Highlights
- Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons, a sleeker design and backwards compatibility with Switch games.
- It is confirmed for release in 2025 with potential launch events in April and June.
- Nintendo is hosting demo events worldwide starting in April 2025.
- Rumoured Specs: eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB or 12GB RAM, NVIDIA Tegra239 SoC, DLSS support and a 1080p running display in handheld mode and 4K when docked.
After years of speculation, Nintendo finally dropped a short teaser trailer of the Switch 2 last month confirming some key details. Even though a lot of details are still under wraps, here’s a roundup of what we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 so far.
Nintendo Switch 2 – What’s New?
At first glance, the Switch 2 looks a lot like the original, but it comes with some key improvements such as a larger display, Magnetic Joy-Cons instead of mechanical rails, a sleeker design and backwards compatibility with Switch games.
Nintendo hasn’t changed the core concept and it’s still a portable console with detachable controllers that dock for big-screen gaming.
One major change is the new magnetic attachment system for Joy-Cons. They won’t slide into place like before but connect magnetically. A small connector on the main unit likely charges the controllers and could remove the need for Bluetooth pairing. It’s unclear if older Joy-Cons will work with the new system.
Another welcome addition is a second USB-C port on the top, making it easier to plug in accessories while docked. The headphone jack stays and hopefully, Bluetooth headphone support will be available out of the box unlike the original Switch, which made users wait years for the feature.
The kickstand also gets an upgrade just like the Switch OLED but fully adjustable for better viewing angles.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Launch Date
As for the launch, the only thing we know for sure is the confirmed release year 2025. However, leaks from accessory maker Genki suggest a launch in April, while other reports point to June.
We should get an official release date during the April 2 Direct.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa told Nikkei earlier in February 2025 that the company would “prepare enough products to meet demand” for Nintendo Switch 2 at launch (translated from Japanese).
Nintendo Switch 2 – Nintendo’s Hosting Demo Events
Nintendo is planning a worldwide roadshow where gamers can get hands-on experience with the Switch 2.
- New York & Paris: April 3-6
- More cities to follow over the next two months
This lines up with rumours of a June release.
Ticket registration for Switch 2 Experience events in New York, Los Angeles, and Paris starts January 17 at 3 PM ET and runs until January 26. You’ll need a Nintendo Account, and winners will be randomly selected.
The full list of Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events is as follows:
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
Nintendo Switch 2 – Backwards Compatibility Confirmed
Nintendo confirmed in November 2024 that the Switch 2 will support existing Switch games, both physical and digital. It will also include Nintendo Online letting users play retro classics.
However, Nintendo notes that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” Details on which games won’t work will be shared later.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Specs & Performance (Rumoured)
Rumours about the Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware have been circulating for a while. According to a leaked spec sheet from the Korean United Daily News, the console could feature an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB or possibly 12GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
Reports also suggest that it will use an NVIDIA-produced Tegra239 SoC, which makes sense given that the current Switch already runs on an NVIDIA chip.
The real upgrade reportedly is expected to be the Switch 2’s GPU. It’s almost certain that the console will support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), NVIDIA’s upscaling technology. This would allow games to be rendered at a lower resolution but displayed in high resolution improving graphics without putting too much strain on the hardware.
It is unclear whether the Switch 2 will support the latest DLSS features like frame generation or if existing Switch games will automatically benefit from the technology.
In terms of display resolution, recent reports suggest that the Switch 2 will run games at 1080p in handheld mode and 4K when docked. If true, this would be a significant leap from the original Switch’s 720p handheld resolution and sub-1080p docked output.
What Games Will Launch With the Switch 2?
The reveal trailer showed a new Mario Kart hinting at a long-awaited sequel. Other possible launch games include –
- A new 3D Mario adventure
- A Ubisoft title
- A unique “party” game like 1-2-Switch
Moreover, Nintendo will likely confirm the launch lineup in April.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Expected Cost
According to online speculations and fans’ expectations, the Switch 2 will most likely cost somewhere around $400. However, there have been reports suggesting a higher pricing strategy.
In any case, we will have to wait till April 2 to know the exact details.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key improvements in the Nintendo Switch 2?
Answer. The Switch 2 features a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons, a sleeker design, and backwards compatibility with Switch games.
Q2. When is the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to be released?
Answer. The confirmed release year is 2025, with potential launch events in April and June.
Q3. What new attachment system is introduced for Joy-Cons in the Switch 2?
Answer. The new Joy-Cons use a magnetic attachment system instead of mechanical rails, with a small connector likely charging the controllers.
Q4. What are the rumoured specs and performance features of the Switch 2?
Answer. The Switch 2 could feature an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, NVIDIA Tegra239 SoC, DLSS support, and a display running 1080p in handheld mode and 4K when docked.