The official Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer dropped unexpectedly on January 16th, 2025, appearing without prior announcement on Nintendo's YouTube channels. While release date rumors had circulated 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 analog sticks are noticeably bigger. While exact dimensions weren't provided, 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 rumored, compared to the 7-inch screen of the OLED Switch.
Design
The Joy-Cons feature a magnetic design, connecting via recessed contacts on the console. Insiders assure us this is surprisingly 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 dislodging during gameplay. This design necessitates screen bezels on the sides.
The Joy-Con holder has been redesigned, with flat grips and side-insertion instead of top-insertion. The buttons are larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the analog sticks to mitigate drift. Notably, the IR camera is absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.
A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel, potentially enabling wired joystick support and voice chat.
What's Inside?
Full specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but speculation points to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One comparable power. Docked mode may support either 4K or full Quad HD resolution. Insiders largely agree on these preliminary 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. The specs suggest many AAA titles from previous years, potentially including Genshin Impact, will be playable.
Release Date
NateTheHate suggests a May release at the earliest, with the official date revealed during the April Nintendo Direct. We predict a June release, coinciding with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour starting April 4th. Registration for hands-on events 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
Speculation centers around a €399 starting price, possibly lower at €349. However, it's best to await the Nintendo Direct for confirmation.
What Are We Going to Play?
Mario Kart 9 was showcased as a launch exclusive, featuring 24-player online support, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes. Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct. User 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
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Stay tuned for more news after the April Nintendo Direct!
