(Image credit: Nintendo)
The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is nearly in our grasp as we eagerly await the latest reveals about this intriguing successor. Soon, we’ll uncover what makes this new portable gaming marvel truly stand out. If fortune smiles upon us, a glimpse at the initial game lineup could be in store.
Though the precise timeline for Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders remains undisclosed, the official unveiling on January 16 has provided insight into its sleek all-black design, complemented by the signature blue and red tones. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more details about its mysterious ports, the new c button, and innovative Joy-Con controllers, which now connect via magnets.
With the Nintendo Direct promising more information, we’ve compiled every tidbit about the Switch 2, enabling you to prepare your gaming setup. As the presentation unfolds, our team will update this page with crucial information, so ensure you revisit for more.
April 2 marks an exciting day, as, at 6am PT, 9am ET, 2pm BST, the Nintendo Direct event will provide a comprehensive look at what Nintendo has been meticulously crafting for their next-gen handheld. Accessible via the Nintendo of America YouTube Channel, the session is set to run for approximately 60 minutes.
Accompanying the reveal will be two Nintendo Treehouse Live sessions on April 3 and 4, respectively. As of now, while an official launch date for the Switch 2 remains elusive, hopes are pinned on the insights from April 2’s presentation.
Initially, rumors suggested an April launch, but voices like ‘Sean’, a former Nintendo of America employee, speculated a June release. This aligns with Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, who cited a US retailer expecting pre-orders from April 9 and a June launch.
While official specs remain under wraps, initial details from January indicated the console’s aesthetic differences to its predecessor. Discussions hint at capabilities like 4K upscaling through DLSS 2, thanks to potential tech from the Nvidia T239 chip, as suggested by Digital Foundry.
A fascinating patent from July 2023 by Nintendo, discovered by Laura Kate Dale, emphasized using machine learning for resolution conversion, reinforcing the potential application of DLSS technology.
Display-wise, reports hint at a return to LCD screens to manage costs, as posited by Omdia analyst Hiroshi Hayase, backed by a Bloomberg report.
The new Joy-Con controllers, though larger, raise questions about the integration of advanced Hall Effect sticks to combat drift issues. Recent discoveries on platforms like Bluesky indicate the Joy-Cons could function similarly to a gaming mouse, potentially featuring a sensor for detecting reflected light akin to typical mice.
Additionally, a patent surfaced, suggesting a unique ability for these controllers to attach upside down, allowing the screen orientation to adapt accordingly. Though not confirmed, it proposes exciting possibilities in gameplay mechanics.
While amiibo compatibility with the new figures hasn’t been confirmed, The Verge discovered FCC filings hinting at NFC technology presence in the right Joy-Con. We anticipate today’s Nintendo Direct for further clarity on compatibility and other unique features.
Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa assured fans on social channels like a post on X (Twitter) that existing Switch games and Nintendo Switch Online services will remain accessible with the new console. As of early 2025, demand for the original Switch, though decreasing, still persists.
During the March 27 Nintendo Direct, the new Virtual Game Card system was introduced, allowing digital games to appear as physical cards on the system. This feature will coincide with the Switch 2’s launch and complements the console’s backward compatibility.
The identity of Nintendo Switch 2’s game lineup remains largely speculative. However, early presentations have teased games like Mario Kart on the system. The highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4, seems positioned for release on both the original and the successor consoles.
Rumors also suggest Microsoft games like Flight Simulator 2024 may come to the Switch 2. Comprehensive details on future gaming titles will likely surface in the coming Nintendo Direct.
Pricing remains a focal point as speculation suggests a range from $400 to potentially $499, a steeper cost reflecting advanced technology reported by Bloomberg. Industry professionals, including former Nintendo figures, speculate trade-offs in display choice and technology will maintain a competitive price.
Details from a GI.biz analyst echo predictions of a $400 price point being plausible when compared to peers like the Steam Deck OLED and PlayStation Portal.
As we edge closer to the official Nintendo Direct, broadcasting today, followers remain eager to uncover the mysteries around Nintendo’s newest console. Stay tuned for all the latest unveiled.