The Nintendo Switch is one of the most successful consoles in video game history and the idea of a Nintendo Switch 2 is a mouth-watering prospect.
Recent leaks and rumours are starting to pop up, suggesting that it’s time for Nintendo to upgrade to a device that can compete with the Xbox Series X and PS5.
While they’ve released variants of the portable console, such as the Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch OLED, it’s time for its next model to be a real titan in the console space.
Here’s what we know about the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
Recent rumours have suggested that the Nintendo Switch 2 will release in Early 2024, but it’s looking more likely to be 2025.
Leaks suggest the console will be released in March 2025, but publishers have been warned the Switch 2 could slip past this date. It’s also expected info will arrive in Fall 2024.
In a recent tweet from the @NintendoCoLtd Twitter handle, an announcement that the successor to the Nintendo Switch will come within the fiscal year (which runs until March 2025).
They also mentioned that while a Nintendo Direct will in June, detailing new software lineups, there will be no mention of the new device. It will largely be made up of remasters and a last big push for the original Switch.
It eludes to the fact that these new games will be featured on the new device but the specifics of the device will not be detailed.
Depending on the quality of the games, it may give us an indication of how strong the device is.
Given Microsoft and Sony are aiming to produce a new console by 2028, it gives Nintendo a solid 4 years before any other consoles start to hit the market.
It’s also a nice way to undercut the competition as Microsoft and Sony look to create smaller and lighter versions of the current generation of consoles.
Price
The original Nintendo Switch cost £279.99 at launch, which is slightly cheaper than the current OLED model currently being sold.
We expect the Nintendo Switch 2, depending on what new features it brings, to be in the £300-350 range.
It’s rumoured that the new console will come with an LCD screen to keep costs down.
Will There Be Exclusive Games?
As with every Nintendo Console, there will be exclusive games with it the only confirmed game to be arriving on the Switch 2 so far is Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
It’s been nearly 10 years since Mario Kart 8 launched on the Wii U and while it was reported to the Switch and is currently getting regular content updates, there’s no doubt a new one will arrive with this new console.
It’s also very likely we’ll see some of Nintendo’s most popular IPs such as Super Smash Bros, Pokemon, Animal Crossing and much more.
With its upgraded power, we’re hoping we’ll start to see more options for game choices that are already cross-platform such as Call of Duty.
It’s been rumoured that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible.
Some third-party games will be confirmed for Switch 2 as early as the second half of this year.
Nintendo Switch 2 Console Specs
There’s little information in terms of specs for the Nintendo Switch 2 at this time, but we can assume that they will aim to upgrade its power and characteristics.
We’re expecting at least the addition of 4K compatibility (when in docked mode) and 1080p in tablet mode and hopefully a stronger screen refresh rate.
Below are some of the leaked specs for the Switch 2.
It’s rumoured that SAMSUNG will provide a lot of the components.
The Nvidia Tegra T239 SoC will be manufactured by Samsung using their 7LPH process. A Samsung 5th generation V-NAND will be used both for internal storage and Game Cards. Samsung also will provide the displays, but no specific type of technology (LCD/OLED) has been mentioned.
Screen
It’s rumoured that the new console will come with an LCD screen to keep costs down.
The screen is 8 inches, 1080p – with the original being 7 inches and supporting 720p.
Dock And Stand
The Dock still uses USB-C, but will now have 4K support
The kickstand has a damping bracket for improved adjustments.
The new dock looks pretty similar to the current dock, with the main difference being that one side is more rounded.
Joycons
According to an accessory manufacturer, the new Joy-Cons are larger and magnetically attached, using an electromagnet to secure them.
The SL and SR buttons are metallic now and there are two new buttons:
- One behind the Joy-Con
- One below the Home button
The original Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers are still supported and still have HD Rumble, but will be connected via Bluetooth and won’t be possible to attach them.
Cartridges
Recent leaks suggest that Switch 1 Game Cards will be supported on Switch 2, but the new Switch 2 Cards won’t fit on a Switch 1 – which makes sense.
It’s also been rumoured that there will be a new cartridge format and camera feature.
Storage/Memory
Another key issue with the Nintendo Switch is its small storage capacity, so rumours that a 512GB of onboard storage is promising.
Current Specs
As a reminder, here are the specs of the Nintendo Switch OLED.
- Size
- 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached)
- *The depth from the tip of the analog sticks to the tip of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.12 inches
- 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached)
- Weight
- Approximately .71 lbs
- (Approximately .93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached)
- Approximately .71 lbs
- Screen
- Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7.0 inch OLED screen / 1280×720
- CPU/GPU
- NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor
- Storage
- 64 GB
- Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB (sold separately).
- 64 GB
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant) / Bluetooth 4.1
- Video output
- Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode
- Up to 720p via a built-in screen in Tabletop mode and Handheld modes
- Audio output
- Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output
- Output via HDMI connector in TV mode
- Speakers
- Stereo
- Buttons
- Power button / Volume button
- USB connector
- USB Type-C
- Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock.
- Headphone/mic jack
- 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard)
- Game card slot
- Nintendo Switch game cards
- microSD card slot
- Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards
- *Once the microSDXC card is inserted, a system update will be necessary. An internet connection is required to perform this system update.
- Sensor
- Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor
- Operating environment
- 41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity
- Internal battery
- Lithium-ion battery / 4310mAh
- Battery life
- Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- Power Consumption
- TV mode
- Playing a game: Approx. 6W
- Watching a video: Approx. 5W
- On the main menu: Approx. 3W
- Sleep mode*: Approx. 0.3W
- Sleep mode**: Approx. 2.2W
- Power off: Approx. 0.3W
- Handheld & Tabletop modes
- Playing a game: Approx. 4W
- Watching a video: Approx. 3W
- On the main menu: Approx. 2W
- Sleep mode: Approx. 0.03W
- Power off: Less than 0.01W
- Estimated annual energy consumption***: Approx. 6 kWh* / Approx. 21 kWh**
- *Wired internet connection setting is off
- **Wired internet connection setting is on
- ***The estimated annual energy consumption of a console when used for gaming an average two hours per day for a whole year.
- Power consumption varies depending on software and usage conditions. Values have been rounded off to the nearest full value. There also may be some statistical variations on the energy consumption values displayed. The values could also change depending on the usage environment and conditions.
- Charging time
- Approximately 3 hours
*When charging while the hardware is in sleep mode
- Approximately 3 hours
- TV mode
Leave a Reply