By Nintendo has confirmed that it plans to launch its much-anticipated successor to the Switch sometime within the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2025. While details remain scarce, here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming handheld console, from potential features to tech specs.
What Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Be Called?
As of now, we don’t know the official name of the Switch successor. While many have speculated that it might be called “Switch 2,” this would be a departure from Nintendo’s usual naming conventions, which don’t typically follow a numerical sequence. Given the company’s history, it’s likely we’ll see a fresh name for the new console, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Will the Switch 2 Be Backwards Compatible?
Yes, the Switch 2 is expected to be compatible with existing Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently confirmed that the upcoming console will support backwards compatibility, meaning all your current Switch titles will work on the new system. However, it’s still unclear whether existing Switch accessories, such as the Joy-Con controllers, will be compatible with the new device.
Will It Retain the Hybrid Form Factor?
While Nintendo hasn’t provided definitive details, reports from multiple sources suggest that the Switch 2 will retain its hybrid nature, similar to the original. This means that, like the current Switch, the new device will likely function both as a handheld and a docked console, allowing you to enjoy your games on the go or on your TV.
Will the Switch 2 Be Digital-Only?
Although digital gaming has become increasingly popular, it’s unlikely that Nintendo will make the Switch 2 digital-only. The company has traditionally sold physical copies of its games, and rumours indicate that the new console will still feature a cartridge slot for those who prefer physical media.
What Kind of Power Will the Switch 2 Pack?
While Nintendo has kept technical details under wraps, leaks from last year’s FTC vs Microsoft case revealed some interesting insights. In 2022, Activision executives reportedly discussed the Switch 2 with Nintendo, and it’s been suggested that the new console will compete with current-generation platforms like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. More recently, reports from Eurogamer and VGC mention that Nintendo demoed The Matrix Awakens, a game that uses Unreal Engine 5 and supports ray tracing and NVIDIA’s DLSS upscaling technology, leading many to believe the Switch 2 will boast considerable graphical improvements over the original.
When Will the Switch 2 Launch?
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 is in development, but there’s no official release date yet. The company has only stated that the new console will launch within the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2025. Given the timing, it seems unlikely that the Switch 2 will arrive before the end of 2024, so fans will likely have to wait until sometime in 2025 for the console to debut.
As the official release date approaches, more information about the Nintendo Switch 2 is bound to leak, so keep an eye out for updates. For now, we’ll have to wait and see exactly how Nintendo plans to evolve its successful hybrid gaming platform.