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? Watch 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 thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions weren't given, insiders report a height of 116 mm, width of 270 mm, and thickness of 14 mm. This makes it 3.1 cm wider and 1.4 cm taller than the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen is also rumored (compared to the OLED Switch's 7-inch screen).
Design
The Joy-Cons sport a magnetic design, attaching via recessed contacts on the console. Insiders assure us this isn't fragile; the contacts are fully enclosed, preventing accidental breakage. The larger, metallic SL and SR buttons provide the magnetic connection, strong enough to prevent accidental detachment. This design necessitates bezels around the screen.
The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned. The grips are now flatter, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides instead of the top. The buttons themselves are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the sticks to reduce drift. However, the IR camera appears absent, potentially impacting backward compatibility for games like Ring Fit Adventure.
A microphone and USB Type-C port are visible on the top bezel. Their functionality remains unclear but might support wired controllers or in-game voice chat.
What's Inside?
Full specifications await the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but rumors suggest power comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with potential for full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.
Most insiders agree on these specs:
- Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB
- Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
- Screen: LCD, 8 inches
Note: An OLED version isn't expected at launch.
Release Date
NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May. The official date will be announced during the April Nintendo Direct, but June is a likely candidate. The "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour begins April 4th, allowing hands-on time with the console. Registration is open until January 26th on the official Nintendo website.
Tour Dates & Locations:
- 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 points to a starting price of €399, possibly lower at €349. Confirmation awaits the Nintendo Direct.
What Are We Going to Play?
Mario Kart 9 was showcased as a launch exclusive, featuring online play for up to 24 players, 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!
