Nintendo Switch 2 is the rumored successor to the popular hybrid console. Here’s everything we know about its price, release dates, specs, games, and more.
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Nintendo Switch 2 is the name given to the possible next-generation console from Nintendo, which is expected to be a major upgrade from the current Nintendo Switch. The Switch 2 is rumored to have a larger OLED screen, a more powerful processor, 4K resolution support, and a new lineup of games.
However, Nintendo has not officially confirmed or denied the existence of the Switch 2, so everything we know is based on leaks and speculation. In this article, we will try to answer some of the most common questions about the Nintendo Switch 2, such as:
Release Date
- Late 2024.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 come out? This is one of the most difficult questions to answer, as Nintendo has not announced any plans for a new console.
However, some reports suggest that the Switch 2 could launch in late 2024 or early 2025, around the same time as the PS5 Pro. This would make sense, as Nintendo usually releases new hardware every five to six years. The original Switch came out in March 2017, so a late 2024 release would fit that pattern.
However, other sources claim that the Switch 2 could be delayed until 2026 or later, due to various factors such as chip shortages, production challenges, and market competition.
Nintendo may also want to extend the lifespan of the current Switch, which has been very successful and still has a strong demand. The recent release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model in October 2021 could also indicate that Nintendo is not in a hurry to launch a new console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Games
What games will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2? This is another question that depends on whether the Switch 2 is real or not.
If it is, then we can expect some of the best Nintendo Switch games to be ported or remastered for the new console, such as
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and more
We can also hope for some new games that take advantage of the improved hardware and features of the Switch 2, such as
- Metroid Prime 4
- Bayonetta 3
- Splatoon 3
- A new Mario Kart or Smash Bros game
However, if the Switch 2 is not real or not coming anytime soon, then we may have to settle for the existing games on the current Switch or wait for new games that are compatible with both consoles.
Some of the upcoming games that are confirmed or rumored for the Switch include Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario Party Superstars, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel.
Price
- $399
How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost? This is another question that is hard to answer without official confirmation from Nintendo. However, based on some leaks and rumors, we can make some educated guesses.
One report claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $399 for the base model with 64 GB of storage and $499 for the premium model with 256 GB of storage and a pack-in game (Super Mario Wonder).
This would make it more expensive than the current Switch models ($299 for the original and $349 for the OLED), but still cheaper than other current-gen consoles like the PS5 ($499) and Xbox Series X ($499).
However, another report suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 will use an LCD screen instead of an OLED one to save on costs and that it will have a cartridge slot for physical games.
This could mean that the Switch 2 will be cheaper than expected or that it will have different price tiers depending on the features and specs. In any case, we can expect that the price of the Switch 2 will be influenced by factors such as supply and demand, market competition, production costs, and consumer preferences.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
What are the specs of the Nintendo Switch 2? This is another question that relies on leaks and rumors rather than official information from Nintendo. However, some sources have claimed to have some details about what kind of hardware and features we can expect from the Switch 2. Here are some of them:
- Display: OLED screen with touch input, 900p resolution
- Camera: Yes, two; one on the front other on the back
- Joycons: Yes, features Hall effect thumbsticks. Also features a magnetic mechanism to snap onto the display unit’s sides
- Dock: Yes, features built-in hardware
- Processor: Nvidia Tegra Xavier SoC with custom GPU
- Memory: LPDDR5X RAM
- Storage: 64 GB or 256 GB internal storage
- Resolution: Up to 4K when docked
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery with fast charging
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet
- Audio: Stereo speakers, headphone jack, microphone
- Dimensions: 9.4 x 4.3 x 0.55 inches
- Weight: 0.88 lbs
These specs are not confirmed and may change or vary depending on the model and configuration of the Switch 2. However, they do suggest that the Switch 2 will be a significant upgrade from the current Switch in terms of performance, graphics, features, and functionality.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible?
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible with the original Switch games? This is a question that many Switch fans are wondering, as they may want to play their existing games on the new console or transfer their save data and digital purchases.
The answer is not clear yet, as Nintendo has not confirmed or denied the existence of the Switch 2 or its compatibility features. However, some reports indicate that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the current Switch games, while others suggest that it will not.
One report confirms that Nintendo has publicly stated that the games of the current Nintendo Switch will be usable in the successor. Another report suggests that the next Nintendo console will not have backwards compatibility due to the use of new hardware to improve performance.
A technical analysis suggests that the hardware differences between the original Switch and the Switch 2 may make it difficult to run original Switch games on the new console.
However, a Nintendo director has talked about how easy it is to include backward compatibility with video game consoles nowadays, suggesting that it may be included in the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2
How does the Nintendo Switch compare to the rumored Nintendo Switch 2? Here is a table that summarizes some of the main differences and similarities between the two consoles based on the available information:
Feature | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch 2 |
---|---|---|
Display | LCD screen with touch input, 720p resolution | OLED screen with touch input, 900p resolution |
Camera | No | Yes, two; one on the front other on the back |
Joycons | Yes, features analog thumbsticks. Also features a rail mechanism to slide onto the display unit’s sides | Yes, features Hall effect thumbsticks. Also features a magnetic mechanism to snap onto the display unit’s sides |
Dock | Yes, features no built-in hardware | Yes, features built-in hardware |
Processor | Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC with custom GPU | Nvidia Tegra Xavier SoC with custom GPU |
Memory | LPDDR4 RAM | LPDDR5X RAM |
Storage | 32 GB internal storage | 64 GB or 256 GB internal storage |
Resolution | Up to 1080p when docked | Up to 4K when docked |
Battery | Lithium-ion battery with normal charging | Lithium-ion battery with fast charging |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet |
Audio | Stereo speakers, headphone jack | Stereo speakers, headphone jack, microphone |
Dimensions | 9.4 x 4 x 0.55 inches | 9.4 x 4.3 x 0.55 inches |
Weight | 0.88 lbs | 0.88 lbs |
Is Nintendo Switch 2 coming out?
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 really coming out or is it just a rumor? The truth is that we don’t know for sure until Nintendo officially announces it or reveals it to the public.
However, based on some credible sources and reports, we can say that there is a high possibility that the Nintendo Switch 2 is real and that it is in development. Some of these sources include:
- Video Games Chronicle (VGC), a reputable gaming news site that has reported on various details about the Switch 2 based on anonymous development sources.
- NateTheHate and Zippo, two well-known gaming tipsters who have shared some information about the Switch 2’s price, specs, release date, and name.
- Eurogamer and Bloomberg , two respected media outlets that have corroborated some of the rumors and leaks about the Switch 2.
- MoneyDJ and Nikkei Asia , two Chinese investment sites that have reported on some production and supply chain aspects of the Switch 2.
- Shuntaro Furukawa , Nintendo’s president who has hinted at some plans for the transition from the current Switch to the next-generation console.
These sources are not infallible and may change or contradict each other over time. However, they do provide some evidence and clues that suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 is not just a fantasy but a reality.
Bottom Line
The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most anticipated and speculated consoles in the gaming industry right now. It promises to be a major upgrade from the current Nintendo Switch in terms of power, graphics, features, and games.