"Nintendo Switch 2 Supports NFC, Likely Compatible with Amiibo"

Recent filings for the Nintendo Switch 2 have revealed that the next-generation console will include Near Field Communication (NFC) support, paving the way for continued compatibility with Amiibo figures. As reported by The Verge, Federal Communication Commission (FCC) documents confirm that the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) feature, crucial for Amiibo functionality, is integrated into the right Joy-Con of the Switch 2, mirroring the setup found in the original Nintendo Switch. This development raises an important question: will the Switch 2 support the existing library of Amiibo figures that unlock in-game content?

The FCC filings also shed light on the Switch 2's charging capabilities, confirming that users can power up the console via either its bottom USB-C port or a newly added top port. This feature aligns with fan expectations following the console's initial reveal. Additionally, the Switch 2 is set to support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks, offering up to 80MHz of bandwidth, a step up from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) supported by the original Switch. However, there's no indication in the filings of support for Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, as noted by The Verge.

On the power front, the Switch 2 remains rated for a maximum of 15V, but the filings mention a compatible AC adapter that can go up to 20V. This leaves the actual charging speed of the console uncertain.

Last month, a Nintendo patent hinted that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable upside down, utilizing gyro mechanics similar to those in smartphones without screen locks. Unlike the original Switch, which used rails to secure Joy-Cons, the new controllers are expected to use magnets, allowing for more flexible attachment options. This change could allow players to customize the placement of buttons and ports, potentially leading to innovative gameplay mechanics if implemented in the final product.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

28 Images

If the Nintendo Switch 2 incorporates the features suggested by the patent, a comprehensive reveal is expected at the special Nintendo Direct event scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2. The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to be imminent, with speculation pointing to a launch window between June and September. This speculation is fueled by upcoming hands-on events scheduled until June and statements from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon indicating a release before September.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details, including the console's game lineup and the function of a mysterious new Joy-Con button, remain undisclosed. Speculation about the new button's purpose, including the Joy-Con mouse theory, has been circulating among fans.