"Nintendo Switch 2 Supports NFC, Likely Compatible with Amiibo"

Exciting news for Nintendo fans—Nintendo Switch 2 filings have confirmed the inclusion of Near Field Communication (NFC) support, hinting at continued compatibility with Amiibo figures. According to The Verge, Federal Communication Commission (FCC) documents reveal that the RFID feature is integrated into the right Joy-Con of the Switch 2, mirroring the setup of the original Switch. This development raises an intriguing question: will the Switch 2 support existing Amiibo that unlock in-game content, or will new figures be required?

In addition to NFC, the filings shed light on other enhancements. The Switch 2 can be charged through both its bottom USB-C port and a newly added top port, a feature that aligns with expectations set after the console's official reveal. Connectivity is also set to improve, with the Switch 2 supporting Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks, offering up to 80MHz of bandwidth—a step up from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on its predecessor. However, there's no mention of the more advanced Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E capabilities.

Power considerations are also noted in the filings. While the Switch 2 remains rated for a maximum of 15V, there's mention of an AC adapter capable of up to 20V, leaving the actual charging speed a mystery for now.

A recent Nintendo patent suggests an innovative twist with the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers, which could be attached upside down thanks to magnetic technology rather than the rails used in the original model. This change could allow players to customize the placement of buttons and ports, potentially leading to new gameplay mechanics. If this feature makes it into the final product, it could offer a fresh take on how we interact with our games.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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If the patent's design for the Switch 2 becomes a reality, Nintendo is expected to provide a full rundown during a special Nintendo Direct event scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2.

The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 seems imminent, with speculation pointing to a launch window between June and September. This speculation is fueled by upcoming hands-on events scheduled until June and statements from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon suggesting the console will be available before September.

The Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details remain under wraps, including specifics about other games and the function of a mysterious new Joy-Con button, which has sparked the "Joy-Con mouse theory" among fans.