Another day begins, and a pair of Nintendo Switch 2 rumors slithers out from the ethers of the internet.
Today, we have two different rumors, one from a YouTube video and another from a massive Reddit post. The Youtuber has a dummy model while the Redditor claimed that they've seen a final release version of the console.
It all adds to a glut of Switch 2 design rumors purporting to show the design of the new console and they all seem to be coalescing suggesting that we are seeing what handheld will actually be.
The latest leak, courtesy of the YouTube channel NerdNest, does something that no other leak has yet to do; physically compare the Switch 2 to the original Switch and how the Joy-Con controllers actually connect to the main console.
Over 19 minutes of speculation the NerdNest video shows off a model of the Switch 2 that he says was sent to him by the casemaker ivoler, who happens to have an early bird deal for pre-ordering its Switch 2 case on their website.
The model NerdNest featured looks very similar to the one shown off by the controversial company Dbrand last week.
Ivoler appears to be sending this model around to relevant YouTubers as it looks the same as the one featured on the SwitchUp channel that was posted on December 12. The difference between the two is that SwitchUp didn't or could not remove the Joy-Cons on their model. NerdNest did have removable controllers, and they took the time to show how they connected to Switch 2.
I am unfamiliar with NerdNest, but their work focuses primarily on handheld consoles, specifically PC ones like the Steam Deck and the Asus Rog Ally X.
Starting with the console, NerdNest compares the original Switch to the Switch 2 dummy model. The sequel is significantly bigger. Its display measures about eight inches, whereas the current OLED Switch features a 7-inch display. Thus, the new console has much more real estate.
This also means that the Joy-Cons are larger. I imagine that even for people with smaller hands, the larger Joy-Cons will be more comfortable to hold and use than our compact ones. Hopefully, Nintendo has solved the drift issues that plagued many Joy-Con controllers.
Beyond size, one of the biggest differences between the Switch and Switch 2 is how the Joy-Cons connect to the console. The Switch uses an annoying rail system that can cause the connection between the controller and console to be lost.
The Switch 2 is supposed to use electromagnetic connections to hold the controllers in place. In the video, you can see divots in the console for the magnetic connections to slot into. A new trigger on the rear of the Joy-Con looks like a locking mechanism for the controller, so you can ensure it doesn't separate from the console.
The right Joy-Con also features a new button labeled "C," which many have speculated is meant for screen capture.
The only prominent feature that appears new on the model is the second USB-C port on the top of the console. It's possible that this port could be used for USB-C-based peripherals, like headphones or something wacky that Nintendo comes up with. The simplest explanation is that this new port allows you to charge the console in kickstand mode or even on a handheld device instead of trailing from the bottom.
If this is the Nintendo Switch 2, then we only have to wait for Nintendo to officially announce the console. We expect them to do so in January, with a potential March launch.
The Reddit Switch 2 Leaker Speaks Out
Last week, a Redditor on the r/NintendoSwitch 2 subreddit stirred up the channel when they posted that they had seen and touched a "final release" Switch 2 and it's dock (something we haven't seen many rumors on).
That post turned into an ask me anything and they claimed they would post proof on Christmas.
The Verge reached out to "NextHandheld" and seemingly confirmed several details that they posted in the AMA. Allegedly, the Redditor shared photos of the new dock and a the inside of a Switch 2 controller rail. Much of the information they shared are things that have already rumored and reported on. Here we'll recap some of things that are newer.
As an example, they confirmed that the extra trigger on the back of the Joy-Cons is a release for the magnetic attachment. They also claimed that the Joy-Cons would feature Hall-effect joysticks. This means the sticks will use electromagnetic fields and won't require physical contact between sensor components which would make them more reliable and supposedly immune to the drift problems that have hampered the Joy-Cons.
An official name hasn't been confirmed, but according to this Redditor it will most likely be called the Nintendo Switch 2.
As for the dock, it reportedly has two USB-A ports, one HDMI, one ethernet and one USB-C port. Allegedly there are big feet on the dock so that it can lay horizontally and not block a set of vents. The dock itself is supposed to be rated for 60W, which indicates it might provide more power when the console is in place. It suggests improved graphical capabilities when docked thanks to new hardware or overclocking the Switch 2.
Additionally, they said that the dock would be rounder U-shaped rail that should be sturdier than the ones on the original Switch and the OLED Switch.
NextHandheld did state in their comments that they were not able to turn on the Switch 2, so we don't know what the home screen might look like yet.
Here's a summary of their comments if you'd like to read for yourself.
