Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiling the New Pocket Flagship

The official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was released on January 16, 2025, catching fans by surprise. Without any prior announcement, the videos showcasing the new form factor of the console suddenly appeared on Nintendo's YouTube channels. The release date rumors had been swirling for a while, with constant changes, but NateTheHate correctly predicted the reveal date of January 16.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the trailer below:

Table of Content

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

Size

The trailer reveals that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the analog sticks are slightly bigger. While exact specifications are yet to be confirmed, leaks suggest the following dimensions: height — 116 mm, width — 270 mm, thickness — 14 mm. This makes the Switch 2 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Switch. Rumors also point to an 8-inch LCD screen, compared to the 7-inch OLED screen on the previous model.

Image: x.com

Design

The video highlights a new design for the Joy-Cons, now featuring magnetic attachments. These are secured by two recessed contacts within the console's body, ensuring a sturdy connection. The SL and SR buttons have become larger and metallic, enhancing the magnetic hold. However, this design necessitates bezels on the sides of the screen.

Image: youtube.com

The controllers can be detached by sliding them sideways after pressing a button, with a new holder design that allows them to be inserted from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons are slightly larger, and the analog sticks are rumored to use Hall effect sensors to prevent drift. Notably, the IR camera has been removed, potentially affecting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

The top bezel of the console includes a microphone and a USB Type-C port, hinting at potential direct compatibility with wired joysticks and voice chat capabilities.

What's inside?

While we await full details at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, speculations suggest the Switch 2 will have performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. In docked mode, it might support Quad HD resolution. Leaked specifications include:

• 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 promises to run many AAA titles from previous years, including a potential port of Genshin Impact.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May, with an official announcement expected at the Nintendo Direct in April. The launch is speculated to be in June, following the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting April 4, where fans can try the console. Registration for the tour is open on Nintendo's website until January 26.

Here is the list of cities and dates for the tour:

• 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

Image: nintendo.com

Price

The price of the Switch 2 remains unconfirmed, with fans speculating a starting price of €399 or possibly €349. It's advisable to wait for the official announcement at Nintendo Direct before setting expectations.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video revealed Mario Kart 9 as the first exclusive for the Switch 2, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and redesigned, more visible item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

Other game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct. Speculations among users include 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.

This summarizes the current information on the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates following the Nintendo Direct in April!