Nintendo Switch 2: 9 Burning Questions About the New Console

After months of hushed anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled! Nintendo's official trailer confirms many of the previously leaked details surrounding this highly anticipated successor. While the trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse, many questions remain. When exactly will it launch? What will it cost? And will it truly be backwards compatible with every original Switch game? Let's delve into the biggest unanswered questions as we eagerly await the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

Speculation abounds regarding the Switch 2's 2025 release. The trailer offers no concrete date, only confirming a launch sometime this year. Following the original Switch's release pattern (October 2016 reveal, March 3, 2017 launch), a May or June 2025 release seems plausible, aligning with recent rumors.

Currently, we know the launch will be after April 2, 2025, following a Nintendo Direct livestream revealing further details and showcasing launch titles. Pre-release hands-on events are scheduled from April to early June, suggesting a post-event release. However, a definitive date likely won't be revealed until the April Direct.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

Pricing remains a significant unknown. Will it mirror the original Switch's $300 price point, or will we see a price increase? The Switch OLED's $350 price suggests a potential $50-$100 increase for the Switch 2, with rumors pointing towards a $400 price tag, comparable to the base-model OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts largely concur that $400 represents a strategic price point.

The final price may hinge on the console's hardware specifications. Rumors suggest performance comparable to the Xbox One X—a substantial upgrade, but not cutting-edge portable technology. The Switch 2's processing power and screen technology (OLED or otherwise) will significantly influence its pricing.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

A console's launch lineup is crucial. The original Switch's success stemmed partly from its impressive launch titles. Will the Switch 2 follow suit? The trailer teases only one confirmed title: what appears to be Mario Kart 9. Any further Zelda or Mario titles remain undisclosed until April.

A comprehensive list of rumored launch titles exists, suggesting a significant increase in third-party support compared to the original Switch, owing to the reduced performance gap between Nintendo's console and its competitors.

The trailer reveals a larger console and Joy-Cons than its predecessor. While precise dimensions remain unknown, a 15% increase in size is a reasonable estimate based on visual comparison. The impact of this size increase on comfort and usability remains to be seen.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED's superior screen significantly improved the original Switch. Will the Switch 2 utilize OLED technology again, or will cost-cutting measures necessitate a switch to LED or LCD? The trailer offers no clues; this detail awaits clarification in the next Nintendo Direct.

Nintendo confirmed backwards compatibility with most original Switch games, alleviating concerns. However, the trailer notes that not all games will be compatible. The specifics remain unclear—will incompatibility stem from reliance on original Joy-Con features (e.g., Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo LABO) or other hardware limitations?

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While backwards compatibility is welcome, the performance of original Switch games on the Switch 2 remains uncertain. Will the upgraded hardware enhance framerates and graphics? The possibility of enhanced versions of existing games is high, given the graphical demands of titles like Tears of the Kingdom. Whether these enhancements will require purchasing upgraded versions or simply loading the original game remains unanswered.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

Rumors of upgraded Joy-Cons were confirmed by the trailer, revealing an additional button and magnetic attachment. The trailer suggests mouse-like functionality, expanding gameplay possibilities. The April Direct should shed light on how these features will be utilized in new games.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

The infamous Joy-Con drift plagued the original Switch. The hope is that the Switch 2's Joy-Cons have addressed this issue. Will new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments eliminate drift? The April Direct will hopefully offer clarity.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore the 30 details uncovered in the reveal trailer and anticipate Nintendo's 2025 lineup.