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 showcases 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 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This represents a 3.1cm increase in width and 1.4cm in height compared to the standard Nintendo Switch. An 8-inch screen diagonal is also rumored (compared to the OLED Switch's 7-inch screen).
Design
The Joy-Cons boast a magnetic redesign, attaching via recessed contacts on the console in handheld mode. Insiders assure us this isn't as fragile as it sounds; the contacts are securely enclosed, preventing accidental breakage. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection and ensuring secure attachment. This design, however, necessitates screen bezels.
The Joy-Con attachment mechanism has also been altered. They appear to slide into place, and the grip has a flatter top with side insertion. The buttons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the sticks will mitigate joystick drift. However, 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, hinting at potential wired controller support and voice chat capabilities. Further details are awaited.
What's Inside?
Full specifications will be revealed during the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but speculation abounds. The Switch 2 is rumored to be comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, potentially supporting full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.
Insider-reported specifications:
- Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra T239
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB
- Memory Card Support: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD Express
- Screen: LCD, 8 inches
While an OLED version isn't expected at launch, the specs are promising, suggesting compatibility with many AAA titles from previous years, potentially including *Genshin Impact*.
Release Date
NateTheHate suggests a May release at the earliest, with the official date to be announced in April's Nintendo Direct. A June release is predicted, coinciding with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour starting April 4th, allowing hands-on demos. Registration closes 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?
The trailer showcased *Mario Kart 9* as a launch exclusive, featuring 24-player online support, new tracks, and redesigned item boxes.
Further announcements are expected at the Nintendo Direct, but 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 following the April Nintendo Direct!
