After much anticipation fueled by leaked information, Nintendo has officially announced its upcoming console: the Nintendo Switch 2.
The announcement came through a concise two-minute video released this morning, which shed light on the successor’s hardware features. Those who have been following recent leaks, particularly from CES 2025, will find the revealed details align closely with prior speculations regarding the console’s design.
Just like the original model, the Switch 2 acts as a handheld console that can be connected to a television through a newly designed dock with smoother edges. It introduces a revamped kickstand for tabletop gaming, resembling the flexibility found in the Nintendo Switch OLED model.
The overall design stays almost identical to that of the original Switch. It maintains detachable Joy-Con controllers featuring the same basic button arrangement. However, the main update is how they attach to the central display via magnetic rails, making them easy to detach with release buttons located near each controller’s triggers.
The new controllers bring added functionality as well. A demonstration showed the controllers gliding over a flat surface, suggesting that they come equipped with an optical sensor, enabling users to utilize them like a computer mouse. Additionally, the right Joy-Con features a new button situated beneath the Home button, though Nintendo has yet to disclose its function.
The Switch 2 will support backward compatibility with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch titles; however, some games may not fully work on the new console. While the focus of the presentation was primarily on the hardware, a brief clip showcasing what seems to be Mario Kart 9 was also included.
Although no specific release date or pricing information was provided, it appears that the Switch 2 won’t launch imminently, with Nintendo hinting at a timeframe of “20205.” A Nintendo Direct presentation is scheduled for April 2, where more information about the console and its game lineup will be shared. A new website has also been launched to showcase the system.
