New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2: A Sneak Peek at the Next-Gen Console

The surprise January 16th, 2025 YouTube reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer sent shockwaves through the gaming community. While release date rumors had circulated for months, the announcement itself was completely unexpected, accurately predicted only by NateTheHate. If you missed it, check out the trailer below:

Table of Contents

• Size
• Design
• Internal Specs
• Release Date
• Price
• Launch Titles

Size

The trailer clearly shows a larger console than its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions aren't officially confirmed, leaked specs point to a height of 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This represents a 3.1cm increase in width and 1.4cm in height compared to the standard Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch OLED Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic connection, secured by recessed contacts within the console body. Insiders claim this design is surprisingly robust, preventing accidental detachment and damage. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, contributing to the magnetic hold. This design necessitates screen bezels. The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned, with flat grips and side insertion instead of top insertion. Buttons are slightly larger, and the thumbsticks are rumored to utilize Hall effect sensors to minimize drift. However, the IR camera is absent, potentially impacting 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, possibly enabling wired joystick support and voice chat.

Image: youtube.com

Internal Specifications

Full specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but leaks suggest a PlayStation 4/Xbox One-level processor, a custom Nvidia Tegra T239, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage with microSD card support (including microSD Express). An LCD, not OLED, screen is expected at launch.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May, with June being a likely timeframe. The official date will be revealed in April. The Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour, starting April 4th, allows hands-on demos in select cities (registration closes January 26th).

Image: nintendo.com

Tour Dates:

• New York: April 4th-6th
• Paris: April 4th-6th
• Los Angeles: April 11th-13th
• London: April 11th-13th
• Berlin: April 25th-27th
• Dallas: April 25th-27th
• Milan: April 25th-27th
• Toronto: April 25th-27th
• Tokyo: April 26th-27th
• Amsterdam: May 9th-11th
• Madrid: May 9th-11th
• Melbourne: May 9th-11th
• Seoul: May 31st-June 1st
• Hong Kong: TBA
• Taipei: TBA

Price

Pricing remains unconfirmed, with speculation ranging from €349 to €399. Wait for the Nintendo Direct for official pricing.

Image: stuff.tv

Launch Titles

Mario Kart 9, featuring 24-player online support, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes, is confirmed. Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct. Speculated titles include Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption 2, Tekken 8, Starfield, Diablo IV, Elden Ring, MySims Action Bundle, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Image: youtube.com

Stay tuned for more updates after the April Nintendo Direct!