"Nintendo Switch 2 Supports NFC, Compatible with Amiibo"

Recent filings for the Nintendo Switch 2 have confirmed the inclusion of Near Field Communication (NFC) support, hinting that Amiibo compatibility will likely continue into the next generation of the console. As reported by The Verge, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) documents show that the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) feature is integrated into the right Joy-Con, mirroring the setup of the original Switch. This raises an intriguing question: will the Switch 2 support the existing Amiibo figures that already unlock in-game content?

In addition to NFC support, the FCC filings reveal that the Switch 2 can be charged using either its bottom USB-C port or a new top port, a feature many fans anticipated after the console's official reveal. The Switch 2 also boasts support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks, offering up to 80MHz of bandwidth, a significant upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on the original Switch. However, there is no mention of support for Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E in the filings, as pointed out by The Verge.

Regarding power, the Switch 2 is still rated for a maximum of 15V, but the filings also mention an AC adapter that can go up to 20V. This leaves the actual charging speed of the console somewhat uncertain.

A patent filed by Nintendo last month suggests an innovative feature for the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers: the ability to attach them upside down. This design utilizes magnets instead of the rails found on the original Switch, allowing for more flexible attachment options. This could potentially allow players to customize the placement of buttons and ports, and might even introduce new gameplay mechanics if implemented in the final product.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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If the Nintendo Switch 2 incorporates the features suggested by the patent, Nintendo is expected to provide a full outline during a special Nintendo Direct event scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2.

While Nintendo has not yet confirmed a release window for the Switch 2, speculation points to a launch between June and September. This speculation is fueled by hands-on events scheduled up until June and statements from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon, indicating that the console will be available before September.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details, such as the console's game lineup and the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button, remain undisclosed. The theory that the new Joy-Con might function as a mouse has gained some traction among enthusiasts.