The next look at the Nintendo Switch 2 is only days away. Soon, Nintendo will give us a deeper insight into what else we can expect for the Switch successor in all of its slightly bigger, portable gaming glory. If we’re lucky, we might even get a look at the new games we can expect to play on day one - something we haven't seen so far.
When the short video was uploaded on Nintendo's many social media channels on January 16, we got to see what the Switch's successor is all about, and it wasn't too far away from what we expected. The new gaming handheld features a new sleek all-black design, with pops of that now iconic blue and red Switch color combination we've come to know. This time around, the Joy-Con controllers appear to attach magnetically to the handheld and are larger than before. There are also new ports, a brand-new C button, a new kickstand, and a new design for the dock too.
We may finally know the Switch 2 isn’t just a Mario-shaped pipe dream, but there's been a lot left unsaid. With the new Nintendo Direct showcase closer than ever before, due to go down on April 2, 2025, we will hopefully get all the answers. Along with a launch date so we know when we can get a hold of the handheld for ourselves. Before that time comes, we've gathered every bit of news and details about the Switch 2, so you can prepare yourself, and your gaming setup, and know exactly what Nintendo is cooking.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 launch?
We don't yet currently have an official launch date for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, a Nintendo Direct presentation is planned to go ahead on April 2, 2025, which will hopefully give us an insight into when we can expect to get a hold of the upcoming console.
Before Nintendo gave us an official glimpse at the Switch 2, rumors pointed towards April being our launch window at the earliest. Most recently, a former Nintendo of America employee spoke on the Kit and Krista podcast to share that he suspects that Nintendo will "want the system to be out before the end of the summer" and that he thinks "we'll see a June launch." While this is a little later than the April timeframe provided by previous rumors, the former sales lead, simply known as 'Sean', states that there are "good strategic reasons" for an end-of-school-year release, including that big retailers can prepare to release Switch 2 bundles over the holiday period.
With the next upcoming Direct presentation just days away on April 2, 2025, it likely won't be long until Nintendo unveils the release date for themselves, and we finally have that official confirmation for when we can get our hands on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 spec rumors
Nintendo hasn't yet provided an in-depth look at the kind of specs, and hardware, we can expect for the Switch 2. During the video shared on January 16, they were brief with the details of what we can expect for the upcoming console, instead focusing on how it looks in comparison to the original Switch.
Before we finally got an official look at the Switch 2, rumors and analyst predictions pointed toward the Nintendo Switch 2 being more of an iterative update than a complete revamp of the current hardware. This is definitely apparent with how it looks, yet we don't yet know if this will also be the case for its specs and performance power. Rumors point towards the dock having the ability to upscale to 4K rather than just 1080p using DLSS 2. That said, Digital Foundry points out that we don't yet know whether the chip destined to power the Switch 2, Nvidia's T239, has the Deep Learning Accelerator components required to make that feat a reality.
A patent filed by Nintendo in July 2023 but published on December 31 and discovered by Laura Kate Dale, however, outlines the use of machine learning tech to "convert one data or signal into another." This patent, discovered on January 1 mentions the use of the tech in the context of converting the resolutions of images into other resolutions, which could support the Switch 2's use of DLSS tech.
As for display specs, a VGC report claims the Switch 2 could go back to using an LCD screen rather than an OLED panel in an attempt to keep costs low. This has been consolidated more recently by Hiroshi Hayase, an Omdia analyst, being cited in a Bloomberg report. The video shared on January 16 by Nintendo did give us a look at the new display, but there was no confirmation whether they've stuck with an LCD or OLED screen.
In terms of unconfirmed raw stats, the latest rumor is that the Nintendo Switch 2 specs could be:
- Custom Nvidia chip
- 8GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 64GB eMMC storage
- DLSS 2 support
- FSR 3 support
- 8-inch LCD display
- Improved battery life
While we have seen an official look at the newly updated Joy-Con controllers, there was no mention of their integration with Hall Effect sticks. According to a patent spotted by Laura Kate Dale the Nintendo Switch 2 could be using the tech in the Joy-Con sticks to avoid the wear and tear-induced stick drift that the current controllers are prone to.
While we don't know much about the new controllers bar their bigger size, a video spotted on the official Switch 2 website shows a large button on the back of either Joy-Con. It's speculated that it's this button in particular that disengages the controllers from the handheld. This feature wasn't shown off in the official console reveal and instead was discovered on the site and posted to r/NintendoSwitch2 shortly afterward.
On February 6, a newly public patent confirmed suspicions that the new Joy-Cons can be used like a gaming mouse. This patent, posted on BlueSky by user Wario64, discloses illustrative diagrams that show the controllers being used as you would a mouse, and its abstract states that the Joy-Cons have "a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation."
While we don't have confirmation that the new controllers will actually function in this way, the description for the patent also states that "the sensor for mouse operation detects reflected light from a detected surface" - similarly to that of a typical gaming mouse. This aligns with the short footage as seen in the original Switch 2 announcement posted on January 16, which showcased the new Joy-Con controllers running across a flat surface exactly as you would use a mouse.
Another patent discovered on February 12, suggests that the new Joy-Con controllers can be attached to the handheld upside down. The patent in question contained an illustrative diagram that shows the Switch 2 upside down, hinting that when the Joy-Con controllers are attached the 'wrong way', the screen may flip 180 degrees to offer up a different orientation for players. The patent itself states that Switch 2 users can "use the game system by mounting the right controller and the left controller on the opposite side to the main body device." The existence of this patent doesn't mean it'll definitely be a feature of the new handheld, however, this could lend credence to the inclusion of the new magnetically attached rail system.
There has been no official confirmation yet from Nintendo that the new Joy-Con controllers, or the Switch as a whole, will be compatible with amiibo figures. However, Federal Communication Commission (FCC) filings discovered on March 7 by The Verge, suggest that the new Joy-Con controllers will support NFC technology, and the RFID tech will be housed in the right Joy-Con like that of the current controller.
For a more in-depth look at the new controllers and whether the mouse functionality is the gimmick this time around, we'll have to wait until next week to find out more about the updated Joy-Cons and the Switch 2's capabilities. For a full rundown of everything we know so far about the new Joy-Cons compared to the originals, check out the linked feature.
Nintendo Switch 2 design
Nintendo officially showcased the first look of the Nintendo Switch 2, where it was revealed that the design and overlook are similar to that of the original Switch. During the short video, the brand-new handheld was shown off in all its upgraded glory, featuring an all-black colorway, with hints of the original blue and red design visible on the side of the controllers and around their sticks.
The exact dimensions of the Switch 2 haven't been shared, but the video confirmed that the handheld is decked out with a larger display and fittingly longer versions of the Joy-Con controllers. The controllers also seem to connect magnetically to the side of the device, although there are connecting pins - which hopefully won't be subject to damage like the mounting rails of the original console. The new Switch also features an updated kickstand design, which, similar to that of the Nintendo Switch OLED, is a lot bigger than the classic Switch and offers up more angles for its tabletop gaming mode.
Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility
During the first official look at the Nintendo Switch 2 revealed on January 17, 2025, it was confirmed that the upcoming handheld will be compatible with physical original Switch game carts.
However, during the short reveal video, it was also stated that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2."
For now, we don't yet know the reason why some physical games won't be compatible, but further details will be available on Nintendo's website at a later date. From talks within our hardware team, maybe this really only refers to some functionality in certain games, for example, games that use certain accessories. This could mean Ring Fit Adventure may not work because the new Joy-Con controllers likely won't fit in that game's controller.
During the same video, details surrounding the backwards compatibility of digital Nintendo games and Nintendo Switch Online weren't touched on. However, Nintendo's president Shuntaro Furukawa stated on X/Twitter on November 6, 2024, that "Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch." According to the Nintendo President, this news was unveiled during a corporate management policy briefing. It was also announced that the Nintendo Switch Online services "will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well."
The Nintendo President later stated during an earnings call, as reported by VGC (via Sankei) that support for the Nintendo Switch will continue so long as the demand is there. This came after the tech giant revealed its most recent earning results on February 4, 2025, where it was shared that sales for the original Switch had declined by 30% year on year. That being said, as of December 31, 2024, it has been confirmed that the Switch has sold 150.86 million units in total. Hopefully, with the continued success of the original Switch, it will still be supported long into its successor's lifespan - but we'll have to wait for the launch and its subsequential game lineup of the Switch 2 to find out.
During a game-focused Nintendo Direct presentation held on March 27, Nintendo showed off its new Virtual Game Card system. These new virtual game cards will "also work with Nintendo Switch 2 at launch" according to the presentation, and replace the icons of digital Switch games with icons that look more visually like physical game cards. According to the Direct presentation, these digital game cards will allow you to lend Switch games to any members of your Nintendo family group and will become available as part of a system update in April, 2025 - tying in with the upcoming Ninendo Switch 2 showcase. It's likely that this will be the new way that older digital games will appear on the upcoming Switch successor, but we'll have to wait until April 2 to know for sure.
Nintendo Switch 2 games
So far, Nintendo has managed to be tight-lipped on any suspected game released for the upcoming handheld. That doesn't mean we have no inkling of what may be in the cards for the Switch 2. During the first official look at the upcoming handheld, Nintendo showcased a version of Mario Kart running on the system. While it's likely this is Mario Kart 8 DeluXe running via backward compatibility, a new Mario Kart game wouldn't be out of the question. We likely won't know for sure until the upcoming Switch 2 Direct comes this April.
A few hours after the original Switch 2 reveal video, VGC reported that according to reliable sources, an additional Nintendo Direct geared at upcoming games for the original Switch is in the works for February. Perhaps this could show some upcoming games for Switch 2 as well, although due to backwards compatibility, there will probably be some crossover.
A big game slated for the Nintendo pipeline for 2025 is the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4. It's only the fact that it's due to release sometime this year that has many speculating it could be making its way over to the Nintendo Switch 2. However, a big retailer canceled pre-orders on the lead-up to the first Switch 2 reveal held on January 16, which could bode well for the game releasing on the upgraded console upon release.
During a Nintendo Direct presentation held on March 27, Nintendo showed off in-game footage of Metroid Prime 4, but a 2025 placeholder was still present rather than a set release window. It was iterated that the game will be available on the current handheld (and undoubtedly it will be playable on the Switch 2 via backwards compatibility), yet we don't yet know if it will be featured as one of the upcoming console's launch titles.
Podcast NateTheHate, known for his reputable leaks in the past, stated in their podcast episode entitled "Xbox 2025 Predictions" (as reported by VGC) that some major Microsoft games, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, will be releasing on the Switch 2. That being said, there was no indication whether these would be available at launch or further down the Switch 2's lifespan.
Nintendo has yet to confirm any future games for its new hardware, so everything is still very much up to speculation for now. For more information on future Switch 2 titles, check out our list of all rumored upcoming Switch 2 games.
Nintendo Switch 2 price rumors
While Nintendo gave us the first official look at the Nintendo Switch 2, the price has not yet been revealed. The current price of the Nintendo Switch OLED is £309.99 / $349.99, but rumors suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 price will be more in the region of $400, which could convert to around £350 retail. At most, though, we could be looking at a $499 MSRP for the Nintendo Switch 2 - but we won't know for sure until the next Nintendo Direct presentation to be held on April 2, 2025.
These price predictions are according to an analyst speaking as part of the GI.biz 2024 analyst predictions piece though, so obviously isn't exactly concrete yet. But, if we look at the retail price of machines like the Steam Deck OLED, PlayStation Portal, or the Asus ROG Ally then the $400 mark does seem pretty reasonable. Of course, the majority of those devices have higher specs that better justify those price tags.
This guestimation of the upcoming handheld's $400 price point has been shared by other industry professionals. Bloomberg's own Takashi Mochizuki spoke to various analysts "who regularly communicate" with Nintendo and the consensus concluded in the Bloomberg report, released on March 14, was that the Switch 2 will cost at least $400 - although future US tariff changes could drive up the price.
When asked about Nintendo's stance on hardware pricing on February 5, Nintendo's President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the company has to consider "the affordability that our customers expect from Nintendo products." As originally reported by VGC, Furukawa outlined that exchange rates and Japan's current inflation rates will be taken into account when considering the Switch 2's pricing.
Most recently, a former Nintendo of America employee spoke on the Kit and Krysta podcast that he can't imagine the Switch 2 launching for "much more than $400" with $450 being the highest he can imagine for the handheld. The employee, just referred to as Sean, followed this up by stating that that's the price he speculates without knowing what tech is planned to be built into the Switch successor. The former sales and retail department continued to explain that he's "sure they're using Nvidia chips" but that he doesn't think it will have an OLED display as Nintendo will continue to make "trade-offs" they know they can at launch to hit a certain price point.
While a suggested price point wasn't revealed, there's not long to wait until the upcoming Nintendo Direct in April when Nintendo is suspected to finally reveal how much we can expect to fork out for the upcoming console.
