Something big is coming to the gaming industry in 2025. After years of rumors and online speculation, Nintendo is finally releasing the highly anticipated next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2. This is a sequel to the 3rd best selling console in history, the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo has released limited information regarding the Switch 2, but from what people know, it will be very successful. Nintendo has not yet confirmed an official release date, but revealed it will be releasing in 2025. On April 2nd, Nintendo will hold a Nintendo Direct live stream which will focus more on the console and hopefully provide more information then.
Although limited information has been released, online speculation is that the Switch 2 will cost between $399-$499. Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s President, has taken various points into consideration about the launch price. One was, “the affordable prices that consumers expect from Nintendo products.” Nintendo Life has spotted a rumor that the switch 2 will have a retail price of around $379. This would make the next-generation switch $30 more than the MSRP of the original Nintendo Switch OLED.
The Nintendo Switch 2 looks almost identical to its parent Switch, but the biggest difference is the size. The Switch 2 is actually bigger than the OG Switch. Usually bigger is better for handheld devices, featuring bigger units, just like the Steam Deck OLED. As the evolution of the switch continues, it’s only going to continue to get bigger and bigger.
From what was shown in the first-look trailer, the Switch 2 will have a larger display and smaller bezels. The actual dimensions have not been confirmed, but more online speculation has theorized the screen will be 7.5 inches. This is an upgrade that many people are looking forward to, especially because the current Switch’s screen size measures at a 6.2 inch display.
Another feature that will come with this Switch is an adjustable kickstand. This will cover the entire back of the device, and will allow the user to view the display from any angle, which is an improvement from the current Switch’s restrictive and flimsy kickstand. This is comparable with the added kickstand to the Switch OLED model back in 2021.
One of the more mysterious features on the Switch 2 is a new button added to the right joy con controller, which was actually hidden in the reveal trailer. Nintendo has not explained the exact purpose of this button yet, and pre-announcement renders has this button labeled with a “C” button for the time being.
It is also rumored that the Switch 2 controllers will have mouse-like functionality. Images from a recent Nintendo patent indicate how this may work. According to the first-look trailer, both controllers seem to have this feature, suggesting that there could be a mouse operating sensor. Despite the fact that both of the controllers may have this, the other can be used normally for extra functions. This is like how PC games involve a keyboard’s WASD keys. More images depict a new type of controller, like a traditional console controller, which also seems to have that same mouse functionality. Some people believe this indicates a possible controller designed for the Switch 2, most likely a “Pro” controller.
One of the more highly anticipated features of the Switch 2 is suggested proximity chat features. The current Switch requires players to use the Nintendo Switch Online App to communicate with other players while in online mode. Including these supposed chat features in the Switch 2 this would be an upgrade from the original Switch. People believe that this could be the use of the new “C” button. Some believe this “C” button is the “Chat” button.
So far, the Switch 2 will be a more powerful “model” than the first-generation. The exact power is yet to be measured, but from what is known, it will be an upgrade from the OG Switch’s dated Nivida Tegra XI CPU.
Since 2017, the gaming market has changed a lot when the Switch was officially released. The Nintendo Switch 2 is supposedly going to face competition from the liking towards the Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally X. However, Nintendo has not prioritized power yet. The Switch was nothing compared to the PS4 and Xbox One. Maybe Nintendo will regain focus on software over anything else.
One of the most anticipated upgrades to the Switch 2 is the improved Joy-Con controllers. Although these controllers may not appear much different than the Switch’s controllers. The Joy-Cons won’t only be bigger in size, but also will connect to the console in a different way. This new connection method is suspected to be magnetic, and has already been included. The Switch 2’s reveal video shows the change to the Joy-Cons and how they snap onto the main console.
The Switch 2 is expected to come with a new dock as well. This dock has rounded edges, and more display when the unit is docked. This feature will be used for gameplay, and has yet to be seen. It is hoped that the ethernet port added (from the OLED) will be regained as well.
In the release trailer, Ninetendo showed a side of the dock, but did not explain much about it. On February 27th, another render was leaked, claiming to show the full dock. It did sho the dock had a new grid-like pattern on the bottom that could provide the console with more capabilities. One being, more airflow, keeping it cooler during the more intensive dock mode. Another leak showed the power output on the dock, including 20 volt 3A and an output of 15v 2.8A written on the dock.
All in all, the Switch 2 is projected to see more profound improvements than the original console, featuring a larger display and more powerful components. While most consoles are often praised for the habit of making unexpected decisions, Ninetndo has taken a different approach, going off by what works best and what best delivers a successful and entertaining product. The Switch 2 is an incredible hybrid machine that has become an important place in the gaming industry, and has withstood its more powerful competitors.
If Nintendo carries on with their supposed switch 2 launch, along with some exclusive games, it could quite possibly be successful right from day 1. The final price will play a big role, which is still unfortunately unknown.
Nintendo has not revealed which games will be on the Switch 2 yet, but they have revealed that “Mario Kart 9” will be launched alongside the Switch 2. It is rumored that the Nintendo Switch 2 will have backward compatibility of both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, Nintendo has also announced that “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” These specific games have yet to be revealed, but more information on that is coming later. It is also speculated that players will be able to access their digital Switch games on the Switch 2 through their own Nintendo account.
The gaming community may not know a lot regarding this console yet, but as time goes on, the Switch 2 looks to be another gaming success.
