New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

On January 16, 2025, Nintendo surprised fans by releasing the official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 on their YouTube channels without any prior announcement. The gaming community had been buzzing with speculation about the console's release date, which varied widely until NateTheHate accurately predicted the reveal on January 16.

If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to watch the trailer below:

Table of Contents

• Size
• Design
• What's inside?
• Release Date
• Price
• What are we going to play?

Size

From the trailer, it's clear that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger in every dimension compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and analog sticks have all been upsized. While exact specs haven't been disclosed, insiders suggest the Switch 2 will measure 116 mm in height, 270 mm in width, and 14 mm in thickness. This makes it 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Switch. Additionally, rumors hint at an 8-inch screen diagonal, larger than the 7-inch OLED screen of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The trailer showcases a new design for the Joy-Cons, which are now magnetic and connect to the console via recessed contacts in the body. This design ensures durability, as the contacts are fully enclosed by the console's frame, making it nearly impossible to damage them without affecting the console itself. The SL and SR buttons have been enlarged and are now metallic, using strong magnets to prevent accidental detachment. However, this design necessitates bezels on the sides of the screen.

The Joy-Cons now "slide" to the side after a button press, and the holder for transforming them into a full joystick has been redesigned with a flat upper grip and side insertion. Buttons on the Joy-Cons are slightly larger, and the sticks now use Hall effect sensors to prevent drift. However, the IR camera has been removed, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

The top bezel of the console features a microphone and a USB Type-C port, hinting at potential use with wired joysticks and voice chat in games.

Image: youtube.com

What's inside?

While we await the full specifications to be revealed at the Nintendo Direct on April 2, speculation suggests the Switch 2's power might be comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. In docked mode, it could support up to Quad HD resolution. Insiders predict the following specs:

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

Despite the absence of an OLED screen at launch, the console's specs are promising, with potential ports of AAA titles like Genshin Impact.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests a release no earlier than May, with an official announcement expected at the Nintendo Direct in April. We predict a June launch, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting April 4, where fans can try out the console. Registration for the tour is open on Nintendo's official website until January 26.

Image: nintendo.com

The tour will visit the following cities:

• New York — April 4-6
• Paris — April 4-6
• Los Angeles — April 11-13
• London — April 11-13
• Berlin — April 25-27
• Dallas — April 25-27
• Milan — April 25-27
• Toronto — April 25-27
• Tokyo — April 26-27
• Amsterdam — May 9-11
• Madrid — May 9-11
• Melbourne — May 9-11
• Seoul — May 31-June 1
• Hong Kong — To be announced
• Taipei — To be announced

Price

While not officially confirmed, speculation points to a starting price of €399, though some believe it could be slightly lower at €349. It's best to wait for the Nintendo Direct for accurate pricing information.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video highlighted Mario Kart 9 as the first exclusive game for the Switch 2, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and more noticeable item boxes.

Image: youtube.com

Additional game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans are already speculating about potential titles, including:

• 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 on the Nintendo Switch 2 as we approach the Nintendo Direct in April!