As time goes on, so do the console generations. The Nintendo Switch has been out for over seven years now, so it’s due for an update. Rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2, the anticipated Switch successor, have been going on for years but are getting more intense. A sequel to Nintendo’s best-selling home console is coming, and it’s going to be sooner rather than later.

The big questions are: Will it be a straight-up Switch with upgraded specs and the same hybrid functionality? Or will Nintendo do something crazy? Will it be called Switch 2, Super Switch, or even the New Nintendo Switch? With Nintendo, anything can happen. They might even call it the Switch U.

In the past few weeks, there’s been much speculation about the upcoming console. But remember, very little has been officially confirmed by Nintendo. That being said, here are the rumors that seem most likely to happen, according to industry insiders.

Nintendo Switch Series Overview

The Nintendo Switch series has revolutionized the gaming world with its unique hybrid design, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games in multiple ways. The original Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, introduced the concept of switching seamlessly between handheld mode, tabletop mode, and TV mode. This versatility has been a game-changer, offering players the flexibility to play wherever and however they want.

Building on the success of the original Switch, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite in 2019. The Switch Lite is more compact and affordable, designed exclusively for handheld mode. It’s perfect for gamers on the go who prefer a more portable gaming experience.

In 2021, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, featuring a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen that enhances the visual experience with richer colors and deeper contrasts. This model also includes an improved kickstand for tabletop mode, better audio, and increased internal storage.

The Switch series has been a massive hit, selling over 146 million units worldwide as of September 2024. Its success can be attributed to its innovative design, extensive game library, and the ability to cater to different gaming preferences.

When Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Be Announced?

As mentioned above, Nintendo does things in its own time. We don’t have a specific date for when they’ll hold an event to show off the new console, but many insiders say it could happen this month.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 and its compatibility with existing Switch games, which means users will be able to play their current Switch game library on the new console.

Why the optimism? According to Kotaku, Nintendo recently changed its usual Nintendo Direct schedule to make room for something in September. September is a big month in the Japanese gaming calendar and ends with the Tokyo Game Show.

Several press members have also picked up on “industry whispers” about a September reveal. Christopher Dring, head of GamesIndustry.biz, said something Switch 2-related would be happening this month. Andy Robinson, editor-in-chief of VGC, said, “A bunch of press have heard this” but wouldn’t “bet my house on it.”

Even Nintendo can’t keep a big console release under wraps. There are a lot of logistics to consider, like parts sourcing and shipping. A senior analyst at MST Financial pointed out that Nintendo’s assembler, Hosiden, recently increased production equipment spending, which supports the September announcement.

When Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Be Released?

Again, the exact release date is still a mystery. We’re not completely in the dark, but most of the information is rumor and speculation. One thing we do know for sure is that Nintendo will announce the Nintendo Switch 2 (or whatever it’s called) by March 2025, which they confirmed back in May.

Some say a March release is possible since the original Switch was released on March 17, 2017. Others say the release window may go later into 2025.

We can make some educated guesses based on the announcement date. If it’s this year, a March release seems likely since the original Switch was announced in October 2016. If it’s next year, it’ll probably be after April.

Will It Even Be a Real Switch Successor?

Nintendo has a weird history with console releases. The Wii U was after the super-successful Wii, and the Wii was after the more traditional GameCube. So it’s possible the next console could be something entirely new and not a Switch sequel. But I think that’s unlikely this time around. As much as I’d love to see VR glasses or an utterly crazy console concept, all signs point to a more normal approach.

Developer Insights

Developers have already seen the hardware (in an earlier form), and it looks like a normal console. This is important because developers are the first to test new hardware, and their feedback shapes the final product. The fact that they’ve seen a version of the console means Nintendo is committed to delivering a device that meets both developer and consumer expectations.

Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed hybrid functionality, but given the Switch’s massive success, it would be weird if they didn’t. The hybrid model has been a game-changer for Nintendo, allowing players to play both handheld and docked. Since the Switch is so popular, it would be crazy if they abandoned the formula. The new console is also expected to support handheld mode, similar to the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Display and Features

Also, there are rumors that a mini-LED display would fit with the hybrid console. Mini-LED tech offers better contrast and color accuracy, which would be great for gaming, especially demanding games. This would be a nice addition for gamers who want high-quality graphics and vibrant visuals.

We’ll probably see a straight-up Switch 2 or something like that. This would allow Nintendo to build on what’s already there and add new features for new and returning players.

Design Elements

Also, there are rumors of a design similar to the original Switch. According to VGC, the console’s photos have leaked online, and it has an 8-inch screen and magnetic Joy-Con controllers. These controllers have SL/SR buttons and front-facing player LEDs, which fits with the idea that this new console will have the same elements that made the original Switch so popular.

The magnetic Joy-Con controllers could mean modularity and customization, allowing players to swap or upgrade their controllers. This would fit with Nintendo’s history of innovation and creativity in gaming hardware. The front-facing player LEDs could also enhance the social gaming experience by providing visual cues during multiplayer.

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Backwards Compatible?

If this is a Switch sequel, the next question is the backward compatibility of Nintendo Switch software. The Switch has a vast and growing library of games, so if players can’t play games like Tears of the Kingdom on their new next-gen console, they’d be pretty upset. But there’s good news on this front.

Backwards Compatibility Expectations

Multiple sources are saying the Nintendo Switch 2 will be fully backwards compatible, which is great news. This will be for digital and physical games so players can bring their existing game libraries to the new console. This would add value to the new system and allow players to play their favorite games without interruption.

Nintendo President Comments

Even Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser mentioned this in an interview last year. He said the company’s goal this time around is to “minimize the dip you see in the last year of one cycle and the beginning of another.” Backwards compatibility would certainly help with that, as it would allow players to adopt the new console without fear of losing access to their existing games.

Also, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa told investors that the new account system would make the transition from Switch to Switch’s successor smoother than previous generational shifts. This means Nintendo is taking steps to make it easy for players to transfer their accounts, digital purchases, and game data to the new system.

Backwards Compatibility Matters

As the gaming world evolves, backward compatibility is becoming a standard expectation for gamers. It preserves the value of players’ investment in games and provides continuity within a gaming ecosystem. For Nintendo, maintaining a connection to its existing library is key to keeping its loyal fans and attracting new ones.

Also, playing older games on a new console can enhance the gaming experience. Players can revisit old favorites, play new releases, and have a rich and varied gaming life.

Gaming Hardware Specs?

The rumors about the specs of the Nintendo Switch 2 are all over the place, so it’s hard to pinpoint the exact details. But one thing is for sure: it will be more powerful than the aging Switch hardware, which was already outdated in 2017.

Processor and Memory

One analyst got a spec sheet from the Korean United Daily News, which says the Switch 2 will have an 8-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal eMMC storage. These specs are underwhelming for 2024, just like the original Switch’s specs were in 2017. However, some reports say the console will have 12GB of RAM, which would be more powerful.

Another source says the 8-core CPU will be part of an NVIDIA-produced Tegra239 SoC (system on a chip). Since the current Switch uses an NVIDIA chip, this makes sense. The CPU will be more powerful, but the real game changer for the Switch 2 will be its new GPU. It’s widely believed the Switch 2 will support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), NVIDIA’s advanced upscaling technology. This will allow the console to render games at a lower internal resolution and output a high-resolution image, improving visual fidelity. Fun fact: We previously talked about how DLSS would be perfect for the Nintendo Switch 2 when the tech was announced alongside the RTX 20 series back in 2018.

DLSS Questions

There are still many questions about how DLSS will be implemented on the Switch 2. Will it support frame generation? Will existing games be automatically optimized by NVIDIA’s algorithm? Regardless of the details, having DLSS upscaling will be a big improvement over what’s available to Switch developers today.

Display

There are many conflicting rumors about the display. Early reports from reliable sources said the Switch 2 would have an 8-inch LCD display. But then there were rumors of a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Some analysts say it could be an OLED screen, and others say it’s a mini-LED display.

A mini-LED display is basically an LCD with a backlight made up of mini-LEDs instead of edge lighting. This allows for local dimming, which means deeper blacks and better contrast. I think the initial model will have a standard LCD to keep costs down and an OLED or Mini-LED version later. But since mini-LED screens are slightly cheaper than OLED, it’s not out of the question for the launch model.

Resolution

Recent reports say the console will output 1080p in handheld mode and 4K when docked. That’s a significant upgrade from the original Switch, which only did 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked. The higher resolution will be a big plus for visually demanding games, including racing games, making the Switch 2 a more competitive option in the current gaming landscape.

Nintendo Switch Online Features

Nintendo Switch Online is an essential service for any Switch owner, offering a plethora of features that enhance the gaming experience. With a subscription, players gain access to online multiplayer gaming, allowing them to compete and cooperate with friends and players worldwide.

One of the standout features of Nintendo Switch Online is the extensive library of classic NES and SNES games. Subscribers can relive the nostalgia of iconic titles and discover hidden gems from Nintendo’s rich history. Additionally, the service offers exclusive discounts on digital games, making it easier for players to expand their game collections.

Cloud saves are another significant benefit, providing peace of mind by allowing players to back up their game data and access it from any Switch console. This feature ensures that progress is never lost, even if something happens to the original console.

Nintendo Switch Online is available across all Switch models, including the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED Models, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any Switch console.

Parental Controls and Safety

Nintendo understands the importance of providing a safe and controlled gaming environment for younger players. The Nintendo Switch series includes a comprehensive set of parental controls and safety features designed to help parents manage their children’s gaming experiences effectively.

Parents can restrict access to specific games and features, ensuring that their children only play age-appropriate content. Time limits can also be set to manage how long children spend playing each day, promoting a healthy balance between gaming and other activities.

Monitoring online activity is another crucial aspect of parental control. Parents can monitor their children’s interactions and ensure they are engaging in safe and appropriate online behavior. The Switch also includes automatic software updates and secure online transactions, adding an extra layer of safety.

Nintendo provides a range of resources and guides to help parents understand and utilize these features effectively. By offering these tools, Nintendo ensures that the Switch remains a family-friendly console that caters to the needs of both parents and children.

How Much Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Cost?

We don’t have the exact price of the Nintendo Switch 2 yet, but we can look at the historical pricing to make some educated guesses. The original Nintendo Switch launched at $300, which has become a sort of “magic number” for Nintendo console releases in recent years. Notably, the Wii U also launched at the same price.

Price Speculation

However, many rumors say Nintendo will increase the price of Switch 2. Various outlets say it could be $400 or even more. The same analysts who said $400 also said it would be out by the end of 2024. Given the current timeline, that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Historical Context

Looking back at Nintendo’s pricing history gives us some context for a price increase. The GameCube launched at $200, and the Wii at $250. The Wii U and Switch both increased to $300, so there’s a trend of price increases over time. If the Switch 2 is $400, it would put it almost on par with the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which are both premium consoles.

A $400 price would put the Switch 2 in line with the 256GB LCD Steam Deck, which has become a popular handheld gaming device. This raises the question of how Nintendo will position the Switch 2 against its competitors and whether it can justify the higher price to consumers.

Consumer Expectations

Ultimately, the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 will depend on many factors, including the console’s specs, features, and the gaming landscape at the time of its release. If the Switch 2 has significant tech, graphics, and gameplay, consumers will be more willing to pay more.

However, Nintendo also has to consider its loyal fanbase, which is used to the more affordable pricing of previous consoles. Finding the right balance between value and innovation will be key to the success of Switch 2.

Are There Any Launch Games?

As of now, we don’t have any information on launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. But it’s been a while since we had a proper 3D Mario game, and many fans are waiting for one. A new Mario game would surely be a system seller, attracting longtime fans and newcomers.

3D Mario Game

Given Nintendo’s history of launching consoles with first-party titles, a new 3D Mario game is a no-brainer. The last major 3D Mario game was Super Mario Odyssey in 2017, and since then, fans have been waiting for a new Mario adventure. A new Mario game would be a great opportunity to show off the latest hardware, with amazing visuals and new gameplay mechanics that take advantage of the Switch 2’s extra power.

Other Launch Titles

Beyond a new Mario game, your guess is as good as mine. Historically, Nintendo has partnered with other developers to create a diverse launch lineup. Based on past trends, we can expect something from Ubisoft, which has a history of supporting Nintendo consoles with games like Just Dance and Rayman. Those games appeal to a wide audience and can fill out the launch lineup.

We might also see an off-the-wall title like 1-2-Switch, which was released with the original Switch. That kind of game showcases the unique features of the console and is a fun, party-like experience that can attract casual gamers. It may not be a big title, but it’s a lighthearted option for players to play with friends and family.