After months of being the worst-kept secret in the gaming industry, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been officially revealed. Nintendo has unveiled the successor to the original Nintendo Switch through a tantalizing trailer, confirming many of the leaks that have been circulating.
Unfortunately, the trailer was brief, leaving many questions unanswered about the Nintendo Switch 2. Key details such as the exact release date, pricing, and full game compatibility remain a mystery. We'll delve into the most pressing questions as we await more information at the next Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
Speculation abounds about the release timeline for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. The trailer offers no new insights, only confirming a 2025 launch. Given the original Switch's release pattern, we might see the Switch 2 hitting shelves around May or June 2025. Nintendo has scheduled a Direct livestream for April 2, where we'll learn more about the console and see footage of its launch games. They're also planning hands-on fan preview events from April to early June, which suggests a release could follow shortly after these events conclude. However, we'll likely need to wait until the April Direct for a confirmed date.
What Is the Price of the Switch 2?
The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a big mystery. The original Switch launched at $300, with the Switch OLED model priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware expected in the Switch 2, a price increase seems likely. Rumors point towards a $400 launch price, which aligns with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts suggest $400 could be the sweet spot, but this might hinge on the specifics of the console's hardware and screen technology.
What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?
The success of a new console often hinges on its launch lineup. The original Switch debuted with strong titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8. The Switch 2 trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but other launch titles remain under wraps. Rumors suggest a robust list of launch games, including strong third-party support, thanks to the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities.
What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?
The Switch 2 trailer reveals that the new console is not only more powerful but also physically larger than its predecessor. Both the console and Joy-Cons are taller, and the screen is bigger, taking up more of the front panel. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 could be around 15% larger than the original, though we'll need more details in April to confirm this.
What Type of Screen Does It Have?
The original Switch saw a significant upgrade with the Switch OLED model. Will the Switch 2 continue this trend? The trailer doesn't give us a clear answer, leaving us to wonder if it will feature an OLED, LED, or LCD screen. We'll have to wait for the April Direct to find out.
Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, whether physical or digital. However, a disclaimer in the trailer suggests not all games will be compatible. This raises questions about which games might be excluded, possibly due to hardware dependencies like specific Joy-Con features.
Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?
While most original Switch games will work on the Switch 2, the question remains whether they'll be enhanced. Will Nintendo leverage the new hardware to improve framerates or graphics? And if so, will these enhancements be automatic, or will players need to purchase upgraded versions?
What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?
The Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers have been upgraded, featuring an additional button and magnetic attachments instead of rails. The trailer also hints at a mouse-like functionality, which could open new gameplay possibilities. We're eager to see how these features will be utilized in upcoming games, which we'll learn more about at the April Direct.
Mario Kart 9 - First Look
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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?
Joy-Con drift plagued many original Switch users. Nintendo was proactive with repairs and replacements, but the issue persisted. With the Switch 2, we hope to see this problem resolved through new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments. We'll find out more at the April Direct.
For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out 30 details we found in the reveal trailer, and see what to expect from Nintendo in 2025.
