All rumors about the new Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2
It finally happened on 16 January 2025: the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced. In the trailer, we can see how the first Nintendo Switch changes into the new Switch 2. We notice right away that the Switch 2 is larger than the first Nintendo Switch. The Joy-Cons also have a new design. They look more ergonomic, so they probably feel better in your hand. The Switch 2 also has an improved stand. With this, the console stands more firm on the table while you game. Another big advantage: you can also play your old Nintendo Switch games on the new console.
We'll see more of the Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Direct on 2 April.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Thanks to the new Joy-Con design, the Joy-Cons feel better in your hand.
- You can also play your old Nintendo Switch games on the new Nintendo Switch 2, thanks to backwards compatibility.
- Thanks to the improved, fold-out stand, the Switch 2 stands more firmly on the table.
- You need an internet connection for the online functions of the Nintendo Switch.
New Nintendo games
The Nintendo Switch has a large assortment of games. For example, the Mario games, but also many games from different publishers like Ubisoft and EA. Fans think that there are 2 games that are planned for the new Switch. These are Pokémon Legends Z-A or Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. There are also rumors about a new Mario game like Mario Kart 9 or a new Animal Crossing. We've seen a bit of Mario Kart 9 in the announcement trailer. We see a complete new track with a new feature: 24 racers.
Play your old Nintendo Switch games
In February 2024, it was made clear that you can still play your old Nintendo Switch games on the new Nintendo Switch. Backwards compatibility was also confirmed in the Nintendo announcement video on 16 January. This means that you can play games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the new Switch.
The improvements listed
A new screen
In February 2024, many journalists announced that the new Nintendo Switch got postponed to 2025. Those same journalists also discovered that the new Nintendo Switch will have an 8-inch LCD screen. That's larger than the Nintendo Switch OLED, but it's unfortunately an LCD screen. These screens are less sharp than the OLED screens.
Leveling up the graphics
The current Nintendo Switch consoles run on older video cards and processors. It's very much time for an upgrade and that seems to be as good as confirmed. Nintendo is working together with NVIDIA on a special chip for the successor to the Nintendo Switch. This should get the power of the console close to that of the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox Series S. This is a big leap in graphic quality.
New controllers
In September, Nintendo requested a patent for an improved joystick. A big problem with the current controllers is that the Joy-Cons can get stick drift. This makes it so that the joystick doesn't register movements well. Nintendo wants to solve this with a new type of Joy-Con. In the trailer, you can see a cap around the stick, which probably makes sure that there's no stick drift. You can also connect the Joy-Cons via magnets to the screen now.
The success of the Switch
Millions of Nintendo Switch consoles and even more fantastic games have been sold. But after the base model, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch OLED, the next console now seems closer than ever. After lots of rumors about a launch in fall 2024, it seems like the console will launch in 2025. We expect an official announcement in January. Right now, we think there will be a trailer on 16 January and the release is planned for March.
Nintendo Switch Online
With the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo is focusing on their online service: Nintendo Switch Online. They released the old Nintendo 64 and Gameboy games via this service. There are also expansions for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, for example. According to the new rumors, Nintendo is looking for someone to transfer this service to the new console. This is something Nintendo hasn't done before. It indicates that we're dealing with a new Nintendo Switch.
Frequently asked questions
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