New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

The official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled on January 16, 2025, taking the gaming world by surprise. Without any prior announcement, the new console's form factor was suddenly showcased on Nintendo's YouTube channels. Although the release date had been a subject of speculation for quite some time, NateTheHate accurately predicted that the Switch 2 would be revealed on this very date.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, make sure to check it out 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 Nintendo Switch 2 is larger in every dimension compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the sticks are slightly bigger. While exact specifications are still under wraps, insiders suggest the following dimensions: height — 116 mm, width — 270 mm, thickness — 14 mm. This makes the Switch 2 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Nintendo Switch. Additionally, rumors indicate an 8-inch screen, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED version of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The video presentation highlights a new design for the Joy-Cons, which now feature a magnetic connection secured by two recessed contacts in the console's body. Insiders reassure that these contacts are durable and enclosed by the console's frame, making it nearly impossible to damage them by forcibly removing the Joy-Cons. The SL and SR buttons, now larger and metallic, also serve as magnetic connectors. According to NextHandheld, these magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental detachment, eliminating any play in the connection. However, this design necessitates bezels on the sides of the screen.

Image: youtube.com

The video also reveals that the Joy-Cons now "slide" to the side after pressing a button, indicating a change in the holder design. The grips on the top part of the holder are now flat, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have been slightly enlarged, and rumors suggest the use of Hall effect sensors in the sticks to combat drift. Notably, the IR camera has been removed, which may affect backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

The top bezel of the console includes a microphone and a USB Type-C port, possibly enabling direct use with wired joysticks and in-game voice chat. Further details are awaited.

What's inside?

While we await the full specifications to be revealed at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, there's much speculation about the console's internals. Rumors suggest that the Switch 2 will match the power of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and in docked mode, it might support full Quad HD resolution if not 4K.

Image: youtube.com

Insiders agree on the following tentative 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

While an OLED version isn't expected at launch, these specs hint at a capable console, with potential for many AAA titles from previous years and even games like Genshin Impact.

Release Date

According to NateTheHate, the Switch 2 won't hit the shelves before May, with the official date to be announced at the Nintendo Direct in April. We predict a June release, especially considering the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting on April 4, where fans can get hands-on with the console. Registration for this event 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

The price of the Switch 2 remains unconfirmed. Speculation suggests a starting price of around €399, with some hoping for a slightly lower €349. It's best to keep expectations flexible until the official announcement at the Nintendo Direct.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video showcased the first exclusive title for the Switch 2, Mario Kart 9, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and more visible yellow item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

While we await further official announcements at the Nintendo Direct, the gaming community is buzzing with speculation about potential titles for the Switch 2:

• 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

This is all the current information on the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates after the Nintendo Direct in April!