The Nintendo Switch 2: A Sneak Peek
The surprise January 16th, 2025 YouTube reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2's new form factor, accurately predicted by NateTheHate, left gamers buzzing. While release date whispers had circulated for months, the official trailer finally brought clarity (though some details remain shrouded in mystery).
Let's dive into what we know so far:
Table of Contents
- Size
- Design
- Internal Specs
- Release Date
- Price
- Game Lineup
Size
The trailer clearly shows a larger console than its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions weren't given, insider reports suggest 116mm height, 270mm width, and 14mm thickness – a significant increase over the original Switch. An 8-inch screen is rumored, compared to the OLED Switch's 7-inch display.
Image: x.com
Design
The Joy-Cons boast a magnetic connection, secured by recessed contacts within the console body. Insiders assure us this is robust, preventing accidental detachment and accidental disconnections. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, enhancing the magnetic hold. This design, however, necessitates screen bezels.
Image: youtube.com
The Joy-Con grip has been redesigned, with a flatter top and side-insertion. The buttons are larger, and the thumbsticks are rumored to utilize Hall effect sensors to minimize drift. Sadly, the IR camera seems absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.
A USB Type-C port and microphone are visible on the top bezel, hinting at wired controller support and voice chat capabilities.
Image: youtube.com
Internal Specs
Details remain scarce until the April 2nd Nintendo Direct. However, speculation points to a PlayStation 4/Xbox One-level processor, possibly supporting Quad HD resolution in docked mode. Insiders suggest:
- Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB
- Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
- Screen: LCD, 8 inches (no OLED at launch, reportedly)
Image: youtube.com
Release Date
NateTheHate predicts a May release at the earliest, with June being a more likely timeframe. The official date will be revealed in April. The "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour, starting April 4th, allows hands-on time with the console (registration closes January 26th).
Image: nintendo.com
Tour Dates:
- New York: April 4th-6th
- Paris: April 4th-6th
- Los Angeles: April 11th-13th
- London: April 11th-13th
- Berlin: April 25th-27th
- Dallas: April 25th-27th
- Milan: April 25th-27th
- Toronto: April 25th-27th
- Tokyo: April 26th-27th
- Amsterdam: May 9th-11th
- Madrid: May 9th-11th
- Melbourne: May 9th-11th
- Seoul: May 31st-June 1st
- Hong Kong: TBA
- Taipei: TBA
Price
Speculation ranges from €349 to €399, but confirmation awaits the Nintendo Direct.
Image: stuff.tv
What are we going to play?
Mario Kart 9, featuring 24-player online support, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes, was showcased as a launch title. The April Nintendo Direct will undoubtedly reveal more. Fan speculation includes titles like Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption 2, and many more.
Image: youtube.com
Stay tuned for the April Nintendo Direct for the complete picture!