After months of anticipation and rampant speculation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled, giving us our first official glimpse through a trailer from Nintendo. This reveal confirms many of the rumors that had been circulating about the successor to the iconic original Nintendo Switch.
However, the trailer was disappointingly brief, leaving numerous questions unanswered about the Nintendo Switch 2. Key details such as the exact release date, pricing, and the lack of full backward compatibility with original Switch games remain shrouded in mystery. As we eagerly await the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025, let's delve into the biggest questions surrounding this new console.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
There has been ample speculation about the release timeline for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. Unfortunately, the trailer offers no new insights, merely confirming that the system will be available sometime this year. The original Switch launched on March 3, 2017, following its reveal in October 2016. If Nintendo opts for a similar schedule, we might see the Switch 2 hit the market around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors. The earliest possible release is set after April 2025, with Nintendo planning a Direct livestream on April 2 to provide more details and showcase launch games. Additionally, fan preview events are scheduled from April to early June, suggesting a potential release post these events. However, we'll likely need to wait for the April Direct for a confirmed release date.
What Is the Price of the Switch 2?
The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains one of the most significant unknowns. The original Switch debuted at $300 in 2017, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the Switch 2's enhanced hardware, a price increase is expected. Current speculation suggests a launch price of $400, which aligns with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts consulted by IGN believe that $400 could be the sweet spot for the new console. The final price will likely depend on the system's hardware capabilities, rumored to be on par with the Xbox One X, and whether it features an OLED screen.
What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?
The success of a new console often hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch benefited from a strong lineup, including the acclaimed Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8. For the Switch 2, the trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but details on other launch titles are scarce. Rumors suggest a robust selection of games at launch, bolstered by increased third-party support due to the Switch 2's enhanced technical capabilities. We'll learn more about the launch lineup at the April Direct.
What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?
The trailer reveals that the Nintendo Switch 2 is not only more powerful but also physically larger than its predecessor. The console and Joy-Cons appear taller, with a larger screen dominating the front. Estimates based on the trailer suggest the Switch 2 could be around 15% larger than the original. The impact of this size increase on the overall user experience and comfort remains to be seen, with more details expected in April.
What Type of Screen Does It Have?
The original Switch's OLED model marked a significant upgrade over the base model, offering brighter, more vibrant colors and improved battery life. Will the Switch 2 continue this trend? The trailer provides no clues about the screen technology, leaving us to wonder whether Nintendo will stick with OLED or opt for an LED or LCD panel to manage costs. We'll need to wait for the April Direct to learn more.
Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, supporting both physical cartridges and digital downloads. However, the trailer includes a disclaimer that not all games will be compatible. It remains unclear which specific titles won't work, whether due to hardware limitations or requirements for the original Joy-Con, such as Ring Fit Adventure or Nintendo LABO. More information is expected in April.
Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?
While it's reassuring to know that most original Switch games will be playable on the Switch 2, the question of performance enhancements remains. Will these games run identically, or will the upgraded hardware enable improved frame rates and graphics? For graphically demanding titles like Tears of the Kingdom, enhancements could be significant. Whether these enhancements will come at an additional cost, through remastered versions or paid downloads, is still up in the air. We'll likely get clarity on this in April.
What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?
The Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers come with notable upgrades, as confirmed by the trailer. They feature an additional button and attach to the console magnetically, rather than using rails. Additionally, the Joy-Con can now be used like a computer mouse, potentially enhancing gameplay in genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. The specifics of how these features will be utilized remain to be seen, with more details expected at the April Direct.
Mario Kart 9 - First Look
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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?
One of the major issues with the original Switch was Joy-Con drift, where joysticks would move on their own. Nintendo addressed this with repair and replacement programs, but it remained a persistent issue. With the Switch 2, there's hope that new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments will eliminate this problem. Whether Nintendo has indeed solved Joy-Con drift will hopefully be addressed at the April Direct.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out 30 details we found in the reveal trailer, and see what to expect from Nintendo in 2025.
