Nintendo Switch 2: New Pocket Powerhouse

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? Check it out 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 exact dimensions weren't given, insiders report a height of 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This translates to a 3.1cm increase in width and a 1.4cm increase in height compared to the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen on the OLED Switch.

Design

The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic connection secured by recessed contacts on the console body. Insiders assure us this is a robust design, preventing accidental detachment and damage. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. While this design necessitates screen bezels, the magnets are reportedly strong enough to prevent accidental disconnections.

The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned, with flat grips and side insertion of the controllers. The buttons themselves are slightly larger, and the thumbsticks are rumored to utilize Hall effect sensors to mitigate 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, suggesting potential support for wired controllers and voice chat, although details remain scarce.

What's Inside?

Full specifications are awaited for the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but rumors suggest the Switch 2 will be comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Most insiders agree on these preliminary specifications:

• Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
• Screen: LCD, 8 inches

While an OLED version isn't expected at launch, the specifications are promising, suggesting compatibility with many AAA titles, potentially including *Genshin Impact*.

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 likely, coinciding with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour starting April 4th, allowing hands-on experience with the console. Registration closes January 26th.

Tour Dates:

• 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, but confirmation awaits the Nintendo Direct.

What Are We Going to Play?

The trailer showcased *Mario Kart 9* 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.

User speculation includes:

• 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
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Stay tuned for more news following the April Nintendo Direct!