Nintendo Switch 2: Unveiled on January 16, 2025

On January 16, 2025, Nintendo surprised fans worldwide by releasing the official trailer for their latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2. Without any prior announcement, the new form factor of the console was showcased across Nintendo's YouTube channels. The release date had been the subject of much speculation, with NateTheHate correctly predicting the reveal on January 16. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can watch it below:

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Size Design What's inside? Release Date Price What are we going to play? 0 0 Comment on this Size

The trailer clearly demonstrates that the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger in every dimension compared to its predecessor. The screen, Joy-Cons, and even the sticks have all been upsized. While exact specifications remain under wraps, insiders suggest the following dimensions for the Switch 2: a height of 116 mm, a width of 270 mm, and a thickness of 14 mm. This makes it 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the original Nintendo Switch. Rumors also hint at an 8-inch screen, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED version of the first Switch.

Image: x.com

Design

The video presentation introduces a new design for the Joy-Cons, now featuring magnetic attachment. This innovative design uses two recessed contacts within the console's body for a secure connection in portable mode. Insiders assure that these contacts are well-protected, making it nearly impossible to break them without damaging the console itself. The SL and SR buttons, now larger and metallic, facilitate the magnetic connection. Although this design necessitates bezels on the sides of the screen, NextHandheld confirms the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental detachment.

The controllers now slide to the side when a button is pressed, and the holder that transforms them into a full-fledged joystick has been redesigned. The grips are now flat, and the Joy-Cons attach from the sides rather than the top. The buttons on the Joy-Cons have been slightly enlarged, and the sticks are rumored to incorporate Hall effect sensors to reduce drift. However, the IR camera has been omitted, potentially affecting backward compatibility with games like Ring Fit Adventure.

Image: youtube.com

Additionally, a microphone and a USB Type-C port are visible on the console's top bezel. These additions might allow for direct use with wired joysticks and voice chat in games, though their full purpose remains to be clarified.

Image: youtube.com

What's inside?

While we await the Nintendo Direct on April 2 for full specifications, speculations abound. It's rumored that the Switch 2 will match the power of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with potential support for Quad HD resolution in docked mode. Insiders agree on the following anticipated specs:

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

Though an OLED version isn't expected at launch, these specs promise a robust gaming experience. Fans can look forward to AAA titles from previous years and possibly even a port of Genshin Impact, announced in 2020.

Image: youtube.com

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests a release no earlier than May, with the official date to be announced at the Nintendo Direct in April. A June release is predicted, coinciding with the start of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour on April 4. This tour will allow fans to try out the console in select cities, with registration open until January 26 on the official Nintendo website.

Here is the list of cities and dates where the console will be showcased:

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

Image: nintendo.com

Price

While nothing has been confirmed, speculation suggests a starting price around €399, with some hoping for a lower price of €349. It's best to keep expectations flexible until the Nintendo Direct provides official pricing.

Image: stuff.tv

What are we going to play?

The announcement video highlighted Mario Kart 9 as the first exclusive for the Switch 2, promising online play for up to 24 players, new track types, and more visible item boxes. Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fans are already speculating about potential titles:

We have gathered the most interesting suggestions:

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
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

This is all the information currently available about the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates following the Nintendo Direct in April!

Image: youtube.com