<p>The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is growing as new information about its design, features, specifications, and potential release date continues to surface. Here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated Switch 2 so far.
The original Nintendo Switch, which debuted in 2017 after the underwhelming Wii U, drew heavily from the successes of both the Wii U and the 3DS. Now, as the Switch approaches its seventh anniversary, Nintendo is reportedly gearing up for a successor.
With frequent rumors popping up online, we’ve gathered the latest insights on what the Switch 2 may bring to the gaming landscape, potentially vying for supremacy against rivals like the Steam Deck.
Release Window Speculation
According to Chris Dring from GameIndustry.biz, developers working on upcoming titles have been advised to anticipate the release of the Switch 2 within the current financial year. In an episode of the GameIndustry.biz Microcast podcast that aired on August 13, 2024, developers expressed hopes that the console would hit the market around April or May.
Dring noted that, “no developer I’ve spoken to expects it to be launching this financial year.” This revelation disagrees with Nintendo’s earlier statement, where President Shuntaro Furukawa indicated a launch was expected within “this fiscal year.” On May 7, Nintendo first confirmed via their official Twitter/X account that the new console is indeed in the works.
Previously, Furukawa mentioned that no new hardware should be anticipated until after April 2024. This suggests Nintendo may prefer to record hardware sales in the next quarter for a more favorable launching period.
While an exact release date remains elusive, the present fiscal year for Nintendo concludes in March 2025. Furukawa’s comments sync with expectations that support for the upcoming console will align with that date, allowing developers sufficient time to prepare software.
Shown Off Behind Closed Doors
Some reports indicate that the Switch 2 is already in the hands of game developers, with demonstrations of titles at Gamescom. Alleged showings included the Unreal Engine 5 Matrix Awakens demo and an enhanced version of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Leaker Nash Weedle has suggested that the Nintendo Switch 2 is nearing readiness, claiming a development kit is currently with a Spanish studio, likely MercurySteam.
Though Nintendo is maintaining secrecy, these leaks imply that the essential hardware specifications, including display, processor, and RAM, have been set, enabling partner studios to develop games well ahead of the official release.
An announcement pattern akin to the original Switch is anticipated, with a reveal taking place months prior to launch. The first Switch was announced in October 2016, followed by its March 2017 release.
Price Speculation
Toko Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda predicts that the Nintendo Switch 2 will have a launch price of $499. In a report from Yasuda, featured on the Japan-based news site Kabutan, the analyst notes that “various reports” suggest the Switch 2 will be “relatively cheap” in US dollar terms.
On August 15, 2024, Yasuda stated that the Switch 2 could have a price “less than $499,” equivalent to around 75,000 Japanese Yen.
If released at $500, that represents almost a $100 increase from earlier forecasts. Both anticipated price points would place Nintendo’s handheld in direct competition with devices such as the ROG Ally X and Steam Deck. However, Nintendo is known for occasionally launching devices at a loss to build a broader user base for software and accessories.
Given the expected substantial hardware upgrades and additional features powered by the onboard Nvidia chip, the Switch 2 may indeed be pricier than its predecessor.
Specs Leak
- CPU: Custom Nvidia ARM SoC “DRAKE” (T239)
- GPU: Nvidia Ampere architecture
- CUDA cores: 1280
- Display: 8-inch LCD
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 256 GB
Confirmed by Reuters sources, the Nintendo Switch 2 will run on a custom Nvidia chip. This was first reported in May 2022, with leaker Kopite7Kimi revealing that the console will utilize a custom ARM-based SoC named the T239, code-named DRAKE.
The introduction of an Ampere GPU could enable the Switch 2 to leverage modern rendering techniques like DLSS 2 super-resolution and DLSS 3.5 ray reconstruction. However, do not expect frame generation features on this console. The switch to an ARM SoC may also allow for backward compatibility, according to numerous rumors.
Although no information has been officially confirmed, initial rumors suggest fans should temper expectations regarding performance. Dr. Serkan Toto from GameIndustry.biz indicated that the new model may simply be an “iteration rather than a revolution.”
Documents from legal proceedings involving Microsoft implied that the Switch 2 could have performance comparable to the PS4 and Xbox One.
YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead shared in his ‘Broken Silicon’ podcast that the Switch 2’s clock speed when docked may exceed expectations, although it may operate at lower clocks in undocked mode to enhance battery life compared to its predecessor.
Insights from users on the Famiboards forum utilizing shipping and customs data indicate that the Switch 2 will feature 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of internal storage, representing a significant improvement over the current Switch, which has 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and just 32GB of internal storage.
Features
Utilizing DLSS technology would potentially allow Nintendo to enhance the Switch 2’s performance further, akin to how mid-range PCs currently use DLSS to boost gaming experiences. This indicates potential for 4K gaming through Nvidia’s super-resolution AI algorithms.
During testing on a 3050-based laptop, substantial performance gains were achieved using DLSS 2, and hardware that supports DLSS 3 demonstrated even larger improvements.
While Nvidia has made strides with DLSS, it’s doubtful frame generation capabilities will be available. However, tensor cores will be necessary for powering DLSS on the SoC.
DDR5 RAM is also anticipated to be included in the Switch 2, providing a significant performance boost. The exact amount of RAM is yet to be confirmed; current Nvidia SoCs like the Jetson Nano utilize 8GB, while NX versions feature 16GB. We expect closer to 8GB rather than exceeding 16GB.
For storage solutions, Nintendo might opt for an NVMe or eMMC drive. Currently, low-cost 2230 drives power devices like the Steam Deck. However, due to Nintendo’s reluctance towards self-repair, we may see an embedded storage solution soldered onto the motherboard.
Controller Leaks
According to leaks from Switch accessory manufacturer Mobapad, the Switch 2 will continue utilizing Joy-Cons. The new Joy-Cons are said to connect via an electromagnetic system, instead of the traditional rail system used in current Nintendo Switch models.
Mobapad has also revealed that the new Joy-Cons will be larger, more ergonomic, and feature metal SL and SR buttons. Additionally, new buttons may be present on the controllers: one located behind each Joy-Con and another situated below the ‘Home’ button.
Recent images shown by VGC on September 18, 2024, appear to showcase the new back buttons positioned next to the triggers. It’s still unclear if these buttons will be programmable like many controllers available today, so more details will likely unfold as the release approaches.
Rumor: leaked photos of Nintendo Switch 2 design https://t.co/YLeJgmvywH“While the images are unverified, one source who has not seen the final ‘Switch 2′ console but has been briefed on Nintendo’s plans, told VGC that the Reddit images align with information provided by the company… pic.twitter.com/0zqvUM4SnR
— Wario64 (@Wario64) September 18, 2024
If this new electromagnetic connection system renders existing Joy-Cons obsolete, Mobapad noted that the Switch 2’s Bluetooth chip will still support all current Joy-Cons and Pro controllers.
Furthermore, Nintendo has announced a new Joy-Con accessory, slated for release on October 17, 2024. This accessory allows for charging two additional standard Joy-Con controllers or the NES versions while docked.
Considering that this accessory was revealed seven years following the original Switch’s launch, many suspect it could signal compatibility with the Switch 2. Earlier leaks from Mobapad have hinted toward backward compatibility with Joy-Cons for the upcoming console, making this new accessory vital for bridging the gap between consoles.
Hall Effect sticks may prevent stick drift issues, providing the Switch 2 with a significant advantage over its drift-prone predecessor. A patent filed by Nintendo in the US on September 7, 2024, outlined the use of a magnetic field for controller movement detection, hinting at the incorporation of hall-effect sticks.
Additionally, a rumor has emerged that motion sensors, utilizing gyroscope technology, will be obligatory for the new Switch 2 controllers, as disclosed by UniversesoNintendo on a Bonuslevel podcast.
This technology currently exists in the present Joy-Cons and is compatible with numerous Switch titles; however, it’s noteworthy that Nintendo’s new requirement for licensed controllers is a first in its manufacturing protocols.
Design Rumors
In terms of design, a newly discovered patent unveils a sleek new design for the official Nintendo Switch dock. This proposed model incorporates a rotating back panel for its input/output ports, offering users customizable port positioning based on their TV or monitor setup.
Dubbed the ‘swivel block’ by Nintendo, this design aims to enhance cable management. It remains unclear whether this patent is specifically for the Switch 2 or is intended for a subsequent product.
Images reported by VGC on September 18 also apparently depict a wider kickstand reminiscent of the one featured on the Switch OLED for the Switch 2.
This revamped kickstand is designed for increased stability and durability and is less likely to detach with frequent use.
Display Leaks and Rumors
The Switch 2 is expected to feature at least one eight-inch LCD screen, as reported by Omida analyst Hiroshi Hayase in discussions with Bloomberg about the handheld’s future.
There’s also speculation that the Switch 2 might boast a dual-screen design, following a Nintendo patent for a gaming device that can separate into two screens. Such a feature may revive the dual-screen approach seen in previous Nintendo products like the Wii U and DS series, enabling remastered games while providing new options for gameplay.
Surprisingly, the absence of an OLED screen might be perceived negatively, but it could be attributed to cost-saving measures aimed at appealing to a wider consumer base. Nevertheless, the switch to an 8-inch display would mark an improvement over the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen.
Availability Speculation
In February 2024, reports from a Japanese newspaper indicated that Nintendo has sound reasons for delaying the Switch 2 until 2025. Although the console is reportedly complete, Nintendo aims to guarantee a robust game library available at launch while also tackling the issue of resellers.
This was later corroborated by President Shuntaro Furukawa during Nintendo’s June earnings call. Furukawa mentioned they are taking measures to avoid inflated prices from resellers by ensuring ample supply to meet demand.
He also expressed confidence that there would not be a recurrence of the semiconductor shortage that hampered Switch production in 2022 and 2023.
He explained: “Last year and the year before, we faced challenges in producing enough Nintendo Switch units due to a semiconductor shortage, but that situation has been resolved. At present, we do not believe that component shortages will significantly impact the production of the successor model.”
Games & Backward Compatibility
The Switch 2 is rumored to support backward compatibility with original Nintendo Switch cartridges. According to information from Modapad, the upcoming console will be able to play Switch cartridges, although new Switch 2 carts will not be compatible with earlier Switch models.
Leaker Nate the Hate also mentioned in a post on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours that backward compatibility is expected to be part of the Switch successor’s feature set.
While this likely signals physical game compatibility, the situation regarding digitally purchased games, including titles from the Nintendo Switch Online and NSO Expansion Pack libraries, remains uncertain.
The Nintendo Switch notably introduced access to a vast library of classic games through subscription services, including NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Genesis, and N64 titles.
A discovery by X/Twitter user Stealth40k revealed that Nintendo is actively hiring for various positions aimed at enhancing its online services for Switch, which could bode well for the NSO libraries to carry over into the new console.
What Games Will Be on Switch 2?
As of now, Nintendo has not officially confirmed any games for the Switch 2. However, the announcement of Pokemon Legends Z-A has sparked speculation about it potentially being a launch title for the new console. This was revealed during the most recent Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27, with the game expected to release in March 2025—aligning with the rumored Switch 2 release timeframe.
Additionally, upcoming titles such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is “coming to Nintendo Switch” in 2025.
Rumors regarding a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey have also been circulating, suggesting that Nintendo may reserve an Odyssey sequel for the Switch 2, although no formal announcements have been made as of yet.
There is a growing rumor that Assassin’s Creed Shadows could arrive on the Switch successor, initially reported by Nash Weedle. This claim was echoed by Necro Felipe, editor-in-chief of Universo Nintendo, suggesting that other AC titles such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Odyssey, and Origins might also find their way to the new system, potentially as a bundle.
Moreover, Chris Hartmann, Vice President at Amazon Games, expressed in an IGN interview that Amazon plans to develop games for the upcoming Nintendo console.
For now, the gaming community can only speculate about the lineup that will accompany the Switch’s successor upon its launch.
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