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? Watch 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 116 mm, width of 270 mm, and thickness of 14 mm. This translates to a 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller console than the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen diagonal is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED Switch.
Design
The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic connection secured by recessed contacts in the console body. Insiders assure us this design is robust, with the contacts fully protected and resistant to accidental breakage. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. NextHandheld claims the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental detachment. This design necessitates screen bezels on the sides.
The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned. The grips are now flat, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides instead of the top. The buttons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the sticks will mitigate joystick drift. However, 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 they may support wired controllers and voice chat.
What's Inside?
Full specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but rumors suggest the Switch 2 will rival the processing power of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting Quad HD resolution in docked mode.
Insider-reported specifications:
- Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB
- Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
- Screen: LCD, 8 inches
Interestingly, an OLED version doesn't seem likely at launch.
Release Date
NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May, with the official date to be announced in April's Nintendo Direct. A June release is anticipated, coinciding with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour starting April 4th. Registration closes January 26th on the official Nintendo website.
Tour Dates & 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
Price
Speculation points to a starting price of €399, possibly lower at €349. Confirmation awaits the Nintendo Direct.
What Are We Going To Play?
Mario Kart 9 was showcased 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. However, 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.
More news will follow the April Nintendo Direct!
