Though it doesn’t appear to be quite the same hefty as Valve’s chunky Steam Deck.
What are we expecting to see?
A variety of dummy models claiming to be the Switch 2 have leaked over the past couple of months.
Based on those images and models, Nintendo comes off as making iterative changes to the Switch.
Surprisingly, despite the claimed anger Nintendo has seemingly done little about the leaks.
Beyond that, it’s not clear that Nintendo has pursued legal action against any other leakers.
A curious move for a company that is widely known to be quite litigious in the gaming community.
When will the console actually arrive?
The rumors have been varied on this.
For the most part, some time in March seems to be the most likely launch month.
We do think all of this will allow for the Switch to offer a Nintendo version of DLSS upscaling.
That leaked also claimed double that performance when in docked mode.
Nintendo seems to tease fans
Drinking the milk, spilling the tea.
They seem to know their teasing fans, especially the terminally online ones.
Is this the killer feature that would sell you on a Switch 2?
Where’s the weird?
Outside of its previous Gameboy lineups, Nintendo has managed to make every console a unique animal.
Every console Nintendo has released was derided for its seeming gimmick before literally changing the gaming industry.
Still, I trust Nintendo and hope that the weird and the innovation is hiding in the Switch 2.
This would be around the same price as the Switch and Switch OLED launch prices.
AJapanese analyst claimedthat the Switch 2 would cost $400 with games hitting the unfortunate $70 price mark.
That price would be about $100 over the first-generation.
It would still be cheaper than the PS5 and Xbox Series X at launch, but not as significantly.
Hopefully, the price is closer to the original console than higher.
The company did tease the Switch in 2015 when it was still codenamed “NX.”
And there was a technical specifications livestream in January 2017.
Presuming Nintendo follows a similar schedule.
We should see the official launch of the Switch 2 in March of this year.
Which lines up with various leaks and rumors that have come out in the last couple of months.
Today’s potentially the day.
Those happen to be:
So what’s on your Nintendo Switch 2 wish list?
Here’s the state of play
It’s currently 4:30 a.m.
This reveal is expected to be focused on the hardware, with a software-centered deep dive in subsequent weeks.
However, that ultimately didn’t happen.
Instead, Nintendo’s social media accounts were preoccupied with promoting the new Donkey Kong Country Returns HD game.
However, the big whisper from online tipsters is that theSwitch 2 will launch alongside a brand-new Mario Kart.
So, we’re certainly overdue a return to the track with the Italian plumber and his pals.
When to set your Alarmo!
Curious when Nintendo might reveal the Switch 2 today?
You’re certainly not the only one.
ET seems a reasonable guess - but remember this is a guess, I have no insider info.
The pieces of the puzzle all appear to fit.
Let’s just hope today doesn’t prove to be a false dawn!
What does the “C” stand for?
However, this is all just rumors for now.
Could Switch 2 reveal be imminent?
I cant work out what to do for my lunch today.
Do I have a sandwich or some soup?
In a follow-up post, he claims “It’s getting pretty close”.
That is assuming Dring isn’t just joking around.
Shop this Switch sale while you wait!
The quick video released today was probably meant to slow down the constant flow of leaks.
“Tickets will be made available through a free-to-enter, randomly selected drawing.
Register during the registration period for a chance to attend,” readsNintendo’s website.
“Registration is open from Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m.
ET until Jan. 26 at 11:59 p.m. local time for each Event location.”
When could Switch 2 pre-orders start?
We know the Switch 2 will launch this year Nintendo said as much.
If you’re as curious as we are, bookmark ourNintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
It’ll be updated with all the dates and links as they become available.
What do we know about the Switch 2?
The screen seems bigger, though Nintendo didn’t announce the size.
For those wondering, Nintendo says the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with Switch games.
The list of things we don’t know is much longer than the list of things we do.
As mentioned, we’ll learn more on April 2 during the Nintendo Direct.
Switch 2 in a Steam Deck world
The Switch 2 is entering a different world than theSwitch.
Can the Switch 2, with its reportedly PS4 Pro level of graphics, hang?
Mario Kart 9?!
During the reveal trailer, we see a new Mario Kart on the Switch 2’s larger display.
Could it be Mario Kart 9?
Today is just a teaser.
Theres plenty we dont know about the Switch 2 and this new Mario Kart game.
Tom’s Guide has contacted Nintendo for comment, and we will let you know when we hear back.
That hasn’t stopped the internet from speculating about the price of Nintendo’s latest gaming system.
After all, the current Switch OLED sells for $349.
Based on those numbers, I’d guess the Switch 2 will cost between $399 and $449.
This got me thinking: what franchises would I like to see brought to the Switch 2?
There are the obvious choices like a new Mario Odyssey or another Mario game.
A new Zelda seems like a no-brainer to happen during the next generation.
Donkey Kong, Rabids, Smash Bros. and all our friends will probably be there.
But what about some outside-the-box games?
Could a new franchise pop up and make waves like Splatoon did many years ago?
Maybe more AAA third-party developers will welcome the Switch 2 with open arms thanks to its extra graphics power.
That’s what is always fun about a console generation: the sense of wonder.
What we don’t know about Nintendo’s plan for games is just as entertaining as what we do.
How much will Switch 2 cost?
The original Nintendo Switch cost $299 at launch.
Some have speculated that Switch 2 could cost as much as $500.
So what’s Nintendo doing to tide its players over until then?
Why, show off a bunch of Switch 1 games, of course!
AsVGCreports, Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippecorroborated Nate’s report.
Because of that, it’s expected that the Switch 2 will be just as or more successful.
Nintendo is apparently preparing for a huge launch for its upcoming system.
If true, that would exceed the Switch’s 15 million sales in its first year.
Backward compatibility on Switch 2
Let’s talk about Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility.
Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2."
It’s unclear which games won’t be playable, but we’ll have to wait to hear more.
That’d be a surefire way to undermine the new system.
The main unit is not only bigger but has an increased display size with thinner bezels.
We don’t have exact specs, but the new display might be 7.5 inches.
Another upgrade is the redesigned kickstand, which covers the entire back of the console and is fully adjustable.
The Joy-Con controllers are also receiving an upgrade.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer has the Joy-Cons snapping into place.
Nintendo Switch 2 includes a redesigned dock.
The sharp-angled dock of the first-generation Switch is replaced with a softer, rounded, dock instead.
Switch 2’s potential secret weapon
Nintendo didn’t disclose systems specs for the Switch 2.
However, various rumors and alleged leaks hint at a more powerful system than its predecessor.
The chip in question is built on Samsung Foundrys 8nm process which is the same as Nvidia Ampere.
This chip focuses on improved ray tracing cores, faster memory and AI performance.
How long will the Switch 1 last?
Nintendo has a history of completely discontinuing older consoles when the new version arrives.
For it example, the company announced it would discontinue the Wii U months before the Switch 1 launched.
So this makes us wonder how the Switch 1 will fare once its bigger sibling launches.
It wouldn’t make sense to kill this system off quickly if games are still coming out for it.
Does the Switch 2 Joy-Con act as a mouse?
One of the strangest Switch 2 rumors was that the Joy-Con controllers could have mouse-like functionality.
During the video, we see a Joy-Con sliding across a surface like a mouse.
The controller even has a wrist strap dangling behind it like a tail!
Why would you want to use a Joy-Con as a mouse?
It’s anyone’s guess, but perhaps we’ll see games make use of this functionality.
We wouldn’t mind playing a Mario RTS game.
How accurate were the leaks?
Seemingly every square inch of the Switch 2 was revealed in leaks and rumors before today’s announcement.
But how many of those were accurate.
Release Date
Many of the leaks had the announcement date of January, and later January 16 correct.
However, a number posited that the Switch 2 would launch in March.
It’s unclear if Nintendo will release the console before then or afterward.
DesignSeveral leakers purported to have dummy units from 3rd-party manufacturers.
They also revealed the redesigned detachable Joy-Cons with electromagnetic connectors.
Nintendo has scheduled a Nintendo Direct in April where more technical details will be shared.
Based on comparison shots, we suspect it will be the rumored 8-inches.
This one remains to be seen.
One rumor claimed that the Switch Pro and original Joy-Cons could be used with the new console.
One on top and one the bottom as shown by Genki at CES 2025.
We’ll look at rumors we don’t yet have confirmed next.
We know the console should draw 60W of power while docked, which suggests higher performance and graphical capabilities.
But it’s speculation for now.
This was not confirmed today.
Neither was the purportedly more powerful GPU.
We’ll know if these rumors are true then.
Will the Switch 2 be weird enough?
My first thought was that Sid Meier’s Civ series would play way better on console with a mouse.
But what else could it do?
However, is that weird enough?
Personally, I’m hoping Nintendo has a bit more up its sleeve.
I’m speculating we’ll hear more about Switch 2 pre-orders during the confirmed April 2 Nintendo Direct showcase.