Nintendo Unveils Future Handheld with Upcoming Switch 2 Release

The Nintendo Switch 2: A Sneak Peek at the Next-Gen Console

The surprise January 16th, 2025 YouTube reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer sent shockwaves through the gaming community. While release date rumors had circulated for months, the lack of prior announcement made the reveal all the more impactful. NateTheHate, who accurately predicted the reveal date, deserves a nod for his insightful speculation. If you missed the trailer, check it out below:

[Table of Contents]

• Size
• Design
• Internal Specs
• Release Date
• Price
• Game Lineup

Size

The trailer clearly showcases a larger console than its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions remain unconfirmed, insiders report a height of 116 mm, width of 270 mm, and thickness of 14 mm. This represents a 3.1 cm increase in width and 1.4 cm in height compared to the standard Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored, a significant upgrade from the OLED Switch's 7-inch display.

Image: x.com

Design

The Joy-Cons have undergone a significant redesign. They now feature magnetic attachments, secured by recessed contacts within the console's frame. Insiders assure us this design is robust and prevents accidental detachment. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, contributing to the magnetic connection strength. This design, however, necessitates screen bezels.

Image: youtube.com

The Joy-Con holders have also been redesigned, with a flatter grip and side insertion. The buttons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks to mitigate drift. However, the IR camera appears absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel, hinting at potential wired controller support and voice chat functionality.

Internal Specs

Complete specifications are eagerly awaited for the April 2nd Nintendo Direct. However, speculation points towards PlayStation 4 and Xbox One comparable power. Docked mode may support either 4K or at least Quad HD resolution.

Image: youtube.com

Current insider consensus suggests:

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

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May. The official date will be revealed in April's Nintendo Direct, but a June launch is anticipated. This aligns with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour, starting April 4th, allowing hands-on demos in various cities. Registration is open until January 26th on the official Nintendo website.

Image: nintendo.com

Tour locations and 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

Pricing remains unconfirmed, with fan speculation ranging from €349 to €399. It's best to await official confirmation during the Nintendo Direct.

Image: stuff.tv

Game Lineup

Mario Kart 9, featuring 24-player online support and redesigned item boxes, was showcased as a launch title. Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct. However, fan speculation includes 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 following the April Nintendo Direct!