The official Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer dropped unexpectedly on January 16, 2025, a surprise release without prior announcement. While release date rumors had swirled 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 precise dimensions weren't given, insiders report a height of 116 mm, width of 270 mm, and thickness of 14 mm. This translates to a 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller console than the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored (compared to the 7-inch OLED Switch).

Design

The Joy-Cons sport a new magnetic design, connecting via recessed contacts on the console. Insiders assure us this is robust; the contacts are fully protected, making accidental detachment unlikely. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. NextHandheld claims the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental disconnection during gameplay. This design necessitates screen bezels on the sides.

The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned; the Joy-Cons now slide in from the sides, and the grip's upper section is flatter. The buttons themselves are larger, and rumors point to Hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks, mitigating joystick drift. However, the IR camera appears absent, potentially affecting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.

A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel; their exact functionality remains unclear, but wired joystick support and voice chat are possibilities.

What's Inside?

Full specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but speculation abounds. The Switch 2 is rumored to be comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Insider speculation points to these specs:

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

Interestingly, an OLED version isn't expected at launch. Despite this, the specs are promising, suggesting compatibility with many AAA titles from previous years, and possibly even Genshin Impact.

Release Date

NateTheHate suggests a release no earlier than May. The official date will be revealed in April's Nintendo Direct, but a June release seems likely. This aligns with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour, starting April 4th, allowing hands-on previews. 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

No official pricing yet. Speculation ranges from €349 to €399. It's best to await the Nintendo Direct for confirmation.

What Are We Going to Play?

The trailer showcased Mario Kart 9 as a launch exclusive, featuring up to 24-player online, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes.

Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but fan 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, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Stay tuned for more news after the April Nintendo Direct!