Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiling 9 Key Details

After months of being the gaming industry's worst-kept secret, the Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled. We've now had our first glimpse of the new console through a trailer released by Nintendo, which confirms numerous leaks about the successor to the original Nintendo Switch.

Unfortunately, the trailer was tantalizingly brief, leaving many questions unanswered. What is the exact release date? How much will it cost? Why isn’t it backwards-compatible with every original Switch game? Let's delve into the biggest questions surrounding the new console as we await the next Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

There's been a lot of speculation about when in 2025 Nintendo plans to release the Switch 2. The trailer doesn't provide new insights, only confirming that the system will hit stores at some point this year. Given the original Switch launched on March 3, 2017, after its reveal in October 2016, it's possible Nintendo might follow a similar timeline. This could place the release of the Switch 2 around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors.

We know for sure the system won't launch before April 2025. Nintendo has scheduled a Direct livestream on April 2, where we'll get more details about the console and see footage of the Switch 2's launch games. Additionally, Nintendo will run a series of hands-on fan preview events from April to early June. It makes sense to release the console after these events conclude, but we'll likely have to wait until the Direct for a firm release date.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price remains a significant mystery surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2. Will it match the original Switch's pricing, or should gamers prepare for a price increase?

The original Switch launched at $300, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given that the Switch 2 appears to be an upgraded version with superior hardware, a price increase of $50 or $100 seems likely. Current rumors suggest the Switch 2 will launch at $400, aligning with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts largely agree that $400 could be the sweet spot for the new console.

The final price might hinge on the hardware's sophistication. Rumors indicate the Switch 2's performance is comparable to the Xbox One X, suggesting a significant upgrade over its predecessor but not necessarily cutting-edge. Factors like the screen type—whether it remains an OLED or switches to LED/LCD—will influence the cost.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

A console's success often hinges on its launch lineup. The original Switch hit the ground running with a strong set of games, including a new Legend of Zelda title, Mario Kart 8, and Super Mario Odyssey later that year.

What can we expect from the Switch 2? The trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but details on other launch titles are scarce. If Nintendo has a new Zelda or Mario game planned, they're keeping it under wraps until April.

We do have a list of games rumored to launch with the Nintendo Switch 2, suggesting robust third-party support due to the console's improved technical capabilities, narrowing the gap with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

One key takeaway from the trailer is that the Switch 2 is not only more powerful but also larger than its predecessor. Both the console and the Joy-Cons are taller, though the width seems unchanged, and the screen is larger, occupying more of the front of the unit.

Estimates suggest the Switch 2 is around 15% larger than the original. This raises questions about comfort and handling. We'll need to wait until April for more concrete details.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The original Switch's major hardware refresh was the OLED model, offering brighter, more vibrant visuals and improved battery life. Will the Switch 2 continue this trend?

It's unclear from the trailer whether the Switch 2 will feature an OLED screen or opt for an LED or LCD panel to reduce costs. We'll have to wait for the next Nintendo Direct for more information.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, whether physical cartridges or digital downloads, easing the transition to the new console.

However, the trailer includes a disclaimer that not all Switch games will be compatible. Which games won't work? Are they games requiring specific hardware like Ring Fit Adventure or Nintendo LABO, or are there other limitations at play?

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While it's great that most original Switch games will work on the new console, the question remains: how will they perform on the Switch 2? Will Nintendo leverage the upgraded hardware to enhance framerates and graphics?

Given the demand for more powerful performance in graphically intensive games like Tears of the Kingdom, it's likely Nintendo has plans to offer improved versions. Will this mean loading old Switch games directly onto the Switch 2, or will gamers need to purchase upgraded, remastered versions? What exactly will this entail for fans looking to enjoy a remastered Tears of the Kingdom?

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

Rumors about upgraded Joy-Con controllers were confirmed by the trailer, which showcases an extra button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. It also seems to confirm the Joy-Con can be manipulated like a computer mouse, potentially opening up new gameplay possibilities.

How will the Switch 2 utilize these new features? Will the mouse-like functionality enhance first-person shooters or strategy games? What will the new button do? We anticipate these questions will be addressed at the Direct event in April, where new games demonstrating these features will likely be shown.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift was a notorious issue on the original Switch, where joysticks would register movement on their own. Nintendo was proactive in offering repairs and replacements, but the problem persisted.

We hope the Switch 2 addresses this issue. Will the new Joy-Cons be drift-proof? Will the combination of new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments solve this problem? We'll find out more at the Direct event in April.