New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

The official Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer dropped unexpectedly on January 16th, 2025, appearing without prior announcement on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While release date rumors had circulated for months, constantly shifting, NateTheHate accurately predicted the January 16th reveal. Haven't seen it yet? Check it out below!

Table of Contents

• Size
• Design
• What's Inside?
• Release Date
• Price
• What Are We Going To Play?

Size

The trailer clearly shows a larger console than its predecessor in all dimensions. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions weren't given, insiders report a height of 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This translates to a 3.1cm increase in width and a 1.4cm increase in height compared to the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen diagonal is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED Switch.

Design

The Joy-Cons feature a redesigned magnetic connection secured by recessed contacts in the console body. Insiders assure us this is surprisingly robust; the contacts are well-protected, and accidental detachment is unlikely. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. NextHandheld claims the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental disconnection. This design necessitates bezels around the screen.

The Joy-Con holder is also redesigned; the Joy-Cons slide in from the sides, and the grip's top is now flat. The buttons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks will reduce drift. However, the IR camera appears absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel, possibly enabling wired joystick support and voice chat. More details are needed.

What's Inside?

Full specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct. However, rumors suggest performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and potentially full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Insiders generally agree on these specs:

• Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
• Screen: LCD, 8 inches

Note that an OLED version isn't expected at launch.

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests a release no earlier than May. The official date will be announced in April's Nintendo Direct, but a June release is anticipated. The "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour, starting April 4th, lets users try the console; registration ends January 26th on the official Nintendo website.

Tour Dates & Locations:

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

Price

Speculation centers around a starting price of €399, with some suggesting a lower €349 price point. Confirmation awaits the Nintendo Direct.

What Are We Going To Play?

The trailer showcased Mario Kart 9 as a launch exclusive, featuring 24-player online support, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes.

Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct. However, fan speculation includes titles like 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.

Stay tuned for more news after the April Nintendo Direct!