New pocket flagship: Exploring the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2: A Sneak Peek

The surprise January 16th, 2025 YouTube reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer, accurately predicted by NateTheHate, sent shockwaves through the gaming community. While release date rumors had circulated for months, the official unveiling confirmed a significant upgrade. Let's delve into the details revealed so far.

Table of Contents:

• Size
• Design
• Internal Specifications
• Release Date
• Price
• Game Lineup

Size:

The Switch 2 is noticeably larger than its predecessor. While precise dimensions weren't explicitly stated, insider reports suggest a height of 116 mm, width of 270 mm, and thickness of 14 mm. This translates to a 3.1 cm increase in width and 1.4 cm in height compared to the standard Switch. An 8-inch screen is rumored, a substantial upgrade from the OLED Switch's 7-inch display.

Image: x.com

Design:

The Joy-Cons undergo a significant transformation. Magnetic attachment, secured by recessed contacts within the console's frame, replaces the previous mechanism. These contacts are reportedly robust, preventing accidental detachment and accidental disconnections. The larger, metallic SL and SR buttons facilitate this magnetic connection. While this design eliminates the joy-con drift, it introduces screen bezels.

Image: youtube.com

The Joy-Con grip also sees a redesign, with a flatter top and side-insertion of the controllers. Larger buttons and Hall effect sensors in the joysticks promise improved responsiveness and eliminate joystick drift. However, the IR camera's absence might impact backward compatibility for certain titles like Ring Fit Adventure. A top-mounted microphone and USB Type-C port suggest potential support for wired controllers and voice chat.

Image: youtube.com

Internal Specifications:

Details remain scarce pending the April 2nd Nintendo Direct. However, speculation points towards performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting Quad HD resolution in docked mode. Insider consensus suggests the following:

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

The absence of an OLED version at launch is a notable point.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date:

NateTheHate predicts a May release at the earliest, with June being a more likely timeframe. The official date will be revealed during the April Nintendo Direct. The Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour, starting April 4th, allows hands-on experience in select cities. Registration closes January 26th.

Image: nintendo.com

Tour Dates:

• 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

Price:

Price speculation ranges from €349 to €399, but confirmation awaits the Nintendo Direct.

Image: stuff.tv

Game Lineup:

Mario Kart 9, featuring 24-player online support and redesigned item boxes, is confirmed as a launch title. Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fan speculation includes titles like Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption 2, and more.

Image: youtube.com

Stay tuned for the April Nintendo Direct for official details!