After literally years of speculations, rumors and (often dubious) leaks, Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially announced. It's no longer the stuff of mere fantasy, Nintendo's next console is indeed a number-sequel to the best-selling Switch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been unveiled via a brief two-minute trailer (which you can watch below), and it confirms many of the rumors had been floating around. Primarily, the Switch 2 will be an evolution of its predictor, namely, this isn't a surprising generational shake-up as Nintendo has done in the past
The big change here appears to be that everything has gotten bigger. As the video creatively displays, the Switch 2 boasts a large display, with significantly thinner bezels, and the Joy-Cons have also been increased in size. Though it doesn't appear to be quite the same hefty as Valve's chunky Steam Deck.
Other details in the video include the confirmation of a new Mario Kart game (which looks glorious on the Switch 2's screen). Plus, the video ends with "2025" confirming that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be in our hands sometime this year. Below are the latest live updates on the brand-new Switch console...
Nintendo Switch 2 latest live updates
New Joy-Cons
Perhaps the biggest change that we've seen rumored is how the Joy-Con controllers connect to the body of the Switch 2.
Instead of the current rail system, instead the new controllers would slot into the console and hold with electromagnetic connectors.
Videos of the dummy models have shown what appears to be a locking mechanism that ensures you can't just knock the controller off the console.
Additionally, with the increase in size of the console, it appears the Joy-Cons will also increase in size. A nice upgrade for those with larger hands, though even smaller hands could get cramped when holding a single Joy-Con.
What are we expecting to see?
A variety of dummy models claiming to be the Switch 2 have leaked over the past couple of months.
Based on those images and models, Nintendo appears to be making iterative changes to the Switch.
The Switch 2 appears to be larger, potentially with an OLED display, and new Joy-Con controllers that attach magnetically instead of on a rail like on the current Switch.
Nintendo reportedly irate about the Switch 2 leaks
Our sister site, GamesRadar, reported that Nintendo is struggling with all of the Switch 2 leaks.
A pair of former PR managers, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, said on a podcast that Nintendo is "really mad — to the most severe level."
Allegedly, as a company, Nintendo places a lot of import on surprise and maintaining surprise describing it as "so valuable and so important."
Surprisingly, despite the claimed anger Nintendo has seemingly done little about the leaks. After the accessory maker Genki was found showing off a dummy model of the Switch 2 during CES 2025, the company reportedly sent lawyers after the accessory maker.
Beyond that, it's not clear that Nintendo has pursued legal action against any other leakers. A curious move for a company that is widely known to be quite litigious in the gaming community.
When will the console actually arrive?
While we're expecting to Nintendo to tease or unveil the Switch 2, it doesn't answer when the console will actually hit store shelves and our hands.
The rumors have been varied on this. The soonest we might expect to see is in March with one Italian website claiming it will arrive on March 28.
On older rumor from a fairly reliable leaker reported that we wouldn't see the console until April or May.
For the most part, some time in March seems to be the most likely launch month.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has said that the company wants to beat scalpers by producing enough systems to meet demand.
“As a countermeasure against resale, we believe that the most important thing is to produce a sufficient number to meet customer demand, and this idea has not changed since last year,” said Furukawa.
More power, more memory
A pair of leaks from the last couple of weeks may give us an idea of how much more powerful the Switch 2 will be compared to its predecessor.
At the start of the month, an image of the alleged motherboard for the Switch 2 was put up on Reddit.
That image revealed an Nvidia chip, which we think is built on Nvidia Ampere and Samsung's 8nm mode. It seemingly confirmed that the Switch 2 might sport something like the Nvidia Tegra T239 chip, making it about as powerful as a PS4 or Ps4 Pro. Additionally, the motherboard appears to offer more RAM Slots, at least up to 12GB, tripling the current 4GB in the OG Switch. We do think all of this will allow for the Switch to offer a Nintendo version of DLSS upscaling.
Another leak from this week claimed that the Switch 2's GPU will hit clock speeds of 560MHz when in portable mode suggesting a device that is more powerful than the Steam Deck and just slightly less than the PS4. That leaked also claimed double that performance when in docked mode.
As with most Nintendo products, the Switch 2 won't break down the doors when it comes to power compared to many PCs or the PS5 and Xbox, but it sounds like Nintendo is making a pretty powerful little device that it will optimize to the nth degree.
Nintendo seems to tease fans
Drinking the milk, spilling the tea. #SuperMarioPartyJamboree pic.twitter.com/qwmvvT2ogzJanuary 14, 2025
We know Nintendo is aware of the leaks and the expectations for when they'll announce anything about the Switch 2.
Today, the company's X account seemingly teased fans with a simple "Drink the Milk, spilling the tea" post accompanied by a GIF from Super Mario Party Jamboree.
To say that the comments responding to the tweet lost their minds is a bit of an understandment. People immediately began clamoring for news on the Switch 2 and elbowing the Nintendo account "seeing what you did there" with the spilling the tea reference.
Add it to the pile of troll jobs the company has done on fans between the announcement of the Alarmo clock and the recent reveal of a Lego Nintendo set. They seem to know their teasing fans, especially the terminally online ones.
Is this the killer feature that would sell you on a Switch 2?
Nintendo is keeping quiet on the subject of the Switch 2 for now, which leaves a lot of room for rumor-mongering and speculation.
We've done our best to be picky and only pay attention to the Nintendo Switch 2 reports which come from trustworthy sources, but there's no science to it—we're predicting the future, and there's a lot of people excited about what Nintendo might change for the Switch 2.
Here at Tom's Guide, our own Tony Polanco is a Nintendo Switch skeptic, but there's one rumored feature that could change his mind about buying a Nintendo Switch 2: Nvidia's DLSS upscaling tech or something like it, which could be possible if the handheld really does live up to rumors that it's running on an Nvidia chip.
Where's the weird?
Outside of its previous Gameboy lineups, Nintendo has managed to make every console a unique animal.
From the strange controller on the N64 to the portable GameCube and later the Wii and even the Wii U and its foreshadowing of the Switch, Nintendo has done more than just iterate on its previous consoles.
Every console Nintendo has released was derided for its seeming gimmick before literally changing the gaming industry.
So, it's a tad disappointing that the leaks of the Nintendo Switch 2 point to a console that is merely bigger.
Still, I trust Nintendo and hope that the weird and the innovation is hiding in the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 might cost $400
Despite being more powerful and bigger, various rumors have suggested that the Switch 2 will be priced around $300.
One rumor from earlier in January suggested that it will be around $400 CAD in Canada, which works out to about $300 in the United States.
This would be around the same price as the Switch and Switch OLED launch prices.
A Japanese analyst claimed that the Switch 2 would cost $400 with games hitting the unfortunate $70 price mark. That price would be about $100 over the first-generation. It would still be cheaper than the PS5 and Xbox Series X at launch, but not as significantly.
Hopefully, the price is closer to the original console than higher.
Switch games on sale
While the Switch 2 is supposed to be backwards compatible, as confirmed by Nintendo, the original Switch is still a pretty good console.
With that in mind, whether you're waiting for the sequel or have the OG, it may be worth picking up some of best Switch games right now.
Fortunately, a number of Switch games are on sale and we've picked the best deals for your wallet to get as many games on your Switch as you can.
Nintendo may announce the Switch 2 today
After weeks of leaks, Nintendo is expected to announce the Switch 2 at some point today.
The company has not officially made any proclamations that a Nintendo Direct or some kind of trailer is will be released today, but all of the rumors point to January 16 being the day.
When the original Switch was announced, Nintendo released a trailer in October of 2016 with the official launch coming in March of that year. The company did tease the Switch in 2015 when it was still codenamed "NX." And there was a technical specifications livestream in January 2017.
Presuming Nintendo follows a similar schedule. We should see the official launch of the Switch 2 in March of this year. Which lines up with various leaks and rumors that have come out in the last couple of months.
Today's potentially the day. If Nintendo announces the new console Tom's Guide will be here to provide all the details we can find.
The biggest changes
As we wait to see what Nintendo might announce today, here's what Rory Mellon wrote a few weeks back about the three rumored Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades that will make him order a new handheld right way. Those happen to be:
- A better design
- A performance boost
- Improve Joy-Con controllers
So what's on your Nintendo Switch 2 wish list?
Here's the state of play
It's currently 4:30 a.m. ET, let's take stock of the current state of things as a new day begins, and (potentially) are just hours away from the Nintendo Switch 2 no longer being merely the thing of online speculation but a real confirmed console.
Numerous sources including the Nate the Hate podcast, VGC, Eurogamer and The Verge's Tom Warren have suggested that today (January 16) is the day that Nintendo has earmarked to introduce the Switch 2 to the world. This reveal is expected to be focused on the hardware, with a software-centered deep dive in subsequent weeks.
There has been hope that Nintendo would tease this announcement yesterday (Jan. 15), as it did ahead of the unveiling of the first-generation Switch back in 2016. However, that ultimately didn't happen. Instead, Nintendo's social media accounts were preoccupied with promoting the new Donkey Kong Country Returns HD game.
Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that the Switch 2 announcement won't still happen today, it just means that for now, we're expecting it to drop out of the blue without prior warning. For now, we're just keeping a very close watch on all Nintendo news channels for any hint that the world is about to be introduced to the Switch 2!
Nintendo Switch 2 launch games — here's the BIG rumors
The Nintendo Switch rumor mill has been largely focused on the console itself (for obvious reasons) but the actual games we'll be playing on Nintendo's next console haven't been entirely forgotten. There have been a few rumors suggesting the likes of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Red Dead Redemption 2 could pop up on Switch 2, but of course, with a Nintendo platform, it's all about the first-party exclusives.
The long-anticipated follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey is rumored to debut on Nintendo's next console, which would make a lot of sense as it's been 8 years since Mario's last new 3D adventure (unless you count the Bowser's Fury game included with the Switch port of the Wii U's Super Mario 3D World). However, the big whisper from online tipsters is that the Switch 2 will launch alongside a brand-new Mario Kart.
If you thought the wait for a new 3D Mario was long, there hasn't actually been a wholly new Mario Kart in more than 10 years. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch is a gussied-up remaster of Mario Kart 8 which launched on Wii U in May of 2014. So, we're certainly overdue a return to the track with the Italian plumber and his pals.
As for other titles we could see, purely speculating here, I wouldn't be shocked if Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ends up being a cross-gen game ala The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launching across the current Switch and its follow-up. And speaking of Zelda, perhaps Link's latest adventure, Tears of the Kingdom, could be ported to the Nintendo Switch 2 with improved visuals and framerate performance.
When to set your Alarmo!
Curious when Nintendo might reveal the Switch 2 today? You're certainly not the only one. The big question on everybody's lips right now is when exactly we can expect Nintendo to talk on the record about its next hardware. Without any word from the big N, we can only speculate, but reading the tea leaves, an announcement at 5 p.m. ET seems a reasonable guess - but remember this is a guess, I have no insider info.
5 p.m. would be 7 a.m. in Nintendo's native Japan, making it a reasonable time for an announcement that will make a splash in the company's two biggest markets, and even more encouragingly it's also the time that Nintendo dropped the reveal trailer for the first Nintendo Switch in October 2016. The pieces of the puzzle all appear to fit.
However, this is Nintendo we're talking about, so I don't recommend you set your Alarmo smart clock to 5 p.m. quite yet. Nintendo has a habit of being unpredictable, and there's every possibility the gaming giant will opt to do things differently this time. That's why, for now, we're keeping a close watch on all of Nintendo's main communication channels, and will report back if/when there are any updates.
Let's just hope today doesn't prove to be a false dawn!
What does the "C" stand for?
The majority of Nintendo Switch 2 renders floating around online all have one new feature in common: A new button. This little oddity is found on the right Joy-Con, and is etched with the letter "C", its exact purpose is one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the console right now (assuming it does prove to be part of the console).
Your first thought might be that "C" stands for "Capture", but don't forget that the current Nintendo Switch already has a dedicated capture button, which is located on the left Joy-Con, so it appears this button will be dedicated to a different function.
Over on Game Rant, it's been claimed that the letter stands for "Campus", which will be an entirely new feature on the Switch 2 that works similarly to the Wii U's Miiverse. A sort of social hub, where you can create a profile and get gaming updates from friends. A whole button dedicated to this feature would indicate that Nintendo views it as a core part of the Switch 2 experience. However, this is all just rumors for now.
Could Switch 2 reveal be imminent?
I can’t work out what to do for my lunch today. Do I have a sandwich or some soup? Or perhaps I should Switch between the 2January 16, 2025
Christopher Dring, head of industry publication GamesIndustry.biz, has taken to X to post a not-so-subtle indication that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be announced very shortly. In a follow-up post, he claims "It's getting pretty close". Dring is based in the U.K. (where the current time is just past 12:30 pm) so with the hints towards a lunchtime announcement we can reasonably guess that the Switch 2 could be announced within the next hour. That is assuming Dring isn't just joking around.
Shop this Switch sale while you wait!
If you're looking to fill the time until we hear about the Switch 2 (again, assuming all the rumors of a Jan. 16 announcement don't prove to be a false dawn), why not engage in a little retail therapy? Right now there are plenty of deals on Switch games over on Amazon, the sales include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Sonic X Shadow Generations and loads more. Remember the Switch 2 is reportedly set to be backwards compatible so pick up these savings even if you're planning to upgrade when Nintendo's new console launches (potentially) this year.
BREAKING: Nintendo Switch 2 revealed
The rumors were true, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been revealed via a two-minute video that showcases some of the new features of the console, and confirms that it will launch in 2025. Watch it above, and stay tuned for more coverage and reactions...
We'll learn more in April
Nintendo announced we'll learn more about the console in a direct on April 2. The quick video released today was probably meant to slow down the constant flow of leaks.
Unfortunately, the company has yet to set a final release date for the console, so we're waiting to learn more. Either way, this should slow the barrage of leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2 now that we know it's coming (and have seen official images of the console).
Experience the Switch 2 yourself
Along with announcing the Switch 2's existence, Nintendo revealed a series of events called the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience. You can register at Nintendo's website for a chance to attend one of these events happening in several major cities.
"Tickets will be made available through a free-to-enter, randomly selected drawing. Register during the registration period for a chance to attend," reads Nintendo's website. "Registration is open from Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET until Jan. 26 at 11:59 p.m. local time for each Event location."
You'll need to live near or be able to get to one of the cities to attend, but if you can't wait to get your hands on Nintendo's next console, it's worth registering for the free events.
Here's the complete list of locations:
-
North America:
- New York, April 4-6, 2025
- Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
- Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
- Toronto, April 25-27, 2025
-
Europe:
- Paris, April 4-6, 2025
- London, April 11-13, 2025
- Milan, April 25-27, 2025
- Berlin, April 25-27, 2025
- Madrid, May 9-11, 2025
- Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025
-
Oceania:
- Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025
-
Asia:
- Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025
- Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025
- Hong Kong, To be announced
- Taipei, To be announced
The Switch 2 will release this year
While Nintendo didn't announce a final release date for its upcoming console, it did say that it would come out in 2025. Sure, it's only January, so there's a lot of time left in the year, but it's still reassuring to know that we'll get to have the Switch 2 in our homes at some point in 2025 (the leading speculation says sometime after June, but we'll see).
Either way, as soon as we know more about the Switch 2 release date, we'll let you know.
When could Switch 2 pre-orders start?
In the end, the excitement of an announcement is only as good as our ability to get the console in our hands and play it. While we don't know much about when the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for pre-order, we hope to learn more shortly.
We know the Switch 2 will launch this year — Nintendo said as much.
If you're as curious as we are, bookmark our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide. It'll be updated with all the dates and links as they become available. We want to make it easy for you to find the information you need to increase your chances of getting a console (assuming demand is high, which it probably will be).
What do we know about the Switch 2?
While there was no shortage of rumors about the Switch 2 in the buildup to Nintendo's announcement, we know very little about the console. Nintendo's video shows the console in use with what appear to be the rumored magnetic Joy-Con controllers, which look solid. The screen seems bigger, though Nintendo didn't announce the size.
For those wondering, Nintendo says the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with Switch games. "Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2," reads the company's blog post.
Nintendo didn't say whether the Switch 2 would support accessories from the Switch (if you have a lot of controllers, this could be a crucial detail). We'll have to wait to learn more, but it would be wise for Nintendo to support them, as Switch players have spent a lot of money on accessories over the years. Of course, Nintendo would probably love it if everyone bought new accessories so that it could go either way.
The list of things we don't know is much longer than the list of things we do. We don't know the specs, screen size, what games are coming or any of those critical details. As mentioned, we'll learn more on April 2 during the Nintendo Direct. For now, all we can do is speculate and watch for more leaks, which are sure to come.
Switch 2 in a Steam Deck world
The Switch 2 is entering a different world than the Switch. And while you could argue that Nintendo created the handheld world we live in, Valve's Steam Deck took it to another level by offering PC gaming experiences on the go. Can the Switch 2, with its reportedly PS4 Pro level of graphics, hang?
We'll find out more as the console nears release, but if there's one thing we can count on, it's that Nintendo will have some tricks up its sleeve (plus the usual suite of Nintendo IP like Zelda, Mario and the rest).
Mario Kart 9?!
Nintendo teased a new game for the Switch 2, the first game we've seen for the upcoming game console. During the reveal trailer, we see a new Mario Kart on the Switch 2's larger display. Could it be Mario Kart 9?
We haven’t had a new entry in the series since the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which launched in 2017. It's been a long time since Nintendo released a game in one of its flagship series, so it would only stand to reason that it would pop one out for the Switch 2.
We didn't get any indication whether it would launch with the console or come later, but if Nintendo is showing it on the screen now, it probably means the game is ready to go.
Today is just a teaser. There’s plenty we don’t know about the Switch 2 and this new Mario Kart game. Tom's Guide has contacted Nintendo for comment, and we will let you know when we hear back.
Read the full story: Nintendo just teased a brand new Mario Kart game for Switch 2 — here’s what we know
Switch 2 price
Nintendo didn't tell us how much the Switch 2 console would cost (it's one of the many things we don't know after the company released its teaser video and press release).
That hasn't stopped the internet from speculating about the price of Nintendo's latest gaming system. The Switch launched at $259, and with inflation, we're sure the Switch 2 will cost more than that. After all, the current Switch OLED sells for $349.
Based on those numbers, I'd guess the Switch 2 will cost between $399 and $449. Nintendo would almost certainly need to make it more expensive than any of the current models, but the company wouldn't want to hit $500 when it's directly competing with Xbox Series X and PS5.
Again, this speculation is based on current pricing and Nintendo could pull out a surprise and make the console cheaper or more expensive based on what it thinks makes the most sense for business. One way or another, though, we'll monitor any Switch 2 information that comes out (including the price) and bring it to you as soon as we know anything.
Switch 2 games
Nintendo teased a new Mario Kart, but it didn't show off any other game franchises. This got me thinking: what franchises would I like to see brought to the Switch 2? There are the obvious choices like a new Mario Odyssey or another Mario game. A new Zelda seems like a no-brainer to happen during the next generation. Donkey Kong, Rabids, Smash Bros. and all our friends will probably be there.
But what about some outside-the-box games? Could a new franchise pop up and make waves like Splatoon did many years ago? Maybe more AAA third-party developers will welcome the Switch 2 with open arms thanks to its extra graphics power.
That's what is always fun about a console generation: the sense of wonder. What we don't know about Nintendo's plan for games is just as entertaining as what we do.
Mario Kart on Switch 2
X user @Mankalor posted that Mario Kart on Switch 2 will seemingly support up to 24 players on the race track.
Races get intense with 12 drivers, so we can only imagine the madness that will ensue with 24 characters on the track at once, assuming the game does indeed support that many.
How much will Switch 2 cost?
We don't yet know how much the Switch 2 will cost, so all we can do is speculate at this point.
The original Nintendo Switch cost $299 at launch. Given the new system's updated specs (and general inflation), the Switch 2 might cost $399 at a minimum. Though that's $100 more than the last system, $399 still hits that sweet spot of affordability for regular folks (and a profit for Nintendo).
Some have speculated that Switch 2 could cost as much as $500. Sure, that's the same price as the PS5 and Xbox Series X at their respective launches, but again, we have to remember that Switch 2 is aimed at families and casual players, not hardcore gaming enthusiasts who need the latest system on day one.
Again, this is all speculation on our part, but we'd be shocked if the base Switch 2 costs more than $400.
Switch 1-focused Nintendo Direct reportedly happening in February
Everyone will want more Switch 2 details between now and the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct happening on April 2. So what's Nintendo doing to tide its players over until then? Why, show off a bunch of Switch 1 games, of course!
According to YouTuber NateTheHate (via GameSpot), Nintendo will host a Nintendo Direct sometime in February to showcase various Switch 1 titles. The YouTuber in question accurately reported that Switch 2 would be unveiled today (Jan 16), for what it's worth. As VGC reports, Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe corroborated Nate's report.
Take the above with a healthy dose of skepticism, but keep an eye out for a potential Nintendo Direct in February.
Nintendo Switch 2 expected to ship 20 million units in first year
The original Nintendo Switch is the second highest-selling console of all time, right behind the PlayStation 2. Because of that, it's expected that the Switch 2 will be just as or more successful. Nintendo is apparently preparing for a huge launch for its upcoming system.
According to Robin Zhu, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein (via Bloomberg), Nintendo has prepared a supply chain network that will let the company ship over 20 million Switch 2 units in the system's first year. If true, that would exceed the Switch's 15 million sales in its first year.
Given how the world is no longer suffering a chip shortage, Nintendo should be able to manufacture (and sell) that many Switch 2 consoles in a year. Hopefully, that will be enough units to satisfy customers, as the Switch 2 will no doubt be a must-own item when it arrives.
Backward compatibility on Switch 2
Let's talk about Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility. Here's what Nintendo says:
"Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2."
We're sure many are relieved knowing that most of their Switch games will be playable on Switch 2 — especially since Nintendo doesn't have the best track record for backward compatibility for its main consoles. It's unclear which games won't be playable, but we'll have to wait to hear more.
Also, while the quote above doesn't directly say it, it's a safe bet Switch 2 games won't work on Switch 1. That'd be a surefire way to undermine the new system.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch 2 is on everyone's lips, but what's new about this upcoming handheld/console hybrid? We detail the known differences in our article titled: Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch — here’s everything that's new.
As we say in the piece, the most immediate difference between the systems is that Switch 2 is larger than the original. The main unit is not only bigger but has an increased display size with thinner bezels. We don't have exact specs, but the new display might be 7.5 inches. Another upgrade is the redesigned kickstand, which covers the entire back of the console and is fully adjustable.
The Joy-Con controllers are also receiving an upgrade. They now connect to the main console via a new snapping (possibly magnetic) system rather than the railing connectors on Switch 1. The Switch 2 reveal trailer has the Joy-Cons snapping into place. There also appears to be a mysterious new button on the right Joy-Con that the pre-announcement renders labeled as the "C" button, though it's blank in the reveal trailer.
Nintendo Switch 2 includes a redesigned dock. The sharp-angled dock of the first-generation Switch is replaced with a softer, rounded, dock instead. Its function will be the same, and it will allow you to connect your Switch 2 to your television in just a single motion.
Switch 2's potential secret weapon
Nintendo didn't disclose systems specs for the Switch 2. However, various rumors and alleged leaks hint at a more powerful system than its predecessor. That's expected, but there is one feature that could be a game-changer for Switch 2: Nvidia DLSS.
Based on images of the alleged Nintendo Switch 2 motherboard, the Switch 2 will utilize an Nvidia SoC (system on a chip). The chip in question is built on Samsung Foundry’s 8nm process — which is the same as Nvidia Ampere. This chip focuses on improved ray tracing cores, faster memory and AI performance. With an Ampere chip and a reported 12GB of RAM, the Switch 2 could employ Nintendo’s take on DLSS or Nvidia’s upscaling technology.
If Switch 2 features upscaling tech to help its games look sharp on 4K TV when the system is docked, it would certainly get skeptical folks like our own Tony Polanco to at least consider getting the Switch 2.
How long will the Switch 1 last?
Nintendo has a history of completely discontinuing older consoles when the new version arrives. For it example, the company announced it would discontinue the Wii U months before the Switch 1 launched. So this makes us wonder how the Switch 1 will fare once its bigger sibling launches.
Though Nintendo is sure to eventually discontinue the Switch 1 to ensure it doesn't cannibalize Switch 2 sales, it might not be an abrupt end. As posted earlier in this live blog, rumors suggest Nintendo will host a Switch 1-centric Nintendo Direct in February. It wouldn't make sense to kill this system off quickly if games are still coming out for it.
And given how the Switch 2 might not arrive until much later this year, the Switch 1 still has plenty of time to shine before it bows out. If you're a Switch owner, expect your console to receive support at least until the end of the year.
Does the Switch 2 Joy-Con act as a mouse?
One of the strangest Switch 2 rumors was that the Joy-Con controllers could have mouse-like functionality. While Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed such functionality, the reveal trailer sure makes us think you might be able to use Joy-Cons like a computer mouse.
During the video, we see a Joy-Con sliding across a surface like a mouse. The controller even has a wrist strap dangling behind it like a tail! There even appears to be an optical mouse light on the Joy-Cons, which adds more credence to the old rumor.
Why would you want to use a Joy-Con as a mouse? It's anyone's guess, but perhaps we'll see games make use of this functionality. We wouldn't mind playing a Mario RTS game.
How accurate were the leaks?
Seemingly every square inch of the Switch 2 was revealed in leaks and rumors before today's announcement.
But how many of those were accurate.
Release Date
Many of the leaks had the announcement date of January, and later January 16 correct. However, a number posited that the Switch 2 would launch in March. So far, it's unclear if that will happen since Nintendo's preview events where you can test out a Switch 2 aren't scheduled until April. It's unclear if Nintendo will release the console before then or afterward.
Design
Several leakers purported to have dummy units from 3rd-party manufacturers. Those models revealed the new U-shaped kickstand, larger Joy-Cons, the mysterious C button the surprising lack of color in the new console.
They also revealed the redesigned detachable Joy-Cons with electromagnetic connectors.
Nintendo has scheduled a Nintendo Direct in April where more technical details will be shared. So we don't know how big the screen will be but it is definitely larger as shown in the trailer. Based on comparison shots, we suspect it will be the rumored 8-inches.
Joy-Cons
While the connection system was accurate, one rumor claimed that the Joy-Cons could be used as a mouse. Nintendo didn't outright show this off in the teaser trailer today, but it was heavily implied in a couple of clips. This one remains to be seen.
One rumor claimed that the Switch Pro and original Joy-Cons could be used with the new console. Nintendo has not confirmed or denied this and it wasn't revealed in the trailer.
Ports
Sure looks like a lot of ports are coming including two USB-C ports as rumored. One on top and one the bottom as shown by Genki at CES 2025. It also looks like it have a cartridge slot, Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will support physical and digital games.
We'll look at rumors we don't yet have confirmed next.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch
We broke down the biggest upgrades and differences between the Switch 2 and the OG Switch on the Tom's Guide channel.
Be sure to subscribe there for more videos where we go hands-on with tech, review new products and bit upgrades against predecessors.
Rumors awaiting confirmation
There are several rumors that still await confirmation, which hopefully Nintendo will provide when it eventually reveals technical details on the Switch 2.
For now, we don't know if the Switch 2 will support 4K resolution when in docked mode, as has been rumored. We know the console should draw 60W of power while docked, which suggests higher performance and graphical capabilities. But it's speculation for now.
An alleged image of the motherboard leaked which suggested a more powerful console with potentially up to 12GB of RAM and an Nvidia Tegra chip, which might be capable of DLSS and ray tracing. This was not confirmed today. Neither was the purportedly more powerful GPU.
Again, Nintendo did not show technical specs for the Switch 2 today and is expected to do so during the April Direct. We'll know if these rumors are true then.
Will the Switch 2 be weird enough?
Going into the Switch 2 announcement, my big concern was where the gimmick would be in the new console.
As we broke down previously, Nintendo has always offered something unique with various consoles, and an iterative Switch upgrade neither feels unique or exciting.
that said, we had seen the rumors about a mouse-like Joy-Con but weren't quite sure what that meant. It's still unclear from the teaser, but seeing the new Joy-Cons in a bit of action made me very curious what Nintendo might do with a mouse-esque controller.
My first thought was that Sid Meier's Civ series would play way better on console with a mouse. But what else could it do? Especially with access to all the other buttons on the Joy-Con, even if they are in strange places compared to a normal mouse.
The mouse controller is suitably weird for a console and I can't wait to see how Nintendo integrates it into games.
However, is that weird enough? Maybe. Personally, I'm hoping Nintendo has a bit more up its sleeve.
Register your interest in Switch 2 pre-orders now
One of the first questions many people asked themselves straight after the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal was "Where can I pre-order?" Unfortunately, there are no firm details at this stage, but you can register your interest in Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders over at Best Buy in the U.S. and ShopTo in the U.K. (but the latter costs £0.01).
Registering your interest is a no-commitment way of telling these retailers you're interested in purchasing a Switch 2 console and will ensure they contact you with details when that information is available. I'm speculating we'll hear more about Switch 2 pre-orders during the confirmed April 2 Nintendo Direct showcase.
Meanwhile, be sure to bookmark our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide. It will be updated regularly with the latest details as we get them and will (hopefully) help you secure your Switch 2 console. Over the past few years, several gaming items have sold out fast, so if you want a Switch 2 at launch, you'll want to keep an eye on things.
Switch 2 accessories are already popping up online
While we'll have to wait until the Switch 2 Direct in April to learn more about Nintendo's plans for the upcoming console, we at least know what some of the accessories will look like.
Nacon recently updated its website with a special Switch 2 page to showcase new USB-C chargers, carrying cases, screen protectors, and other accessories for the Switch 2. The most noteworthy is a foldable steering wheel accessory, presumably for the new Mario Kart game Nintendo teased in its announcement trailer.
The accessory houses both the left and right Joy-Con controllers, features a foldable design for easy storage, and comes with suction cups on its base so you can attach it to a desk or table.
