, announcements, and everything we know so far about Nintendo Switch 2. Read on to learn about Switch 2, including rumored features and specs, announcements from Nintendo, and more.
List of Contents
● Latest News
● Overview
● Rumored Specs and Features
● Games at Launch
● Peripherals, Design and Other Information
● News and Announcements
● Related Articles
Latest Switch 2 News
⚫︎ Switch 2 Officially Announced
⚫︎ Switch 2 Rumors Suggest a Summer of Switch 2
Next Year
⚫︎ Switch 2 Will Beat Scalping By Making More Than Scalpers Can Buy
⚫︎ Nintendo Switch 2 Confirmed to be Announced This Fiscal Year, Just Not Yet
⚫︎ Switch Sales Remain Strong Despite Switch 2 On The Horizon
Switch 2 Overview
| Release Date: | 2025; Officially Announced |
|---|---|
| Price: | TBA; Estimated at $349.99+ |
Switch 2 Release Date: 2025, Officially Announced
The existence of the Switch 2 has been recently confirmed by Nintendo, and as such, a release date for the Switch successor has yet to be confirmed or announced. Previously, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said they intend to make an announcement regarding the Switch 2 within the current fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. And finally, on January 16, 2025, Nintendo has officially confirmed the Switch 2 in the form of a teaser trailer. While there are no specific release dates yet, fans will be able to try out the device in April at various dates and locations worldwide. Additionally, more information about games that will be available on the Switch 2 upon release will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025.
Switch 2 Price: Could Cost $349.99 Upwards
The Switch 2 is anticipated to come with a higher price tag compared to the existing Switch models, taking into account the general price increases in products and the likelihood of significantly enhanced hardware. The original Switch launched for $299.99, while the Nintendo Switch OLED released for $349.99.
Given that the Switch 2 is expected to feature substantial improvements, we estimate that the Switch 2's retail price ranges from $349.99 to $399.99.
Switch 2 Specs: As Powerful as PS4 / Xbox One
The Switch 2 will likely stick with a system-on-a-chip from Nvidia, possibly a next-generation version of the Tegra X1 chip found in the current Switch, as suggested by tech news outlets. Meanwhile, others suggest that the new Switch could use Nvidia's T239 system-on-a-chip, which is understood to make the Switch 2 as powerful as the PS4 and Xbox One.
Moreover, the Switch 2 is expected to come with an 8-inch screen. That's according to Hiroshi Hayase, an analyst from London-based independent consultancy firm, Omdia. Moreover, in 2022, Osaka-based company Sharp Corp. claimed that it was supplying LCD panels and working closely with Nintendo on the upcoming console that was then at its research and development stage. More recent reports, on the other hand, suggest that the Switch 2 will come with an OLED display at launch.
Switch 2 Rumored Specs and Features
| Processor | 8-core Cortex-A78AE |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | 512GB |
| Battery Life | 9+ Hours |
| Display | 7-8 inch OLED screen, 120hz refresh rate |
| Features | Larger, magnetically-attached Joy-Con controllers; Support for 4K; Backwards compatibility |
Recent reports suggest that the Switch 2 will feature an 8-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal embedded Multi-Media Card (eMMC) storage, which would be a significant improvement in power compared to the current Switch models. The Switch 2's onboard storage is speculated to be around 512GB, a significant upgrade over the 32GB and 64GB available in the original Switch and Switch OLED models, respectively.
Additionally, the Switch 2 could offer significantly improved battery life, exceeding the current model's peak of 9 hours. The console will also likely feature 120 Hz refresh rate with a 7 or 8-inch OLED display. Various tech outlets report that Nintendo will likely stick with a system-on-a-chip from Nvidia, possibly a next-generation version of the Tegra X1 chip found in the current Switch. Meanwhile, others suggest that the Switch 2 could use Nvidia's T239 system-on-a-chip, which is understood to make the handheld console as powerful as the PS4 and Xbox One.
The Switch 2 is expected to be a hybrid system, capable of connecting to a television or being used as a portable device. There are also rumors of a co-processor chip that could be housed inside the Switch 2 to boost the console's power and video output when docked and connected to a 4K TV.
Switch 2 Games at Launch
Switch 2 Announcement Teases Mario Kart 9
Alongside the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo offered an exciting glimpse of Mario Kart 9. Although details remain sparse, the teaser provided fans with a brief look at the first track, characters, and vehicles. The new track, titled Mario Bros. Circuit appears to follow the series' tradition of simple introductory courses.
Mario Kart 9 is also looking like it will increase the racer count to 24, a notable jump from the 12-player limit in its predecessor. While the teaser leaves much to the imagination, it sets the stage for what could be the most ambitious Mario Kart yet.
Moreover, as Nintendo’s poster boy, we might see more Mario games launch either in the form of a new open-world game, or new installments in Mario Party. We also speculate that a new Super Mario Bros. game could come out as Nintendo decides to further capitalize on the booming franchise. More details about Mario Kart 9, its features and other upcoming games will likely surface during Nintendo’s April 2, 2025, Direct presentation.
Switch 2 Launch Titles We Could See
As anticipation builds for the Switch 2, speculation about its launch titles have continued to mount. The games that were available on the first Switch's launch day in 2017 included the likes of a "Just Dance" entry by Ubisoft, "Super Bomberman R" by Konami, and "Skylanders: Imaginators" by Activision.
Meanwhile, Japan saw titles exclusively released in their region, such as "Disgaea 5 Complete" by NIS, "I Am Setsuna" by Square Enix, and "Puyo Puyo Tetris S" by Sega. On top of Nintendo's own titles, we may expect an eclectic catalog of games from different developers, spanning various genres from puzzle games, strategy RPGs, to action games to debut alongside Switch 2.
Additionally, similar to how Zelda BotW ended up being games for both the Wii U and the Switch, some of the games released towards the launch for the Switch 2 will probably be made for it as well. And while these games might not debut along with the new console, they might come out within the launch window, which could equate to three months following Switch 2's launch day. Highly rumoured games launching on the Switch 2 are remakes of classic Zelda games, though this cannot be confirmed yet.
NSO on Switch 2?
It is currently unclear how Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) will work on the Switch 2, and whether or not you will be able to use your NSO's game save data and features on the Switch 2. NSO is a subscription service that offers online multiplayer, access to various catalogs of games including classic games on the Game Boy, N64, and more, cloud save data, and other features.
Switch 2 Peripherals, Design and Other Information
Is Switch 2 Backwards Compatible?
New Announcement Confirms Backwards Compatibility
Nintendo has revealed that the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, allowing players to enjoy their existing library alongside new exclusives. However, an asterisk in the announcement clarifies that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2," with additional details to be shared on the Nintendo website later. This suggests that while the Switch 2 aims for broad compatibility, a few titles might face technical limitations preventing full functionality. Given that the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a larger, more powerful iteration of the original console, it’s unclear what circumstances might cause compatibility issues.
Will There Be a Switch 2 Pro?
Nintendo has not announced nor confirmed a Switch 2 Pro
The Switch 2 has been speculated to be available in two models: a standard version and a more powerful "Nintendo Switch 2 Pro." The rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Pro is suggested to come packed with 12GB of RAM and 12 SMs (Streaming Multiprocessors), providing a substantial boost in processing power and graphics capabilities.
While the prospect of a Switch 2 Pro is exciting, it is important to note that these reports are among the less substantiated ones currently circulating about the Switch 2 as we wait for more announcements from Nintendo.
Switch 2 Sports Magnetic Joy-Cons and Mouse Functionality
Switch 2 will feature magnetic Joy-Con controllers, replacing the traditional rail-based attachment mechanism. This design promises a quicker, more seamless connection to the console, moving away from the signature sliding system of the original Switch. In a surprising twist, the announcement trailer revealed that the Joy-Cons will incorporate mouse-like functionality, allowing them to detach and glide smoothly across surfaces for new gameplay possibilities. While the magnetic design enhances versatility, this also means that current-generation Joy-Cons may no longer be compatible with the Switch 2, as the new system will prevent the original Joy-Cons from attaching or charging directly on the Switch 2.
Nintendo releasing new Switch charging stand
Interestingly, Nintendo released a new charging stand on October 17, 2024. The stand, which uses a USB-C connection, is available in Japan, Europe, and North America. It is designed to charge one pair of Joy-Cons at a time, and is capable of charging not only the standard Joy-Cons but also accessories like the Nintendo Famicom or NES Joy-Con variants. This accessory could be a necessary addition for players looking to use their existing controllers with the Switch 2.
Prominent Nintendo journalist Laura Kate Dale suggested that the release of this new charging stand could be a strategic move on Nintendo's part to ensure players can keep their original Joy-Cons charged and ready, even if they won't be able to charge them directly on the new console.
Switch 2 Could House More Third-Party Games
Back in May 2024, Nintendo was reported to have acquired Miami-based Shiver Entertainment, the studio that helped port Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1 to the current Switch console, to help bring "more games from outside developers" to the upcoming next-gen Switch console.
"Nintendo’s next-generation machine is expected to be less powerful than the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X," Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda said, "thus the purchase now is to expand the company’s support for outside developers when making high-end games for the new platform."
In April last year, Nintendo welcomed former PlayStation executive Gio Corsi to the company. Gio Corsi is known for his work in global second-party games at PlayStation. He announced that month that he has joined Nintendo to work on its third-party AAA portfolio.
Switch 2 News and Announcements
Nintendo Drops Announcement of Switch 2
Nintendo has officially announced the highly anticipated Switch 2, unveiling a teaser trailer on January 16. While the video offered no specifics on the device's exact specifications or release date, it showcased a revamped design for the Joy-Con controllers and hinted at an exciting new installment in the Mario Kart franchise, potentially Mario Kart 9. Fans eagerly anticipating more details won’t have to wait long, as Nintendo has confirmed that additional information about the Switch 2 and its exclusive game lineup will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025.
Switch 2 2025 Release Could Be Imminent
Recent reports have suggested that the Switch 2 is expected to launch post-April 2025. This information came from GamesIndustry.biz head Chris Dring, who reported that developers were told not to expect the new console to launch within the financial year, suggesting it will come out any time after March 31, 2025.
Nintendo's recent Q1 financial report, on the other hand, indicated that they will "continue to work to maximize software sales as well as hardware sales" for the current Switch throughout the current financial year. Until then, we expect minimal information trickling down from the company regarding the Switch 2.
Nintendo Shares Strategy to Prevent Scalping for Switch 2
Earlier in July 2024, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa detailed the company's strategy to prevent scalping for the Switch 2. Nintendo said it plans to prevent resale issues, like scalpers, by producing sufficient supplies of the Switch successor to meet customer demand and outpace scalper demand. In addition to production, Nintendo is exploring other anti-scalping measures that comply with regional laws and regulations.
Switch 2 Confirmed to be Announced This Fiscal Year, Just Not Yet
Back in early May last year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa announced on social media that the company plans to make an announcement about the Switch’s successor within the fiscal year. This announcement doubled as the first official word from Nintendo that there is, indeed, a Switch successor in the works. Though it was confirmed that the Switch 2 does exist, it’s unannounced exactly when Nintendo intends to formally reveal the console within "the fiscal year," which means at any point before March 31, 2025.
Reports suggest possible Q1 2025 launch for Switch 2
Furukawa's announcement in May has lined up with the myriad of Nintendo Switch 2 reports and predictions over the past year as the current Switch model nears the tail-end of its lifecycle. According to a report from Japanese publication Nikki earlier in the year, it could be in March 2025, at the earliest, that the Switch 2 officially releases to coincide with popular game launches during the spring of 2025.
Nintendo Teases Switch 2 & Affirms Support for Current Switch Until 2025
While the launch of the Switch successor has been noted to potentially happen around March 2025 or later, Nintendo reaffirmed its commitment to the current Switch model as its main business heading into 2024 through 2025. This announcement came during Nintendo's financial report in May.
In line with this, Nintendo also announced that the upcoming Nintendo Direct June 2024 will focus on introducing new titles for the current Switch for the latter half of 2024, confirming that "there will be no mention of the Nintendo Switch successor during that presentation."
Reported Delay of Switch 2 Cause Nintendo Shares to Dip
In February of last year, Nintendo’s shares dipped by 8.8% and its stock price went down by 6% following reports revealing that the launch of Nintendo's next Switch console has been delayed to an unspecified period in 2025. In Nintendo's financial results briefing that took place earlier that month, company president Shuntaro Furukawa declined to comment on a Switch successor beyond saying that Nintendo is always researching new hardware and software.
The news came as Nintendo supposedly informed its publishing partners about the delay of its next game console's release. Some partners were cautioned not to anticipate the launch until March 2025 at the earliest.
Nintendo Denies Briefing Developers on Switch 2
Early in November of 2023, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa denied the reports claiming that the company briefed developers on its next-generation console plans. At the time, various gaming publications had cited insider sources asserting that Nintendo had showcased tech demos of its upcoming Switch 2 console to select developers during the Gamescom event in Germany.
However, during a private earnings call, Furukawa refuted these claims, saying they were “inaccurate.” The Nintendo president dismissed the reports of private showcases and briefings as mere rumors circulating mainly on the internet.
Activision Blizzard Briefed on Next-Generation Nintendo Switch in 2022
Reports on internal correspondence from the US Federal Trade Commission’s legal battle with Microsoft allegedly hinted at Activision Blizzard being briefed on Nintendo's future console plans in late 2022.
Additionally, in September 2023, an internal email that was discovered as part of the FTC lawsuit surrounding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. revealed that Activision executives had been briefed about the existence of the NG Switch
- a potential Switch successor.
During this FTC hearing, Activision Blizzard revealed that their executives were briefed about an "NG Switch" and were shown a redacted NG Switch Draft.pdf document, providing essential details about the console's expected performance. According to the document, the next Switch will have performance capabilities comparable to those of PS and Xbox consoles. However, this report has been refuted by Furukawa a year later.
Sources:
- Nikkei
- ex_link:Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-21/switch-2-nintendo-acquires-shiver-set-to-bring-more-outside-games-to-console)], [ex_link:[2]
- RedGamingTech
- ex_link:TomsGuide [1], ex_link:[2], ex_link:[3]
- UDN
- ex_link:TechRadar [1], ex_link:[2]
- Nintendolife
- VGC
- Nintendolife
- Vandal Online
- Laura Kate Dale
- PocketTactics
