As the Nintendo Switch approaches its seventh anniversary, rumors of a next-generation successor, unofficially dubbed the “Nintendo Switch 2,” are picking up steam. Nintendo has a history of surprising fans with innovative hardware, and speculation is growing about what the follow-up to its most successful console might bring. With very few official details confirmed, most of what we know so far comes from insider reports, industry leaks, and educated guesses based on Nintendo’s past practices. Here’s a deep dive into what we know — and what’s being speculated — about the highly anticipated console.
One of the hottest topics surrounding the Switch 2 is when it will officially be revealed. While Nintendo tends to follow its own timeline for announcements, several industry insiders suggest that the console might be announced sooner rather than later. The original Nintendo Switch was revealed in October 2016, five months before its March 2017 launch, setting a precedent for a similar announcement window this time around.
Fueling this speculation are reports of increased production equipment spending by Hosiden, a key Nintendo assembler. This uptick in spending has led analysts to believe that Nintendo is preparing for a large-scale hardware reveal in the coming months.
While the exact release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a mystery, there are several clues to help make an educated guess. In May, Nintendo confirmed that its next gaming console would be launched by March 2025. Many are pointing to a March 2025 release date, which would follow the same strategy as the original Switch, which was released in March 2017.
That being said, other reports suggest that the Switch 2 could launch as early as late 2024. This would align with Nintendo’s typical holiday launch schedule and give the company a head start on the next-gen console competition. If the console is announced in September, it’s more likely to launch in March 2025, following the same timeline as the original Switch’s reveal and release cycle.
Nintendo has a history of zigzagging between successful consoles and more experimental hardware. The Nintendo Switch itself followed the underwhelming Wii U, while the revolutionary Wii followed the more traditional GameCube. This leaves room for speculation: Will the Switch 2 be a straightforward successor, or will Nintendo throw another curveball with a bold, new design?
While Nintendo is known for its innovation, many analysts believe that the Switch 2 will follow a more traditional path this time. Reports suggest that Nintendo developers have already seen early versions of the hardware, which seems to be a continuation of the Switch’s hybrid model. There have been leaks indicating that the new console will feature an 8-inch screen, magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and SL/SR buttons with front-facing player LEDs.
With the massive financial success of the hybrid console model, it’s unlikely Nintendo would move away from the portable/home console combo. It’s more probable that Nintendo will stick with what works, offering a “Switch 2” that refines the concept rather than reinventing the wheel.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatibility. The current Nintendo Switch boasts a massive library of games, including hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Many gamers are eager to know if their existing collection of games will be playable on the new system.
The good news is that multiple reports suggest the Switch 2 will likely be fully backward compatible. This is expected to apply to both physical game cartridges and digital downloads. Even Nintendo executives have hinted that backward compatibility is a priority for the company. In an interview last year, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser discussed the importance of minimizing the sales dip between hardware cycles, and backward compatibility would certainly help achieve that goal. Similarly, Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s global president, emphasized that the company’s revamped account system would help make the transition between the Switch and its successor as smooth as possible.
Speculated Specs and Features of the Switch 2
Though Nintendo has yet to confirm any specs for the Switch 2, there have been a number of leaks and reports from credible sources. Based on these rumors, here’s what we might expect in terms of hardware:
- Processor: Reports suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will use an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, which would be a significant upgrade from the original Switch. Some sources indicate it will use the NVIDIA-produced Tegra239 SoC, similar to the current Switch’s chip but with significant improvements. The system will also likely support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), a cutting-edge upscaling technology from NVIDIA that will allow games to run at lower resolutions while outputting higher-quality images.
- Memory: The most consistent rumor suggests the system will have 8GB of RAM, although some reports mention the possibility of 12GB, bringing it more in line with other modern gaming systems.
- Storage: Leaks indicate the Switch 2 will include 64GB of internal storage, potentially expandable via microSD, which is similar to the storage setup in the current Switch.
- Display: There are conflicting reports about the display. Early rumors suggested an 8-inch LCD screen, but others have hinted at a 7-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. There are also rumors about the possibility of Mini-LED technology, which would provide deeper blacks and better contrast than standard LCDs. However, some believe Nintendo will opt for a regular LCD to cut costs, with a higher-end OLED or Mini-LED model arriving later.
- Resolution: According to the latest rumors, the Switch 2 will support 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K output when docked, a significant improvement over the current Switch’s 720p handheld and 1080p docked performance.
The pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 is still up in the air, but history gives us some clues. The original Nintendo Switch launched at $300, a price point Nintendo has used for multiple consoles, including the Wii U.
However, recent rumors suggest that Nintendo might increase the price of the Switch 2 to around $400. This would bring the price closer to that of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, both of which are positioned as high-end gaming systems. A $400 price tag would also put it in line with Valve’s 256GB Steam Deck, a competitor in the hybrid gaming console market.
While some analysts believe that Nintendo might opt for a higher price point due to the increased hardware capabilities, others point to Nintendo’s traditional approach of keeping their consoles more affordable than their competitors. If the Switch 2 comes with a higher price tag, we could see different models at launch, such as a base model and a premium version with upgraded features like an OLED screen.
One of the biggest draws of any new Nintendo console is the games. So far, there has been no official information on what games will launch alongside the Switch 2, but we can make some educated guesses. A new 3D Mario game is long overdue, and a high-profile title like this could be a major system-seller for the Switch 2. Many fans are also hoping for Metroid Prime 4 to make a dual release, similar to how The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched on both the Wii U and Switch. Ubisoft has also been known to release new games alongside Nintendo consoles, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a major third-party title launch with the system.
If the Switch 2 comes with any new gameplay mechanics or unique features, we can also expect Nintendo to develop a first-party title that showcases these innovations, similar to how the original Switch launched with 1-2-Switch to highlight its motion controls.
While much of what we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 remains speculation, it’s clear that excitement is building for the next generation of Nintendo gaming. With potential upgrades in processing power, graphics capabilities, and display technology, the Switch 2 could mark a major leap forward from its predecessor. Whether it launches in 2024 or 2025, one thing is certain: Nintendo fans are eager to see what the company has in store, and the gaming world is watching closely for any official announcements.
