After the frenzy of (accurate) leaks and speculation, Nintendo has finally pulled the curtain off the officially-titled Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to the Nintendo Switch hybrid console.
The brand-new system has been confirmed to release in 2025, although an exact release date has not been announced just yet. More details are coming in a special Nintendo Direct, scheduled for April 2.
Switching things up
The brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 is a larger unit overall compared to its predecessor. The actual console is bigger, and features a bigger screen; whether or not its LCD or OLED has not yet been mentioned. Actual screen dimensions have also not yet been mentioned.
Also new are two USB-C ports, a returning one at the bottom that’s joined by a new one at the top of the unit. A headphone jack remains present on the unit, though Bluetooth audio functionality should also be expected to make a return.
A redesigned kickstand that wraps around the rear border of the console is also present, and allows the system to lean at different angles, similar to that of the Switch OLED.
As for the Joy-Con, they too have been given a redesign. They’re bigger, and now feature what appears to be mouse-like functionality, as quickly demonstrated in a short clip where they’re ‘skating’ across a surface; we have yet to see exactly how this functionality will be put to use.
Otherwise, they remain very familiar to their predecessors, although they now snap onto the sides of the Switch 2 rather than slide.
The larger size of the Joy-Con 2 and different connection method all but confirm that the OG Joy-Con will absolutely not be compatible with the original Switch or vice versa. Though, it remains to be seen if the original Joy-Con will be wirelessly compatible with the new system.
Back and forward
Speaking of compatibility, Nintendo has reconfirmed that Switch 2 will play original Switch titles. Now we know that this will apply to both digital and physical releases.
However, it does mention that “certain” original Switch titles will either not be compatible at all, or at least “not fully compatible” with the new Switch 2.
While a list of such software has yet to be revealed, one example that immediately comes to mind are the Nintendo Labo Kits, which were purpose-built to work with the original Switch; they’re not even compatible with the Switch OLED or Switch Lite. We’ll see later what other releases are not playable on the new system.
The roadmap
Nintendo’s shadow-dropped first look at the Switch 2 focuses squarely on showing the hardware to the world. A brief gameplay teaser of a new Mario Kart is the only piece of software that’s been revealed thus far.
More details about the new system, including launch games, price and release date are expected to be announced during the newly-revealed Nintendo Direct for Nintendo Switch 2 which will air on April 2, 2025. An exact time for this broadcast will be revealed later.
Throughout the month of April, fans in the US have a chance to experience the Switch 2 at three hands-on events: New York, NY (April 4-6), Los Angeles, CA (April 11-13) and Dallas, TX (April 25-27). Registration for these events open on January 17.
