Now that it has been formally introduced, followers have loads of questions in regards to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo’s new console was lastly unveiled in January, revealing to the world what’s subsequent from the Japanese gaming big. Still, some main questions stay, together with a launch estimate and launch lineup.
Everything We Know About the Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 Isn’t Expected to Release Until June (2025) on the Earliest
While no particular launch date has been listed for the Nintendo Switch 2, there was some indication doubtlessly pointing to when the console might come out.
The next-gen gaming machine was rumored to reach someday in March or April of this yr; nonetheless, that not appears legitimate. Instead, insiders appear to assume the Switch 2 can be launched someday this summer time.
Known leaker Nate The Hate instructed followers on his podcast in December 2024 that he heard the console will be working on a “May to June timeline” for launch, which might make sense given the occasions main into these summer time months.
Announced alongside the brand new console was a collection of worldwide preview occasions that can be open to the general public.
It is extensively assumed that these particular ticketed occasions will precede the console’s official launch day, permitting these fortunate sufficient to get a spot to get pleasure from some feeling of exclusivity, having taken the console for a whirl earlier than it’s extensively out there.
Currently, the final listed date on the worldwide Switch 2 tour is May 30 to June 1 in Seoul, Korea, with stops in Hong Kong and Taipei stated to be coming down the road.
One can assume that Nintendo will wait till not less than after these occasions to run its course earlier than launching the console, that means the Nintendo Switch 2 will doubtless not be launched till June 2025 on the absolute earliest.
The Switch 2 Has a Better Screen & Joy-Cons
After weeks of widespread leaks, the Nintendo Switch 2 (tech-wise) seems to be about what was anticipated (read more about the Switch 2 tech leaks here).
The new console could have an even bigger and higher display screen and upgraded (once more, bigger) Joy-cons.
The display screen appears to be a 1080p show and is predicted to be 8 inches relatively than the unique Switch’s 6.2 inches. However, the console’s show is reportedly a standard LCD panel, versus the OLED panel that the upgraded Switch OLED had.
It is unclear what led to this determination, but it surely may have one thing to do with the price of the system. A pricier OLED mannequin may come later.
As for the Joy-cons, they’re larger to suit the dimensions of the bigger console and function a magnetic latching mechanism versus the slide-and-latch rails of the unique Switch.
They are additionally anticipated (as teased within the console announcement video) to function optical sensors, permitting them to be flipped on their facet and used as a mouse.
The Switch 2 Is Backwards Compatible
One of the few details Nintendo confirmed about the Switch 2 before its official announcement was that it could be backwards suitable with Nintendo Switch video games.
This data dates way back to November 2024, when Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa took to social media to substantiate, “Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch:”
“This is Furukawa. At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date.”
This was reaffirmed through the console’s reveal video, ending with a PSA for followers that learn that the brand new machine will “[play] Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games as well as Nintendo Switch games.”
However, this got here with a notable asterisk because it clarified that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be fully supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.”
While this triggered some fear amongst followers, it’s doubtless a reference to a number of the authentic Switch’s extra distinctive software program that instantly took benefit of that particular bespoke {hardware}. That will doubtless embrace the Nintendo Labo titles or Ring Fit Adventure.
Mario Kart 9 Is the Only Confirmed Nintendo Game So Far
So far, solely a single Nintendo sport has been confirmed for Switch 2, and even that one has not but been formally named.
The console’s announcement trailer confirmed a primary take a look at what gave the impression to be Mario Kart 9 (rumored to be a launch title). This sport is the primary official Nintendo-published Switch 2 sport to be launched publicly.
Several other third-party games have been teased for the new gaming machine, however Mario Kart 9 is the one first-party in-house unique confirmed for the Switch 2.
Assassin’s Creed, Final Fantasy 7 Remake & More Are Rumored To Come to Switch 2
While a confirmed third-party lineup for the Switch 2 has not but been formally introduced, a number of big-name titles are rumored to be getting primed for Nintendo’s new console.
As it has up to now couple of generations, Ubisoft will doubtless proceed to be a servant supporter of Nintendo {hardware}.
Word is that the famend writer is “in love” with the brand new machine (per Nintendo Life), with rumors pointing to it bringing this yr’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows to the console in addition to the franchise’s final mainline title, Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Other massive names are anticipated to assist the Switch 2 out of the gate, together with Square Enix (with a rumored Final Fantasy 7 Remake port), Konami (Metal Gear Solid Delta), and From Software (Elden Ring), to call a couple of.
Also reported to begin bringing its video games to Nintendo’s newest addition to the {hardware} lineup is (to the shock of some) Microsoft. As the Xbox maker re-evaluates its first-party technique, it has began bringing a few of its greatest exclusives to different consoles.
This effort may tackle an entire new life with the discharge of the Switch 2, as the corporate has been stated to port video games like Gear of War, Forza, and Halo to the brand new console (through Gamertag Radio).
Switch 2’s Direct Will Reveal Plenty More Details
Thankfully for followers, extra data on the Nintendo Switch 2 is coming (and quickly at that).
A Nintendo Direct occasion centered on Switch 2 was introduced for April 2 as a part of the console’s reveal occasion. This occasion will present essential details about the console, together with a possible launch date, official software program bulletins, and particulars on options just like the console’s on-line providing.
This Direct is predicted to incorporate the primary actual take a look at Mario Kart 9 after its temporary tease through the reveal and the long-awaited debut of a brand new 3D Mario platformer (within the vein of Super Mario Odyssey, 64, and Galaxy).
The Nintendo Switch 2 is predicted to be launched someday in 2025.
