Nintendo Switch 2: New Handheld Console Unveiled

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 thumbsticks are noticeably bigger. While precise dimensions weren't given, insiders report a height of 116mm, width of 270mm, and thickness of 14mm. This translates to 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 7-inch OLED Switch).

Design

The Joy-Cons boast a new magnetic design, connecting via recessed contacts on the console in handheld mode. Insiders assure us this is robust; the contacts are well-protected, preventing accidental breakage or easy removal. The SL and SR buttons are larger and metallic, providing the magnetic connection. NextHandheld claims the magnets are strong enough to prevent accidental detachment. This design necessitates screen bezels on the sides.

The Joy-Con holder has also been redesigned. The grips are now flat, and the Joy-Cons insert from the sides instead of the top. The buttons are slightly larger, and rumors suggest Hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks 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, possibly enabling wired joystick support and voice chat. Further details are awaited.

What's Inside?

Full specifications will be revealed at the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, but speculation abounds. Some suggest performance comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with potential for full Quad HD resolution in docked mode.

Insiders generally 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

Interestingly, an OLED version doesn't seem to be launching initially, despite previous expectations.

Release Date

NateTheHate predicts a release no earlier than May. The official date will be announced in April's Nintendo Direct, but a June release seems likely. This is supported by the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" tour starting April 4th, allowing hands-on previews. Registration closes January 26th.

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

No official pricing yet. Speculation ranges from €349 to €399, but it's best to wait for 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, 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, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Stay tuned for more news after the April Nintendo Direct!