"Nintendo Switch 2 Supports NFC, Likely Compatible with Amiibo"

Recent filings for the Nintendo Switch 2 have unveiled support for Near Field Communication (NFC), suggesting that Amiibo figures will likely be compatible with the upcoming console. As reported by The Verge, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) documents confirm that the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) feature is integrated into the right Joy-Con, mirroring the setup of the original Switch. This raises the question of whether the Switch 2 will support existing Amiibo that unlock in-game content.

The filings also reveal that the Switch 2 can be charged via either its bottom USB-C port or a new top port, a feature that aligns with expectations set by the console's official reveal. Additionally, the Switch 2 will support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks with up to 80MHz of bandwidth, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on the original Switch. However, there is no mention of Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E in the filings, as noted by The Verge.

Furthermore, while the Switch 2 is rated for a maximum of 15V, the filings mention an AC adapter that can go up to 20V, leaving the actual charging speed uncertain.

Last month, a Nintendo patent hinted that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable upside down. The Switch 2 is expected to utilize gyro mechanics similar to those in smartphones without screen locks. Unlike the original Switch, which used rails to secure the Joy-Cons, the new controllers will use magnets, allowing them to be attached on either side. This design change, if implemented, could offer players more flexibility in button placement and headphone port positioning, potentially leading to innovative gameplay mechanics.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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If the Nintendo Switch 2 adopts the design suggested by the patent, Nintendo is likely to provide a full explanation at the special Nintendo Direct event scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2.

The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to be imminent, with speculation pointing to a launch window between June and September. This speculation is fueled by hands-on events scheduled up until June and statements from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon indicating that the console will be available before September.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was introduced in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details, including information about other games and the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button, remain undisclosed. The Joy-Con mouse theory has also gained some attention in the gaming community.