New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2: A Sneak Peek
The surprise January 16th, 2025 YouTube reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer, accurately predicted by NateTheHate, sent shockwaves through the gaming community. While release date rumors had circulated for months, the official trailer finally confirmed the console's imminent arrival. If you missed it, check it out below:
[Table of Contents] Size Design What's Inside? Release Date Price What Games Await?
Size and Dimensions
The trailer clearly showcases a larger console than its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the analog sticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions weren't explicitly stated, insider reports suggest a height of 116 mm, width of 270 mm, and thickness of 14 mm. This translates to a 3.1 cm increase in width and 1.4 cm in height compared to the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored, a significant upgrade from the OLED Switch's 7-inch display.
Image: x.com
Redesigned Joy-Cons and Console Design
The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic connection secured by recessed contacts within the console's frame, eliminating concerns about fragility. The larger, metallic SL and SR buttons facilitate this magnetic attachment, preventing accidental disconnections. This design, however, necessitates screen bezels.
Image: youtube.com
The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned, with a flatter grip and side-insertion of the controllers. The buttons are larger, and the analog sticks are rumored to utilize Hall effect sensors, mitigating joystick drift. However, the IR camera appears absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.
A USB Type-C port and microphone are visible on the console's top bezel, hinting at potential wired controller support and voice chat capabilities.
Image: youtube.com
Internal Specifications
Full specifications will be revealed during the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but leaks suggest a powerful console comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Docked mode may support Quad HD resolution, if not 4K. Current rumors point to:
- Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB
- Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
- Screen: 8-inch LCD (no OLED at launch)
Release Date and Hands-On Experience
NateTheHate predicts a May release at the earliest, with June being a more likely timeframe. This aligns with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour, starting April 4th, allowing potential buyers to try the console firsthand. Registration is open until January 26th on the official Nintendo website.
Image: nintendo.com
Here's a partial list of tour dates and locations:
- 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 Point
Pricing remains unconfirmed, with speculation ranging from €349 to €399. It's best to await the official Nintendo Direct announcement.
Image: stuff.tv
Launch Titles and Game Speculation
Mario Kart 9, featuring 24-player online support and redesigned item boxes, was showcased as a launch title. The April Nintendo Direct will likely reveal more. However, fan speculation includes titles such as 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.
Image: youtube.com
Stay tuned for the April Nintendo Direct for the latest updates and official announcements regarding the Nintendo Switch 2!