Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know About the Upcoming Console

The gaming community has been abuzz with rumors and leaks about the next iteration of Nintendo’s beloved console, the Nintendo Switch 2. With reports surfacing about its features, release date, and anticipated titles, excitement is at an all-time high. Here, we compile all the key details revealed so far about this highly anticipated gaming device.

Reveals and Release Timeline

According to multiple sources, Nintendo plans to unveil the Switch 2 on January 16, 2025 (official confirmation). This reveal will reportedly take the form of a hardware-focused trailer, offering gamers a glimpse at the system’s capabilities and design. However, details about the launch lineup will not be included in this initial reveal. Instead, Nintendo is expected to host a software-focused Direct in February or March 2025 to showcase the games that will accompany the console’s release.

The release window for the Switch 2 is speculated to be May or June 2025, giving Nintendo sufficient time to build hype and ensure availability. This aligns with reports that the console will not launch during Nintendo’s current financial year, which ends in March 2025.

Anticipated Launch Titles

While details about the Switch 2’s launch titles are still under wraps, some major games have been rumored:

A brand-new Mario Kart game is reportedly set to debut alongside the console.
A 3D Mario title is anticipated for release during the 2025 holiday season.
Third-party games like Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake are also rumored to be part of the lineup.

Additionally, developers have hinted at plans to release their upcoming games on the Switch 2, further fueling speculation about the console’s robust library at launch.

Hardware and Design Innovations

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature significant upgrades over its predecessor. Leaks and rumors suggest a range of improvements, both in design and performance:

Redesigned Joy-Cons

Larger SL and SR buttons for improved ergonomics.
A new electromagnetic suction mechanism to replace the current railed lock system.
The addition of a mysterious “C” button on the right Joy-Con, though its purpose remains unknown.

Improved Internal Specifications

The rumored specifications indicate that the Switch 2 will be a substantial upgrade:

12GB of RAM, tripling the original Switch’s 4GB.
256GB of internal storage, a significant increase from the 32GB offered by the original Switch.
Enhanced processing power to support 4K gaming and faster load times.

New Design Features

A larger screen for a more immersive gaming experience.
Dual USB-C ports on the top and bottom of the console.
Support for MicroSD Express cards in 256GB and 512GB configurations, ensuring ample storage for digital games and media.
Patented AI Upscaling Technology (For further details, you can view the patent filing here) or refer to an in-depth article about the technology.

One of the most exciting features is a patent for AI-driven image upscaling. This technology would enable the Switch 2 to deliver 4K textures while keeping game download sizes small enough to fit on physical cartridges. This innovation could revolutionize how Nintendo handles game storage and performance, maintaining its focus on accessibility and convenience.

Backward Compatibility and Online Features

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backward-compatible with original Switch games (official statement). This ensures that players can continue enjoying their existing library on the new console. Moreover, the system will integrate Nintendo Switch Online, allowing for a seamless transition for subscribers and enabling access to cloud saves, online multiplayer, and a catalog of classic games.

Leaked Media and Mockups

Over the past few months, a slew of leaked images and mockups have surfaced online, offering glimpses of what the Switch 2 might look like. Notable among these are:

Joy-Con Images: Alleged photos of redesigned Joy-Cons featuring larger buttons and a magnetic attachment system were first shared on Chinese social media platforms before spreading to Reddit and other gaming forums.
CAD and PCB Designs: In September, unverified CAD images and PCB photos depicted a console similar to the original Switch but with a larger screen and other enhancements.
CES 2025 Mockup: Accessories maker Genki showcased a high-profile mockup at CES 2025, reportedly catching the attention of Nintendo’s legal team. For an in-depth look at this mockup and its implications for the Nintendo Switch 2, check out this detailed analysis. This mockup added credibility to earlier leaks about the console’s design.

Focus on Scalping Prevention

Nintendo has reportedly taken lessons from the supply chain issues and scalping problems faced by other console launches in recent years. The company aims to have ample stock of the Switch 2 available at launch, ensuring that more players can purchase the console at retail prices and reducing the likelihood of scalping.

Rumors and Speculation: What to Take with a Grain of Salt

While the leaks and reports paint an exciting picture, it’s essential to note that much of this information remains unverified. Nintendo is known for keeping its projects under wraps until official announcements are made. The company has stated that a formal announcement for the Switch 2 is expected in the first quarter of 2025, so fans won’t have to wait long for concrete details.

What This Means for Gamers

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant leap forward for the company, blending innovation with the beloved features of the original Switch. From enhanced performance and redesigned Joy-Cons to backward compatibility and exciting launch titles, the Switch 2 has the potential to set a new standard in hybrid gaming. As the release date approaches, gamers worldwide are eagerly awaiting more information about what could be Nintendo’s most ambitious console yet.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Nintendo or a newcomer to the platform, the Switch 2 promises to deliver a gaming experience that combines cutting-edge technology with the charm and creativity that have defined Nintendo’s legacy. Stay tuned for official updates and prepare for what could be the most exciting console launch in years.