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After years of speculation and, honestly, some pretty wild fan theories, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, their next-generation handheld console.
It’s a pretty big deal – especially when you remember how impactful the original Nintendo Switch’s release was. Even almost 8 years after its debut, the device continues to sell like hotcakes and has truly changed how we think about hybrid gaming.
But the gaming industry doesn’t stand ever still, does it?
Today, we will cover everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 so far. We’ll examine the official confirmations and some of its features, discuss some rumors regarding its hardware specs, and more.
Let’s get into it and see what’s in store!
What will the Nintendo Switch 2 look like?
So, what does the Nintendo Switch 2 actually look like? Well, at first glance, it’s got a familiar vibe – think “evolution” rather than “revolution.”
It maintains that classic Switch silhouette, but with some noticeable quality-of-life changes and overall upgrades making it like a real step forward.
Nintendo even showed them side-by-side in a short video, and the Switch 2 is bigger. Some eagle-eyed fans, after taking a closer look, reckon the screen could be a pretty impressive 7.5 to 7.8 inches, a sizable jump from the original’s 6.2-inch display.
And it makes sense considering modern trends in handheld gaming. We’ve seen how well larger screens do with other handhelds; the Steam Deck’s 7.4-inch screen and the Switch OLED’s 7-inch display show there’s a real appetite for that bigger picture.
But it’s not just the bigger screen: the new kickstand is a huge improvement. Gone is the flimsy little flap of the original, so the Switch 2 gets a longer, adjustable kickstand – very welcome news to anyone who’s ever struggled to find the right viewing angle.
As a quality-of-life feature, there’s another USB-C port on top, which is pretty interesting. It means you can actually charge the console while using it in tabletop mode – a small thing that can make a big difference. Oh, and the U-shaped stand looks incredibly robust.
Some folks online are already theorizing it could support all sorts of things – maybe a second screen, a webcam, or even some new gaming peripherals? Who knows what Nintendo has up its sleeve…
Speaking of control, both Joy-Cons have new optical sensors on their inner edges. What’s up with that, you ask? Well, enthusiasts are saying these could enable some kind of mouse-like control, and the showcase video does seem to suggest something similar. Interesting, right?
There’s also a new, square-shaped button on the right Joy-Con. Nintendo hasn’t said what it’s for yet, which just adds to the mystery.
Finally, it looks like we are getting an LCD screen which might be a slight step back for OLED Switch users. Still, looks like it’ll be more than good enough.
What about the Nintendo Switch 2’s specs?
Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed any technical specifications yet, but leaks and insider information paint a picture of a very capable device. We’re talking about a potential performance leap, possibly exceeding the power of consoles like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One – those defining consoles from the eighth gaming generation.
The word is that the Switch 2 will feature Nvidia chips with advanced AI upscaling capabilities, specifically DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This technology can significantly boost performance and image quality, so even if it doesn’t have the raw power of a top-tier gaming PC, it should be able to pack quite the punch, especially considering its portable form factor.
In theory, the Switch 2 should be able to run most current-generation AAA games if developers take the time to port and optimize them properly. Eurogamer even suggests that it might handle
ray-traced games for maximum visual fidelity. That is certainly big if true.
There’s also a strong indication that the Switch 2 will be more powerful when docked, which is hardly a surprise. Beyond the increased power of the DLSS chips, gamers will likely be able to enjoy some of the newer games with 4K resolution when docked.
Also, some dedicated fans have been digging through customs and shipping data in search of more information. So far, their theories suggest that the Switch 2 could come with as much as 12GB of RAM. That is more than what you’d find in many office computers, you know?
They also are pointing towards 256GB of storage, which should be plenty of space for a good number of games. These are just speculations of course, but they do offer a glimpse into what Nintendo might be aiming for.
Will original Switch games be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?
So, the big question on everyone’s mind: will your old Switch games work on the new Nintendo Switch 2? It seems like the answer is a bit of a “yes, but…” Nintendo is planning for the Switch 2 to play both exclusive titles and games from the original Switch, whether you own them as physical cartridges or digital downloads.
However – and this is the bit that needs attention – not all Switch games will necessarily be fully compatible with the Switch 2 at launch, and some titles may not work at all. It’s likely that some will need a patch, or may only run partially well due to the differences in hardware.
Nintendo says more details will be available on their page later, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly which games will make the jump.
Still, that retrocompatibility is a relief for millions of gamers.
When will we hear more about the Switch 2?
April 2nd, 2025! That’s when Nintendo is planning a Nintendo Direct specifically focused on the Switch 2. For those unfamiliar, a Nintendo Direct is a kind of online showcase where Nintendo reveals new games and hardware information – we actually covered the format in a recent article, if you want to learn more about it.
Besides that, Nintendo will also be hosting promotional events worldwide throughout April and June, so keep an eye out for those in your area. Now, before you rush off to pre-order, I’m sorry to say that it is not yet available. However, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to do so as soon as Switch 2’s Nintendo Direct is over.
In any case, at least we have a date for the big reveal!
Closing thoughts
So, to recap, the Nintendo Switch 2 is on its way, looking to be a significant upgrade with a bigger screen, improved kickstand, enhanced specs, and backward compatibility for most games. It is, all things considered, pretty exciting.
While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed any specific titles coming to the Switch 2 yet, they’ve hinted at another Mario Kart game – because, you know, some things never change. And could you imagine a new Nintendo console launch without a traditional Mario game to go with it? It’s extremely unlikely.
So, we’ve got a lot to look forward to. Now we just have to wait patiently to see what else Nintendo has planned for us.
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