After the phenomenal success of the Switch, gamers are eagerly awaiting news on Nintendo’s next console. While there’s been no official announcement, rumors and leaks have painted a somewhat cloudy picture. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
While initial rumors pointed to a late 2024 release, it seems the Nintendo Switch 2 launch has been pushed back to early 2025. Some reports suggest a March 2025 release, mirroring the original Switch’s launch timeframe. With the current Switch nearing its seventh year and sales dipping, Nintendo is likely eager to unveil its next generation console.
Powerhouse or Balanced Act?
While the Switch 2 won’t compete with the raw power of Xbox Series X and PS5, we’re getting mixed signals about its graphical capabilities. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick suggests it’ll target PS4-level specs, aligning with the previous generation rather than the current one.
This might seem underwhelming, but remember – advancements in game design squeeze more graphical power from similar hardware. The Switch itself has received impressive titles like The Witcher 3 and Doom, pushing the limits of its capabilities.
Bigger and Better Joy-Cons
Leaks suggest the Switch 2 will sport a significant upgrade in the controller department. Mobapad, a prominent Nintendo Switch accessory manufacturer, claims to have inside information from Nintendo itself. According to their blog post, the Switch 2 will feature larger Joy-Cons that magnetically attach to the console’s sides. These new controllers might also come with an additional button on the top edge and a new “function button” on the right Joy-Con.
The good news for existing Switch owners is that the console might still be compatible with your current Joy-Cons and Pro Controller. However, there’s a possibility that original Joy-Con support might rely solely on Bluetooth if the new controllers use a different attachment method.
Familiar Dock Gets a 4K Boost
The Switch 2 docking station is expected to maintain its core functionality but with an improved design. Leaks suggest it will include a metal damping bracket for smoother angle adjustments and might boast a slightly different look overall. Most importantly, the dock is rumored to support 4K resolution, offering a significant visual upgrade for your docked gaming experience.
Backward Compatibility
Another burning question for fans is backward compatibility. Thankfully, Nintendo has a history of favoring backward compatibility. The Wii, Nintendo DS, and Wii U all supported games from prior generations. This bodes well for the Switch 2, with a high possibility of playing existing Switch titles.
Furthermore, Nintendo confirmed account migration for the Switch 2, allowing players to seamlessly transfer profiles and past purchases. Backward compatibility would be a logical step, letting gamers access their existing libraries and discover titles they might have missed.
Price Bump on the Horizon?
The original Switch launched at $299 in 2016. Since then, Nintendo introduced the budget-friendly Switch Lite for $199 and the upgraded Switch OLED for $350. While the sweet spot might remain within this range, rumors suggest the Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s priciest console yet. Additionally, game prices might take a leap from $60 to $70, as seen with the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
As Nintendo keeps its cards close to its chest, this is all we can glean for now. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and update this article with any new information that surfaces.
