The Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know So Far from Release Date to Specs

The Nintendo Switch 2, a highly anticipated successor to the original Nintendo Switch, has been the subject of various rumors and leaks since early 2020. These rumors have evolved over time, giving gamers and industry insiders insights into potential features, release dates, and other aspects of the upcoming console. Here’s a detailed overview:

Origins of the Rumors About Switch 2

The buzz around a successor to the Nintendo Switch began as early as September 2019, shortly after the release of the Nintendo Switch Lite. Initially, these rumors didn’t focus on a true successor or “Switch 2” but rather on a “Switch Pro” model. This speculation stemmed from Nintendo’s track record of releasing upgraded versions of their consoles, such as the transition from the DS to the DSi and the 3DS to the New 3DS.

In early 2020, analysts like Dr. Serkan Toto from Kantan Games and Bloomberg were among the first to predict the arrival of a “Pro” version of the Switch. They suggested this upgraded model would cater to more dedicated gamers by offering enhanced performance and potentially new features like 4K output.

Around this time, there were also leaks from Nintendo’s supply chain hinting at the development of new hardware(via DigiTime Asia). While these leaks were often vague, they suggested that Nintendo was working on a more powerful console than the existing Switch. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with global chip shortages, led to delays, fueling speculation that the release might be pushed to a later date (via Nikkei).

When Nintendo announced the Switch OLED model in July 2021, it featured a larger and improved screen but lacked the rumored performance upgrades, such as 4K output. This caught many by surprise, as the expectation was for a more powerful version to be released. However, this didn’t completely silence the rumors, as many believed that a true successor or a “Pro” model was still in development.

These rumors intensified during Gamescom 2023 in August when VGC reported that development kits for the new Nintendo console had already been distributed to developers. Before that Nikkei claimed that development on the new console was “progressing well.”

In September 2023, Eurogamer reported that select developers got an early look at the Nintendo Switch 2 during Gamescom, including tech demos showcasing how games run on the unannounced system. One demo reportedly featured an improved version of Zelda: Breath of the Wild designed to leverage the more advanced hardware of the Switch 2.

VGC affirmed these claims, adding that Nintendo also showcased Epic Games’ The Matrix Awakens Unreal Engine 5 tech demo running on the hardware intended for the next-generation Switch. This demo reportedly used Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology with ray tracing enabled, indicating that the new chip could support the latest AAA games.

Later that month, another rumor emerged involving Activision executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, who reportedly met with Nintendo executives in December 2022 to discuss the next-generation Switch (The Verge). An internal email, labeled “NG Switch Draft.pdf,” revealed that the performance of the upcoming console would be comparable to that of the PS4 and Xbox One. This information was shared with Kotick ahead of a December 15th meeting with Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa, during which Kotick expressed regret over not bringing Call of Duty to the original Switch.

Since then rumors kept back and gone until, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa finally confirmed its next-generation console is in the making, during a year-end (FY 2024) financial presentation. However, Furukawa did not disclose further details, indicating a longer wait for more official information from Nintendo.

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

The release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been a hot topic, with several reports suggesting different timelines.

Initially, sources like Bloomberg and GamesIndustry.biz pointed to an early 2024 release, with some analysts predicting a launch in March or April of that year. However, more recent leaks, including one from Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe, suggest that the Switch 2 may not arrive until Q1 2025, potentially aligning with the launch of the PS5 Pro.

Interestingly, Altec Lansing, a headphone and speaker company, purposely mentioned a September 2024 release for the Switch 2 while discussing the launch of their AI Shark product. Although this could be an accidental slip, it adds another layer of speculation to the mix.

More recently Hideki Yasuda, an analyst at Tokyo Security, claimed the release in the first half of next year.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price

As for pricing, the Switch 2 is expected to be a bit more expensive than its predecessors. The current Switch OLED model is priced at $349, and many believe the Switch 2 will be priced around $399. This slight increase would reflect the enhanced features and capabilities of the new console.

Yasuda suggests sub-$499 price aligns with the rising costs of gaming hardware, making it a plausible price point for Nintendo’s next-gen console.

Nintendo Switch 2 Design

In terms of design, the Switch 2 is rumored to retain the hybrid portable/docked format that made the original Switch so popular.

However, there may be some ergonomic improvements and size adjustments. According to Omdia’s Hiroshi Hayase, the supply chain analyst, the Switch 2 will feature a slightly larger screen, possibly around 8 inches, compared to the current 6.2-inch and 7-inch OLED models.

One notable change could be the Joy-Con controllers, which are rumored to use magnets to connect to the main console instead of the traditional rail system (via vandal report). This would make attaching and detaching the controllers more seamless.

Additionally, there are whispers that the buttons might take inspiration from the Super Nintendo controller, bringing a nostalgic touch to the new console. So expect brightly-colored face buttons in place of the grey/neon Joy-Con buttons

What Hardware Upgrades Are Expected?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature significant hardware upgrades. The aging Tegra X1 chip will likely be replaced by a new custom Nvidia system-on-chip (SoC), dubbed T239, which should provide a substantial boost in processing power.

While specific details are still under wraps, this new chip could enable the Switch 2 to support 4K resolution when docked on compatible TVs, a significant step up from the current model’s capabilities.

Other rumored hardware enhancements include:

• 4K Output: This would be a significant upgrade from the original Switch’s 1080p output.
• Higher frame rates: Up to 120 fps for smoother gameplay.
• Ray tracing support: For more realistic lighting and shadows.
• Enhanced environmental physics and AI Upscaling: To create more immersive game worlds.
• Increased internal storage: Possibly up to 512GB, compared to the current Switch OLED’s 64GB.
• Improved display technology: With the possibility of either OLED or high-quality LCD panels.
• Battery Life: It’s rumored that the battery life will be faster when docked but lower when undocked, with Nintendo aiming to extend battery life overall.
• Advanced Haptics: Some leaks suggested that the new Joy-Cons might include advanced haptic feedback, similar to the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controllers.

These upgrades will make the Switch 2 a stronger contender in the gaming market, although Yasuda notes that it will be less powerful than the PS4. Therefore, do not expect performance on par with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Additionally, numerous rumors indicate that Nintendo is developing multiple models, and the next Switch might be marketed under different names such as:

• Super Play
• Nintendo Super Play
• Super Nintendo Switch

What Launch Games Could We See?

Nintendo is known for launching new consoles alongside strong first-party titles, and the Switch 2 is expected to be no different. Several leaks suggest that iconic franchises will make their debut on the new hardware, including:

• A new 3D Mario title: Rumored to be built with Unreal Engine 4, offering expansive open-world gameplay.
• Mario Kart X: Said to be the largest Mario Kart game ever, possibly featuring all past tracks and characters.
• Enhanced Bayonetta trilogy: With upgraded visuals and performance.
• A new Zelda game: Rumoured to be in development for the Switch 2.
• Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Another potential launch title, showcasing the Switch 2’s improved graphical capabilities.
• Metroid Prime 4: Since 2019, creators Retro Studios has been delaying the game probably to jump directly to Switch 2.

These titles, combined with potential backward compatibility with existing Switch games, could make the Switch 2’s launch lineup one of the strongest in Nintendo’s history. However, rumors suggest that full backward compatibility may not be guaranteed, which could disappoint some fans.

Current Nintendo Switch sold over 143 million units by Q2 of 2025, and it is expected to cross 150 million end of the financial year.

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