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. 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 wider and 1.4cm taller console than the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen on the OLED Switch.

Design

The Joy-Cons boast a new magnetic attachment system, secured by recessed contacts in the console body. Insiders assure us this is robust; the contacts are well-protected, making accidental detachment nearly impossible. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. NextHandheld claims the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental separation during gameplay. This design, however, necessitates screen bezels.

The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned. The grips are flatter, and the Joy-Cons slide in from the sides instead of the top. The buttons themselves are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the sticks to mitigate drift. Unfortunately, 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. Their functionality remains unclear, but wired joystick support and voice chat are possibilities.

What's Inside?

Complete specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct. However, speculation points to a system comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Insiders suggest the following specifications:

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

While an OLED version isn't expected at launch, the specs are promising, suggesting compatibility with many AAA titles, potentially including *Genshin Impact*.

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May. The official date will be revealed during the April Nintendo Direct, but a June release seems likely. This aligns with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour starting April 4th, allowing hands-on demos.

Tour Dates and 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

Registration for the tour closes January 26th on the official Nintendo website.

Price

Pricing remains unconfirmed, with fan speculation ranging from €349 to €399. It's best to await the Nintendo Direct for official pricing.

What Are We Going to Play?

The trailer showcased *Mario Kart 9* as a launch exclusive, featuring online play for up to 24 players, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes.

Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but 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 following the April Nintendo Direct!