Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: The New Pocket Flagship

The much-anticipated official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was released on January 16, 2025, taking the gaming community by surprise. Without any prior announcement, the new console's form factor was suddenly unveiled through videos on Nintendo's YouTube channels. Speculation about the release date had been rampant for months, with constant changes, but it was NateTheHate who accurately predicted that the Switch 2 would be revealed on this specific date.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, take a moment to watch it below:

Table of Contents:

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

Size

From the trailer, it's evident that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor in all dimensions. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the control sticks have been upsized. While exact specifications remain under wraps, insiders suggest the Switch 2 will measure 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. Rumors also point to an 8-inch screen, compared to the 7-inch screen on the OLED model of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The trailer showcased a new design for the Joy-Cons, featuring a magnetic attachment system. These new Joy-Cons connect to the console via recessed contacts, ensuring a secure and robust connection in portable mode. Insiders reassure that these contacts are well-protected within the console's frame, making accidental detachment unlikely. The SL and SR buttons are now larger and metallic, with strong magnets preventing accidental disconnection. This design, however, results in bezels on the sides of the screen.

The controllers now "slide" to the side after a button press, and the holder that transforms them into full joysticks has a flatter upper grip. The Joy-Cons insert from the sides rather than the top, and the buttons on the Joy-Cons are slightly larger. The sticks are rumored to use Hall effect sensors to prevent drift, a common issue with the original Switch. However, the IR camera has been removed, potentially affecting backward compatibility with games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Additionally, a microphone and a USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel of the console, possibly allowing for direct use with wired joysticks and voice chat in games.

Image: youtube.com

Image: youtube.com

What's inside?

While we await the full reveal at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, speculation about the Switch 2's internals suggests it could be comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in terms of power. There's hope that in docked mode, it might support Quad HD resolution, if not 4K.

Insiders agree on these potential specifications for the Switch 2:

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

Despite no OLED screen at launch, the console's specs are promising. Many AAA titles from previous years might see releases on the Switch 2, including the highly anticipated Genshin Impact.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests the Switch 2 won't hit the market before May, with an official date to be announced at the April Nintendo Direct. A June release seems likely, especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting on April 4, offering hands-on sessions in various cities.

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

While no official pricing has been confirmed, speculation suggests a starting price around €399, with some hoping for a slightly lower €349. It's best to wait for the Nintendo Direct for the official word.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The trailer introduced Mario Kart 9 as the first exclusive for the Switch 2, boasting online play for up to 24 players, new tracks, and redesigned, more visible item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

More announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but the gaming community is already buzzing with speculation about potential titles:

• 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 as we approach the Nintendo Direct in April!