The highly anticipated official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was released on January 16, 2025, taking the gaming community by surprise. Without any prior announcement, videos showcasing the new console's form factor suddenly appeared on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While the exact release date had been a topic of much speculation and constant change, gaming insider NateTheHate accurately predicted that the Switch 2 would be revealed on this date.
If you haven't had the chance to see it yet, you can watch the trailer below:
Table of Content ---
- 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 in every dimension compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the sticks have increased in size. Although exact specifications were not disclosed, insiders suggest that 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 Nintendo Switch. Rumors also indicate an 8-inch screen diagonal, up from the 7-inch screen of the OLED version of the first Switch.
Image: x.com
Design
The trailer showcases a new design for the Joy-Cons, now featuring magnetic attachments. These Joy-Cons connect to the console in portable mode via two recessed contacts, ensuring a secure connection that insiders assure cannot be easily broken. The SL and SR buttons on the Switch 2 are now larger and metallic, utilizing strong magnets to prevent accidental detachment. However, this design does result in bezels on the sides of the screen.
The video also demonstrates that the controllers can "slide" to the side upon pressing a button, indicating a redesign of the holder that transforms them into a full joystick. The grips have become flatter, and the Joy-Cons now insert from the sides instead of the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons are slightly larger, and the sticks are rumored to use Hall effect sensors to reduce drift. However, the IR camera has been removed, which might affect backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.
Image: youtube.com
Additionally, the top bezel of the console features a microphone and a USB Type-C port, potentially enabling direct use with wired joysticks and voice chat in games.
Image: youtube.com
What's inside?
While we await the full specifications to be revealed at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, current speculation suggests that the Switch 2 will have performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. In docked mode, it might support up to Quad HD resolution. Insiders are predicting the following specs 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 the anticipation for an OLED version, the console will reportedly launch with an LCD screen. Many AAA titles from previous years are expected to be released for the Switch 2, including a potential port of Genshin Impact, announced in 2020.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date
NateTheHate suggests that the Switch 2 will not be released before May, with the official date to be announced at the April Nintendo Direct. A June release is speculated, coinciding with the start of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour on April 4. This tour will allow early hands-on experiences with the console, and registration is open on the official Nintendo website until January 26.
Here is the list of cities and dates for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience:
- 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
The starting price of the Switch 2 remains unconfirmed, with speculation ranging from €349 to €399. Fans are advised to wait for the official announcement at the Nintendo Direct.
Image: stuff.tv
What are we going to play?
The trailer revealed that Mario Kart 9 will be an exclusive launch title for the Switch 2, supporting online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and more noticeable yellow item boxes.
Image: youtube.com
More official announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but community speculation includes potential 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.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, with further details to be revealed at the Nintendo Direct in April!