Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiling the New Pocket Flagship

The much-anticipated official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled on January 16, 2025, without any prior announcement. Instead, Nintendo surprised fans by suddenly releasing videos showcasing the new console's design on their YouTube channels. While rumors about the release date had been swirling for a while, often changing, it was NateTheHate who accurately predicted that the Switch 2 would be revealed on January 16.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can watch it below:

Table of Contents

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

Size

From the video, it's evident that the Switch 2 is larger in every aspect compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the control sticks are slightly bigger. Although exact specifications are yet to be disclosed, insiders suggest that the Switch 2 will have dimensions of 116 mm in height, 270 mm in width, and 14 mm in thickness. This makes it 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Switch. Additionally, it's rumored to feature an 8-inch screen, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED model of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The video presentation highlights a new design feature for the Joy-Cons: they are now magnetic and connect to the console in portable mode via two recessed contacts. Insiders reassure that these contacts are sturdy and well-protected within the console's frame, making them resistant to damage. The SL and SR buttons, now larger and metallic, facilitate the magnetic connection, ensuring the controllers stay firmly in place. However, this design does result in side bezels around the screen.

Image: youtube.com

The controllers now "slide" to the side after pressing a button, with a modified holder that turns them into a full-fledged joystick. The grips have become flatter, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have been slightly enlarged, and the sticks now use Hall effect sensors to reduce drift issues. However, the IR camera has been removed, which could affect backward compatibility with games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

The console also features a microphone and a USB Type-C port on the top bezel, potentially allowing for direct use with wired joysticks and voice chat in games.

What's inside?

While full specifications will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, there's speculation that the Switch 2 will be comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. In docked mode, it might support full Quad HD resolution, if not 4K.

Image: youtube.com

Insiders agree on the following rumored specifications:

• 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, these specs are promising, and many AAA titles from previous years might be ported to the Switch 2, including the long-awaited Genshin Impact.

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts the console won't launch before May, with the official date to be announced at the Nintendo Direct in April. We anticipate a June release, 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 official website until January 26.

Image: nintendo.com

Here are the tour dates and cities:

• 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

While nothing is confirmed, fans speculate that the Switch 2 could start at €399, with some suggesting a lower price of €349. It's advisable to wait for the official announcement at the Nintendo Direct.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video showcased the first exclusive game for the Switch 2: Mario Kart 9, which will support online play for up to 24 players, introduce new track types, and feature more noticeable yellow item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

More game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans are already speculating about potential titles, including:

• 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 more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 following the Nintendo Direct in April!