Everything You Need to Know About the New Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Specs, and Pricing Details

Everything You Need to Know About the New Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Specs, and Pricing Details

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo will unveil the Switch 2, a successor to the record-breaking original Switch. Maintaining its hybrid design, the new console promises enhanced performance, a larger ergonomic form factor, and improved Joy-Con controllers. While it will support existing games, exclusive titles are also expected. Backward compatibility is confirmed, and the expected launch window is between late April and June 2025, with a price likely under €400.

Nintendo Switch 2: A New Era Begins

On March 3, 2025, the Nintendo Switch will mark its eighth anniversary. Just a few days later, on April 2, Nintendo is set to unveil the highly anticipated Switch 2 during a dedicated conference. This new console faces the monumental challenge of succeeding a system that has shattered records, boasting over 146 million units sold worldwide.

Unveiling the New Features of the Nintendo Switch 2

After a wave of speculation and leaks, including unofficial models from various accessory manufacturers, Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 on January 16. Unlike the extensive marketing campaign surrounding the original Switch in 2016, Nintendo has been more reserved about revealing the new console’s features. So far, only the design has been highlighted, hinting at several exciting enhancements.

Official details about the Switch 2, including its release date and price, will be disclosed on April 2, 2025, during a special Nintendo Direct presentation.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a next-generation console, succeeding the original Switch in a manner similar to how the PS5 followed the PS4. While it will support the same titles, it will also introduce exclusive games.

Staying true to Nintendo’s innovative spirit, the Switch 2 maintains the hybrid model of its predecessor, functioning as both a portable and home console, complete with Joy-Con controllers. However, the new iteration is larger and boasts enhanced power.

The design of the Nintendo Switch 2 resembles its predecessor but features a larger form factor, designed for improved ergonomics and a more enjoyable display for long gaming sessions. The Joy-Con controllers are expected to have a more comfortable feel, now incorporating a magnetic controller system.

Performance is a hot topic for the Switch 2. The original Switch, equipped with an older Nvidia chip, faced criticism regarding its capabilities, especially with demanding titles. The upcoming console is anticipated to receive considerable scrutiny, especially since Nintendo is likely to continue its partnership with Nvidia, unlike Sony and Microsoft, which have opted for AMD solutions.

Insights from documents revealed during the Microsoft and FTC legal proceedings suggest that the Switch 2’s power may rival that of the PS4, according to reports. While the PS4 debuted in 2013, some may worry that the Switch 2 could lag behind in technical prowess. However, it could potentially leverage Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, enhancing performance by rendering at lower resolutions while maintaining visual quality. This could significantly elevate the gaming experience, although Nintendo has yet to officially confirm this feature.

As for the display technology, the debate between LCD and OLED continues. Currently, the Switch lineup offers both, with OLED being the premium choice. Rumors suggest that the Switch 2 might revert to an LCD screen, which could be disappointing given the growing trend towards OLED in many devices. The new console is expected to feature an 8-inch screen, surpassing the 7-inch display of the Switch OLED, but specific details remain unconfirmed.

The Joy-Con controllers of the Switch 2 are expected to undergo improvements as well. While they are celebrated for their HD vibrations and motion gaming capabilities, issues such as the drift phenomenon have raised concerns. To address this, the new Joy-Con could incorporate “hall effect” joysticks designed to reduce drift, although this has not been officially verified.

In a recent presentation, Nintendo hinted at magnetic Joy-Con that are larger and include a new C button, an optical sensor, and redesigned SL and SR buttons.

As for the game library, classics like Zelda, Mario, Pikmin, and Pokémon are likely to return, along with some anticipated ports. So far, Mario Kart 9 appears to be confirmed, with more announcements expected during the upcoming conference.

Backward compatibility with existing Switch titles was confirmed in late 2024 and reiterated in early 2025, ensuring that both cartridge and digital games will be playable on the Switch 2.

The anticipated launch date for the Switch 2 is set for 2025, with a probable release window between late April and June following the April 2 conference.

Regarding pricing, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be priced under €400, especially if it opts for an LCD display.