New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

The official Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer dropped unexpectedly on January 16th, 2025, appearing without prior announcement on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While release date rumors had circulated for months, constantly shifting, NateTheHate accurately predicted the reveal date. Haven't seen the trailer? Check it out below!

Table of Contents

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

Size

The trailer reveals a larger console than its predecessor in all aspects: screen, Joy-Cons, and even the thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While exact dimensions weren't provided, insiders report a height of 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This translates to a 3.1cm wider and 1.4cm taller console than the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED Switch.

Design

The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic design, connecting to the console via recessed contacts. Insiders assure us this is a robust solution, with the contacts securely enclosed within the console's frame, preventing accidental breakage. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. These strong magnets prevent accidental detachment, eliminating a common issue with the original Switch. However, this design necessitates bezels on the screen's sides.

The Joy-Con holders have also been redesigned, with a flatter top and side insertion instead of the top insertion of the previous model. The buttons on the Joy-Cons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks to reduce drift. Unfortunately, the IR camera appears to be absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel, possibly enabling wired joystick support and voice chat. Further details are awaited.

What's Inside?

Complete specifications will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd, but speculation abounds. The Switch 2 is rumored to be comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Based on insider information, the anticipated specifications are:

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

While an OLED version isn't expected at launch, the specs are impressive, suggesting compatibility with many AAA titles from previous years, potentially including Genshin Impact.

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests a release date no earlier than May. The official date will be announced during the April Nintendo Direct, but a June release is predicted. This aligns with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour, starting April 4th, allowing hands-on demonstrations in various cities. Registration is open until January 26th on the official Nintendo website.

Tour Dates:

• 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

Price remains unconfirmed, with speculation ranging from €349 to €399. It's best to await the Nintendo Direct for official pricing.

What Are We Going to Play?

Mario Kart 9 was showcased as a launch exclusive, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes. Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct.

User speculation includes:

• 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 further updates following the April Nintendo Direct!