Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know

It has been eight years since the launch of the Nintendo Switch back in March 2017. And while we have had the Switch OLED bestowed to us, gamers worldwide have been waiting for the second-gen Nintendo Switch. Finally, Nintendo revealed the first look of the Switch 2 console. With that said, here is everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 rumors have been around for years now. With the official Switch 2 reveal on January 16, 2025, the buzz has now been doubled. While there are no official specifications revealed yet for the Nintendo Switch 2, we have shared all the speculated and leaked details below. We will update this page with official information about the specs and price when we have more official knowledge.

Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date

In the latest announcement trailer, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will be released in 2025. Well, that might seem huge as we are just in January but do not worry. Right at the end of the trailer, Nintendo shared a specific Nintendo Direct date for the Switch successor. So, we might get the official release date on April 2, 2025, when the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event happens.

Nintendo Switch 2: Display and Design

Bigger Display

While there were doubts about the design changes and major Joy-Con upgrades, everything is now dusted with the first-look reveal. In the official reveal, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems to have a bigger screen. Although it seems bigger than the Switch OLED screen, the key feature is the redesigned finish.

On top of that, a mounting stand is added to the screen on the back for a better tabletop experience. While the screen has some bezels, we might see a high-quality LCD panel instead of an OLED version.

Magnetic Joy-Cons

Following the unveiling of their new handheld, Nintendo turned its attention to the latest iteration of Joy-Cons. As previously leaked, these controllers incorporate a magnetic system, a significant improvement over the previous models, which were plagued by notorious “drifting” issues.

This new magnetic system promises smoother and more reliable stick rotation, effectively addressing a long-standing concern for many players. The redesigned Joy-Cons also features a larger form factor and a predominantly black color scheme, hinting at a potential shift in aesthetic direction for Nintendo’s iconic controllers.

Nintendo Switch 2: Supported Games

One of the main reasons behind getting the Switch is its variety of games library. Luckily, you can experience the previous generation on Switch 2. Yes, Nintendo confirms backward compatibility on the Switch successor. Although there are some restrictions, you can play Nintendo Switch originals along with all the Switch 2 games on the console.

This means you will be able to play the exclusive Switch 2 games with the previous generation titles. Moreover, this will support both physical and digital games.

Nintendo Switch 2: Pricing (Expected)

Nintendo launched the original Switch at $299. A few years later, the newer and premium OLED variant was launched at $349. A simple $50 bump for an OLED screen was acceptable, although the internal specifications & in-game performance remained the same. At some point in 2022, we also heard about a ‘Nintendo Switch Pro‘ that could be coming out.

But then, Digital Foundry claimed Nintendo had axed the existence of a Pro model in favor of a full-on generational upgrade with major research & development resources assigned to it.

Nintendo doesn’t go ‘over the top’ when it comes to pricing. While games are expensive, the gaming consoles themselves (whether from Sony, Nintendo, or Microsoft) are sold at relatively affordable prices. So, we expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to cost between $349 to $449.

Some rumors suggest the pricing could be upwards of $400. The rumors also state two different Switch 2 variants are being worked on. One is reportedly going to be a digital-only variant, so games will have to be downloaded over the internet.

The other variant is expected to have support for physical cartridges. If Nintendo does launch two variants, the Switch 2 lineup will be similar to how Sony sells its PS5 gaming consoles, with both disc and digital versions available to purchase.

Bigger gaming consoles with advanced computing capabilities, such as Xbox Series S or PS5 Digital, are sold near the $400 price point. But despite the existence of those consoles, the Nintendo Switch 2 will have an exclusive fan following, and it will sell like hotcakes. Hopefully, the final price will not go above $400!

While the original Switch was featureful in various ways, the hardware was mid-range at best. All that has changed since Nintendo launched the Switch OLED, with a much more premium display.

I expect Nintendo to increase the price from $299 (1st gen). The original Switch console had a very basic 720p display. Since Nintendo Switch 2 will come with various upgrades, the aforementioned price range is a decent assumption for the next-gen console. Start saving up now!

Nintendo Switch 2: Specifications & Next-Gen Experiences

The new reports on the famiboards suggest a lot of new specs for the Switch 2. Here is a list of new details:

• CPU: Arm Cortex-A78C
• GPU: Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 series)
  • 1 Graphics Processing Cluster (GPC)
  • 12 Streaming Multiprocessors (SM)
  • 1534 CUDA cores
  • 6 Texture Processing Clusters (TPC)
  • 48 Gen 3 Tensor cores
  • 2 RTX ray-tracing cores
• RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5, (some/all units will have LPDDR5X chips)
• Handheld:
  • CPU @ 1100.8 MHz
  • GPU @ 561 MHz, 1.72 TFLOPs
  • RAM @ 2133 MHz, 68.26 GB/s
• Docked:
  • CPU @ 998.4 MHz
  • GPU @ 1007.3 MHz, 3.09 TFLOPs
  • RAM @ 3200 MHz, 102.40 GB/s

As per some earlier reports, we can estimate the power of the Nintendo Switch compared to the PS4 Pro and Xbox Series S in docked mode (before DLSS). The leaks cannot be verified yet and are just based on leaks and speculation. The specifications will see a significant RAM and storage upgrade. According to some Famiboards member claims, the next Switch console will have:

• 12GB of RAM
• 2x 6GB LPDDR5X modules capable of 7,500MT/s transfer speed
• 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage

We previously heard that Switch 2 will feature PS5-level visuals and performance. The leaker then stated that its source had seen Final Fantasy 7 running on the Nintendo Switch 2 with impressive visual quality. Here, we speculated that Switch 2 could feature PS5-level visuals, but perhaps not at the same level of fidelity.

But given the portable form factor it is limited to, it is tough to expect 4K-level gaming from the next Switch. Despite all this, the new console should feature highly improved graphics. Moreover, a higher resolution is achievable through AI upscaling too, notably a rumored feature.

Reportedly, the company has filed a patent for AI-based upscaling (via: freepatentsonline.com) very recently. Below are the possible specifications & next-gen experiences that Nintendo Switch 2 may feature, as per various leaks. Many have stated that the console was revealed to a selective crowd back at Gamescom 2023.

• Switch 2 will feature a new Nvidia-based processor with improved performance and efficiency. Speculations suggest that it will be an Nvidia T239 chip, but the final specifications have not been confirmed.
• Support for Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). For those unaware, this tech is for upscaling the render resolution to a higher quality (such as 720p to 1080p)
• Capable of playing Unreal Engine 5 titles with Matrix Awakens demo having been tested.
• Nintendo’s iconic Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was reportedly showcased at Gamescom 2023. Reportedly, this version featured higher graphics quality.

Currently, various AAA titles exist for the Nintendo Switch. We already have Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal, along with several other AAA games that launched on the previous console. It is crazy how far the original Switch can go, given its age.

The optimization from developers and scaled-down graphics from PC/PlayStation/Xbox versions also make this experience on a handheld possible.

New advancements, including the rumored upgraded chip, will result in a major boost in visual fidelity of new gaming experiences on Nintendo Switch 2. Games from Nintendo, such as Super Mario, Pokemon, and perhaps a new Zelda game, will take the most advantage of the Switch 2’s updated internals. It will also be exciting to see new multiplayer experiences with better visuals coming to the Switch 2, along with new innovative AR experiences.

The storage should be upgraded greatly on the new Nintendo Switch since the sizes of games have increased dramatically. We could also see expandable storage support on the Switch 2, as we saw on the Switch 1.

Speaking of the battery, Nintendo has offered the same 9 hours of battery on its original Switch and the OLED variant. But, during heavy gaming scenarios, the battery life drops significantly. The portable form factor of the Switch does not allow the company to put a massive battery in there. In some way, a balance will have to be achieved. Unfortunately, there is little word on that, so we will have to wait and see.

By the way, it is confirmed that users will sign in with the same Nintendo account as the previous console on Nintendo Switch 2. This will create a smooth transition for any previous user leaping to the second-gen Switch handheld.

Nintendo Switch 2: Future of Handheld Gaming?

When the Nintendo Switch 2 comes out, it could very well define the future of handheld gaming in the market. After reviewing the ROG Ally and testing out the original Switch, this handheld felt like a classy device with a unique vibe, thanks to Nintendo’s ecosystem of games and unique features.

When I expect the Switch 2 to be the future, I’m not trying to say it will be capable of higher res and graphics than the most powerful handhelds of today. Instead, I’m pointing out how this is not just a gaming device but an all-around entertainment system with lots of fun experiences to try with your family and friends. Many already feel like the original Switch is the best handheld console.

The Nintendo Switch 2 could only level things up but time will tell. We will update you with all the latest information regarding the Switch 2 as it comes out, so stay tuned.

What do you personally expect from the new Nintendo Switch 2? Will you be upgrading to it? Let us know in the comments below.