Everything We Know About The Nintendo Switch 2

Will it be called the Switch 2?

It’s highly unlikely that Nintendo will officially name its next console the “Switch 2.” The company has a history of avoiding numerical sequels, preferring unique names or iterations like the DSi, 3DS, and Wii U. However, for simplicity’s sake, the moniker “Switch 2” is commonly used to refer to the upcoming console until an official name is announced.

Will a Switch 2 be that different?

While Sony and Microsoft tend to stick to conventional console designs, Nintendo is known for its innovative and unconventional approaches. The original Switch, with its dockable handheld design and detachable controllers, was a prime example of Nintendo’s willingness to think outside the box.

The consensus is that Nintendo is unlikely to deviate significantly from the successful hybrid model of the Switch. The Switch has sold an impressive 132 million units, even outselling the PlayStation 4’s lifetime sales. Introducing a drastically different design would be a considerable risk at this stage.

One 8-inch screen, and only one

According to reports, the Switch 2 will feature an 8-inch LCD screen, larger than the Switch’s 6.2-inch and the Switch OLED’s 7-inch displays. This information comes from a Bloomberg report indicating that Foxconn-owned Sharp Corp is supplying large numbers of 8-inch LCD screens to a Japanese company, likely Nintendo.

While Nintendo typically keeps details under wraps until shortly before launch, leaks and deals with manufacturers often reveal some information. The 8-inch screen size suggests that Nintendo may not have any major surprises planned, like a second screen or a clamshell design, but it’s always wise to expect the unexpected with Nintendo.

What other tech can we expect?

With developers already working on games for the Switch 2, development kits (modified consoles or PC-based systems that allow developers to interact with the hardware) must already be in their hands. This process is vulnerable to leaks, and some details have emerged.

According to VGC’s sources, the Switch 2 will have a portable mode, similar to the original Switch, and will still use cartridges for games. Additionally, an Activision Blizzard document described the console’s tech as comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, though Eurogamer later reported that developers have seen a more powerful device capable of running Unreal Engine 5 games and featuring DLSS graphics.

The Switch 2 is expected to have significantly more storage than the Switch’s meager 32GB, potentially ranging from 128GB to 256GB, though still relying on SD cards for additional storage.

How much will the Switch 2 cost?

Analyst Dr. Serkan Toto predicts the Switch 2 will cost around $400, a reasonable estimate considering the original Switch’s $300 price tag in 2017 and factoring in inflation. Nintendo may opt for an LCD screen at launch to keep costs down, with the possibility of an OLED version later.

Will a Switch 2 be backward compatible?

Nintendo’s approach to backward compatibility has been inconsistent. While the Wii U played Wii games and the 3DS played DS games, other generational changes have required a fresh start.

However, given the Switch’s success and the user-friendly approach of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, it seems unlikely that Nintendo would abandon backward compatibility this time. Nintendo’s U.S. president, Doug Bowser, hinted at the possibility of easing the transition process and allowing users to keep their Nintendo accounts, suggesting that game libraries and progress might carry over as well.

When is the Switch 2’s release date?

Initially rumored for late 2024, multiple reports suggest that Nintendo has pushed back the Switch 2’s launch to March 2025, nearly eight years after the original Switch’s debut. The delay is reportedly aimed at ensuring adequate supply to meet demand and combat resellers, issues that plagued the Switch’s launch in 2017.

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