Nintendo Switch 2: The New Pocket Flagship Unveiled

The official trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled on January 16, 2025, taking the gaming community by surprise. Without any prior announcement, the new console's form factor was suddenly showcased on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While the release date had been the subject of much speculation, NateTheHate accurately predicted the reveal date.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can watch it below:

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Size Design What's inside? Release Date Price What are we going to play? 0 0 Comment on this Size

The trailer clearly shows that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger in every dimension compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the sticks have been upsized. While exact specifications are yet to be officially released, insiders suggest the following dimensions: a height of 116 mm, a width of 270 mm, and a thickness of 14 mm. This makes the Switch 2 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Nintendo Switch. Rumors also hint at an 8-inch screen, an upgrade from the 7-inch screen on the OLED version of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The video presentation introduces a new design for the Joy-Cons, now featuring a magnetic connection secured by two recessed contacts on the console's body. This design ensures durability, as the contacts are protected by the console’s frame, making it nearly impossible to forcibly remove the Joy-Cons without damaging the console. The SL and SR buttons have been enlarged and are now metallic, with strong magnets preventing accidental detachment. However, this design choice results in side bezels around the screen.

Image: youtube.com

The controllers now "slide" to the side after pressing a button, and the holder that converts them into a full joystick has a flat upper grip. Joy-Cons are now inserted from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have been slightly enlarged, and the sticks now use Hall effect sensors to reduce drift. Notably, the IR camera has been removed, potentially affecting backward compatibility with games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

A microphone and a USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel of the console, possibly indicating support for wired joysticks and in-game voice chat.

What's inside?

While full specifications will be revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, there's speculation that the Switch 2 will have performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It may support Quad HD resolution when docked. Insiders suggest the following specs:

Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239RAM: 12 GBStorage: 256 GBMemory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD ExpressScreen: LCD, 8 inchesRumors indicate that the console will not launch with an OLED screen but will still support many AAA projects from previous years, including a possible port of Genshin Impact.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May, with an official announcement expected at the Nintendo Direct in April. A June release seems likely, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour starting on April 4, where fans can try the console. Registration for the tour is open until January 26 on the official Nintendo website.

Image: nintendo.com

Here is the list of cities and dates where the console will be showcased:

New York — 04/04-06/04Paris — 04/04-06/04Los Angeles — 11/04-13/04London — 11/04-13/04Berlin — 25/04-27/04Dallas — 25/04-27/04Milan — 25/04-27/04Toronto — 25/04-27/04Tokyo — 26/04-27/04Amsterdam — 09/05-11/05Madrid — 09/05-11/05Melbourne — 09/05-11/05Seoul — 31/05-01/06Hong Kong — To be announcedTaipei — To be announcedPrice

The console's price is still unconfirmed, but speculation suggests a starting price of €399, with some believing it might be slightly lower at €349. We recommend waiting for the Nintendo Direct for official pricing details.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video showcased Mario Kart 9 as the first exclusive for the Switch 2, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and redesigned item boxes that are now yellow and more visible.

Image: youtube.com

Further game announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans have been speculating about potential titles for the Switch 2, including:

Fallout 4Red Dead Redemption 2Tekken 8StarfieldDiablo IVElden RingMySims Action BundleHalo: The Master Chief CollectionMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024Final Fantasy VII RemakeFinal Fantasy VII RebirthThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight PrincessStay tuned for more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, with further news expected after the Nintendo Direct in April.