New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

The official Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer dropped unexpectedly on January 16th, 2025, a surprise release without prior announcement. Videos showcasing the console's new form factor suddenly appeared on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While release date rumors had circulated for months, constantly shifting, NateTheHate accurately predicted the January 16th reveal.

Haven't seen the trailer? Watch it below:

Table of Contents

• Size
• Design
• What's Inside?
• Release Date
• Price
• What Are We Going To Play?

Size

The trailer clearly shows a larger console than its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While exact dimensions weren't given, insiders report a height of 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This represents a 3.1cm increase in width and 1.4cm in height compared to the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen diagonal is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED Switch.

Design

The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic connection, secured by recessed contacts in the console's body. Insiders assure us this design is robust, preventing accidental detachment and accidental damage. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. NextHandheld claims the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental disconnection during gameplay. This design necessitates bezels around the screen.

The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned. The grips are now flatter, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides instead of the top. The buttons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks to reduce drift. However, the IR camera appears to be absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility with games like Ring Fit Adventure.

A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel. Their functionality remains unconfirmed, but they may support wired controllers and voice chat.

What's Inside?

Full specifications will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd. However, speculation points to a system comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting Full HD or even Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Current Insider Speculation:

• Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
• Screen: LCD, 8 inches

Note: An OLED version is not expected at launch.

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests a release no earlier than May. The official date will be announced during the April Nintendo Direct, but a June release is predicted. The "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour begins April 4th, offering hands-on opportunities. Registration is open until January 26th on the official Nintendo website.

Tour Dates & 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

Price remains unconfirmed, with fan speculation ranging from €349 to €399. It's best to await the Nintendo Direct for official pricing.

What Are We Going To Play?

Mario Kart 9 was showcased as a launch exclusive, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes.

Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct. However, fan speculation includes:

• 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

Stay tuned for more updates after the April Nintendo Direct!