Nintendo Switch 2: 9 Key Questions Answered

After months of anticipation and speculation, the gaming world has finally gotten an official glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2 through a trailer released by Nintendo. This reveal confirms many of the rumors that had been circulating about the successor to the original Nintendo Switch. However, the teaser was disappointingly brief, leaving many questions unanswered. From the exact release date to pricing and backward compatibility, let's delve into the most pressing queries about the new console as we eagerly await further details at the upcoming Nintendo Direct in April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

While the trailer didn't provide a specific release date for the Nintendo Switch 2, it did confirm that the console will launch sometime in 2025. Given that the original Switch debuted on March 3, 2017, after its reveal in October 2016, it's speculated that the Switch 2 might follow a similar timeline. This could potentially place its release around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors. We know for certain that the console won't launch before April 2025, with a new Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2. This event will offer more insights into the console and showcase its launch titles. Additionally, Nintendo has planned fan preview events from April to early June, hinting that the console might be released shortly after these events conclude. We'll have to wait until the Direct for an official release date.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a significant mystery. The original Switch launched at $300, and the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2, a price increase seems likely. Rumors suggest that the new console might retail at $400, placing it in the same ballpark as the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts generally agree that $400 could be the sweet spot for the new console. The final price will likely depend on the extent of the hardware upgrades, including whether it retains the OLED screen technology or opts for a different display type.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

The success of a new console often hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch made waves with its launch lineup, featuring a new open-world Legend of Zelda game, Mario Kart 8, and the subsequent release of Super Mario Odyssey. The Switch 2 trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but other launch titles remain under wraps until the April Nintendo Direct. There's speculation about a new Zelda or Mario game, but nothing has been confirmed yet. We're also expecting robust third-party support, given the reduced technical disparity with consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

The trailer indicates that the Nintendo Switch 2 is not only more powerful but also larger than its predecessor. The console and Joy-Cons are taller, and the screen is larger, occupying more of the front of the unit. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 is around 15% larger than the original. This size increase raises questions about comfort and ergonomics, which we'll learn more about in April.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED model significantly improved upon the original's display, with a brighter and more vibrant screen and better battery life. Fans are eager to know if the Switch 2 will continue using OLED technology or opt for a more cost-effective LED or LCD panel. The trailer doesn't provide any clues, so we'll need to wait for the Nintendo Direct for more information.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, whether physical cartridges or digital downloads. However, the trailer includes a disclaimer that not all games will be compatible. It's unclear which games won't work—whether due to specific hardware requirements like the original Joy-Con or other limitations. More details are expected in April.

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While it's reassuring that most original Switch games will be playable on the new console, questions remain about how these games will perform. Will they run identically, or will the Switch 2's enhanced hardware boost framerates and graphics? Given the demands of graphically intensive games like Tears of the Kingdom, it's hoped that Nintendo will offer improved versions. Whether this involves simply using existing cartridges or requires purchasing remastered versions remains to be seen.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The trailer confirms some of the rumored upgrades to the Joy-Con controllers, including an extra button and magnetic attachment to the console. It also suggests that the Joy-Con can be used like a computer mouse, potentially opening up new gameplay possibilities. We're eager to see how these features will be utilized in new games, which should be showcased at the April Nintendo Direct.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift was a persistent issue with the original Switch, and many hope that Nintendo has addressed this in the Switch 2. The new Joy-Con's design, including new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments, could potentially eliminate this problem. We'll find out more at the upcoming Nintendo Direct.