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Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Specs, and Everything Else We Know

by Ravi Teja KNTS
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It’s been eight years since Nintendo launched the original and iconic Switch. Now after years of rumors and endless speculations, Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2 on January 16, 2025, by dropping a trailer video that gave us our first glimpse.

While the official trailer revealed only a few details about the latest Switch, we already have many leaks and rumors around it. Here’s everything we know so far about the Nintendo Switch 2.

Let’s Start with the Display

The trailer shows Switch 2’s display is bigger than even the Switch OLED model. While officially not confirmed, rumors suggest that the Switch 2 will have an 8-inch LCD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. That’s a decent upgrade from the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen and the Switch OLED’s 7-inch screen.

The display might be an LCD panel instead of OLED to keep costs down. However, you can expect improved visuals, thanks to rumored AI-powered upscaling technology.

Coming to resolution, it’s rumored to have a 1080p resolution in handheld mode and be capable of outputting 4K resolution when docked to the TV – a good thing. This would be a significant upgrade from the current Switch models, which have a 720p resolution in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode.

Coming to the Switch 2 Design

The big change is the Joy-Cons. Remember all those complaints about Joy-Con drift? That’s being addressed with a completely redesigned stick system. In case you’re unfamiliar, Joy-Con drift is a common issue in Nintendo Switch controllers where the joystick registers movement even when you’re not touching it. This can cause your avatar to move unintentionally or the camera to pan, making gameplay frustrating. The new stick mechanism aims to resolve this issue. As fans, we hope it lives up to the promise.

The new Joy-Cons also feature a magnetic attachment system instead of the traditional rail system, making them more convenient to attach and remove. They now sport a primarily black color scheme with hints of the iconic blue and orange, a shift from the vibrant hues of the original controllers. The Joy-Cons are slightly larger too, so they should be more comfortable to hold. The Switch 2 also has a built-in tabletop mount, so there’s no need for third-party stands anymore.

Some are also expecting a second USB-C port on the top of the handheld, especially helpful for charging in tabletop mode. There’s speculation about supported accessories like a second display or VR glasses, but take this with a pinch of salt as there’s no strong leak around this yet. If you’re worried about your Switch 1 accessories, reports suggest that the Pro Controller and Joy-Cons from the original Switch will work with the new system.

There’s even a mysterious new button on the right Joy-Con, sparking speculation about additional functionality—possibly mouse-like controls, as hinted at in the trailer video. The dock is also getting a makeover with a more rounded design.

Power and Performance: What to Expect

Unlike the design and display details, we don’t have any official details about Nintendo Switch 2 specs as of now. However, based on leaks and speculations, here’s what you can expect from the Switch 2:

Rumored SpecificationsDetails
CPUArm Cortex-A78C
GPUNvidia T239 (Ampere architecture)
RAM12GB LPDDR5
Storage256GB UFS 3.1
Handheld Resolution1080p
Docked Resolution4K with AI upscaling
Refresh Rate120Hz (rumored)
Ray TracingSupported
DLSSAI-based upscaling

The Switch 2 will reportedly feature an Nvidia T239 GPU, offering ray tracing and DLSS support with AI-based upscaling. The rumored 4K resolution when docked will keep the Switch in line with other traditional consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. In fact, behind-closed-doors Gamescom demos reportedly showcased the console running Unreal Engine 5 tech.

The jump from 4GB to 12GB of RAM and expanded storage up to 256GB should also make a noticeable difference for both game performance and download capacity.

What About Supported Games

Nintendo has not revealed the full list of supported games yet. However, in their trailer, we see Mario Kart 9 being played, and we can consider it the first announced game for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Good news—the Switch 2 is backward compatible. It supports both physical and digital games from the original Switch library. This has been officially confirmed by Nintendo. However, there’s a small catch: some original Switch games might not work perfectly. The trailer includes a fine print note stating, “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.”

Apart from that, here’s what people are expecting so far:

  • A New 3D Super Mario Game: It’s been over seven years since Super Mario Odyssey, so a sequel feels overdue.
  • Metroid Prime 4: Expected as a cross-generation release, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
  • Third-Party Titles: Rumored games include Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and Red Dead Redemption 2. Microsoft titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Flight Simulator 2024 might also make their way to the Switch 2.

With improved hardware, the Switch 2 should open the door to more AAA games that struggled on the original console.

Release Date Speculations

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will launch sometime in 2025. Based on previous timelines—like the original Switch, which was announced in October 2016 and released in March 2017—it’s safe to expect a mid-2025 release.

Many analysts and leaks point to a launch around May or June, potentially coinciding with the opening of Nintendo’s new Super Nintendo World theme park in Florida. While the exact date remains under wraps, the April 2 Nintendo Direct event is expected to reveal more details. For now, all signs point to a summer release.

How Much Will It Cost: Price Details

The price is still a mystery, but here’s what we can reasonably expect. The original Switch debuted at $299 in 2017, and the OLED version launched at $349. Given the upgraded hardware and inflation, the Switch 2 will likely be priced between $399 and $449.

Some rumors even suggest two variants: a standard version with support for physical cartridges and a digital-only model, similar to Sony’s approach with the PS5. While the Switch 2 might cost more than its predecessor, it’s unlikely to break the bank.

Hands-On Experience in April

Want to try the Switch 2 before its official release? Nintendo is giving fans a chance to experience it firsthand. Starting January 17 at 12 p.m. PT, you can register with your Nintendo Account to snag a free ticket to one of their hands-on events happening around the world. Here are the dates and locations:

  • New York: April 4 to 6
  • Los Angeles: April 11 to 13
  • Dallas: April 25 to 27
  • Toronto: April 25 to 27
  • Paris: April 4 to 6
  • London: April 11 to 13
  • Milan: April 25 to 27
  • Berlin: April 25 to 27
  • Madrid: May 9 to 11
  • Amsterdam: May 9 to 11
  • Melbourne: May 10 to 11
  • Tokyo (Makuhari): April 26 to 27
  • Seoul: May 31 to June 1
  • Hong Kong and Taipei: TBA

This is your chance to get a sneak peek at the Switch 2 and see how it feels in action before the official launch. Don’t miss it!

While it feels like we already have so much info months before the launch, knowing Nintendo, there are likely more surprises in store. Stay tuned!

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