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After seven years in circulation, 146 million units sold, and over 1 billion games acquired, Nintendo is somehow preparing to unveil its next piece of hardware. In this article, we are compiling everything known about the Switch 2—or whatever the forthcoming console may be called—and the speculations surrounding Nintendo’s subsequent release. There has been a fair amount of chatter about the upcoming Nintendo console recently. It seems that the rumor mill is ramping up, though this doesn’t necessarily indicate that an official proclamation is imminent.
Recently, Nintendo has made several announcements, including a novel alarm clock and a music application, yet there has been no official announcement regarding the Switch 2.
2025 began with an enticing rumor, as individuals claim to have gotten their hands on the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons. Images surfaced online suggesting that these new controllers will retain a similar design to the original but may conceal one or two fresh features. Another recent report elaborated on the potential sales figures for the Switch 2 in the US during its first year on the market.
Additionally, another recent report has asserted that the next Nintendo console is indeed called simply Switch 2. One Chinese retailer is offering screen protectors and carrying cases for the Switch 2, which may provide hints about the dimensions and design of the new console. However, they could be entirely fictitious or speculative.
This article discusses the potential design features, rumored release date, pricing, launch titles, backward compatibility, and more regarding the Switch 2. For clarity, we will refer to the new system as the Switch 2, even though it’s likely that, according to Nintendo’s past, it may receive some kind of new, distinctive name. Only time will tell.
There are numerous unanswered questions regarding the Switch 2, but for now, this is all the essential information we possess.
Switch 2 Leaked Images
An important development for the Switch 2 occurred in mid-September 2024, when unverified images purportedly showing the successor to the Nintendo Switch surfaced online, depicting a console that is not a significant deviation from the current design of the Switch console. The images suggest that the new Switch will have a larger eight-inch display, Joy-Cons utilizing a magnetic connection, and significantly enhanced hardware compared to the existing model.
Initially discovered on a Chinese social media platform and shared on Reddit, the images have not elicited any comments from Nintendo. Nevertheless, a source informed VGC that the Reddit image thread aligns with what partners were briefed to expect from the final design of the Switch 2.
In November and early December 2024, the alleged leaked images of the Switch 2 continued to emerge, providing a closer look at the reportedly upgraded and more ergonomically designed Joy-Cons. The images appear to show several improvements over the existing Joy-Cons, including enhanced SL/SR buttons, a new pedal support button, and a more contoured design, among other enhancements.
BREAKING: Nintendo Switch 2 Joycons Allegedly Leaked ⚠️‼️
✅️ Improved SL/SR Buttons
✅️ New Pedal Support Button
✅️ Curved Shape
✅️ Similar to September 2024 Leak
✅️ Images from China Factory
✅️ Leaked on Bilibili pic.twitter.com/jv3LDBRu0r
— Deck Wizard (@deckwizardyt) December 2, 2024
Then, in January 2025, new images of the supposed Joy-Cons appeared, and notably, it seems that the new controllers may also include mouse functionality.
The new Joy-Con appear to have an optical sensor akin to a mouse on the side, leading people to speculate that they might function as a mouse https://t.co/mrxPvE5WPd
— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) January 5, 2025
Switch 2 Rumored Release Date
We do not know for certain. The Switch debuted in March 2017, and console generations typically span 5-10 years, but there is no assurance that Nintendo will adhere to the same timeline with its upcoming hardware. Market trends are continually evolving due to various factors.
The Wii and Wii U, for instance, were released in November 2006 and 2012 respectively, yet it’s too early to predict whether Nintendo will follow a similar pattern.
A person’s speculation regarding the launch month for the upcoming Nintendo console.
A release date of September 2024 for the Switch 2 surfaced in a credible press announcement from possibly the most renowned division of GameShark. However, it was soon confirmed to be invalid. Following this, an analyst suggested that the Switch 2 would debut in 2024 with an 8-inch LCD screen–but, undoubtedly, that did not occur either.
Recently, a representative at the Consumer Electronics Show spoke with the accessory company Genki and was reportedly informed that the Switch 2 could launch in April 2025. This information is not confirmed, of course.
Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has stated that the Switch 2 will be unveiled during the company’s current fiscal year (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025), so an official announcement could emerge at any moment now.
During a financial conference call, Furukawa hinted at what the Switch 2 might be, indicating it will represent an evolution over the original model. Throughout the discussion, Furukawa repeatedly referred to the “successor to the Nintendo Switch,” implying that the new device will build on the foundation established by the original console.
“At this point, we cannot disclose anything more about the successor to the Nintendo Switch,” Furukawa stated when asked why that specific timeframe was used. “For today’s announcement, we decided that the most fitting term to use was ‘successor to Nintendo Switch.’ Information will be rolled out in phases leading up to the launch, as has been our approach with previous hardware announcements.”
Recently, GI.biz reporter Christopher Dring noted, “No developer I’ve spoken to anticipates it to launch in this financial year; in fact, they’ve been advised not to expect it this fiscal year. Many I consulted hope for a release around April/May.”
For what it’s worth, Eurogamer confirmed this, indicating that the next Switch console will not be launched before April 2025 at the very earliest.
Amazon Games head Christoph Hartmann recently conveyed to IGN that his company “definitely” intends to create games for the Switch 2 and that he “can’t wait for it to be released.” Nevertheless, he expressed comfort with Nintendo taking their time to perfect it.
“Honestly, I’d prefer them to wait a year and get it right rather than rush it to market and have us all lamenting what doesn’t function properly. The Switch has been such an outstanding product; I can wait an additional year if necessary,” he mentioned. “From a development standpoint, I believe most non-Nintendo developers are not exclusively producing titles for the Switch. They are always part of a broader portfolio of platform options. Just be patient.”
Recently, analyst David Gibson suggested that the Switch 2 might also launch in March 2025. Gibson noted that one of Nintendo’s manufacturing partners, Hosiden, is investing a substantial amount in preparation for… something. As such, Gibson speculated it could be linked to the Switch 2.
No one seems to have noticed that Nintendo assembler Hosiden is spending ¥2bn on production equipment and ¥1bn on automation in FY3/25 for its main client in gaming (Nintendo). I still anticipate September news and a March 2025 release for the next device. pic.twitter.com/APGEGGSyS8
— David Gibson (@gibbogame) September 4, 2024
Potential Specifications for Switch 2
One of the most significant uncertainties regarding the next piece of Nintendo hardware is precisely what it will entail. Former Nintendo employees speculated that it may feature a similar design to the Switch, retaining its function as a handheld device while also docking to your TV just like the current model. Nintendo has not officially commented on what to expect from its next model, other than stating that the goal is for it to “surprise and delight” fans, so we are left with only predictions and conjectures for now.
Digital Foundry reported that the Switch 2 may utilize Nvidia’s new customized version of the T239 processor. The organization constructed a PC based on what it presumed the Switch 2’s specifications would be and discovered that it might competently run Death Stranding at 1080p at an average of 35 fps.
Historically, Nintendo consoles have been less potent than the current PlayStation and Xbox systems, and many anticipate that this will be true for the next model as well. However, the specifics are still unclear. Whether the Switch 2 will be capable of 4K performance or provide cutting-edge graphics and performance remains to be seen.
Vandal (via VGC) recently reported that the Switch 2 will once again utilize Joy-Con controllers, but this time they will attach to the device magnetically. Whether the current Joy-Cons you already own will be compatible with the new model is still unknown. The report also mentioned that the existing Switch Pro controller will be supported by the Switch 2.
On the Broken Silicon podcast recently (by the use of IGN), Moore’s Rules Is Dead and The Phawx engaged in a conversation where it was suggested by Moore’s Rules Is Dead that the Switch 2 will be “operating at a higher speed than anticipated” in its docked configuration. Conversely, in undocked mode, it will be “running at a significantly lower speed,” which is quite intriguing. This setup aims to ensure that the Switch 2 achieves a longer battery duration during portable use compared to the standard Switch.
The upcoming Nintendo console may launch in 2024
While Switch sales surged during the initial period of the COVID-19 crisis, the worldwide semiconductor shortage brought new obstacles for Nintendo as it struggled to meet demand. Regarding the Switch 2, Nintendo doesn’t foresee any significant issues before the launch of the Switch 2. At the same time, Nintendo’s sales outlook for the fiscal year currently does not factor in Switch 2 sales, but that could change as time progresses.
Generative AI?
Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, remains a hot topic in the gaming sector and technology in general. But will Nintendo incorporate generative AI into the Switch 2 and its titles? It is still uncertain, but Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently shared that the company will thoughtfully consider the integration of generative AI.
During a recent Q&A with investors, as translated by TweakTown, Furukawa mentioned that AI has been utilized in game development for a long time, particularly for things like managing enemy characters. However, generative AI is a different matter.
“Generative AI, which has gained popularity in recent years, can be quite innovative, but we are also aware of its challenges regarding intellectual property rights,” he stated. “We possess decades of experience in crafting exceptional gaming experiences for our audience, and while we remain adaptable to changes in technology, our goal is to continually offer value that is unique to us and can’t be achieved through technology alone.”
Switch 2 Games and Backward Compatibility
It is widely expected that Nintendo will introduce a brand new Mario Kart title for its forthcoming home console—there aren’t many safer predictions in gaming than this one. Reports suggest Mario Kart 9 may feature some form of “new twist,” and fans are eagerly waiting to see what that turns out to be. If a new Mario Kart title is indeed in development, it would likely make sense as a launch title for the new console. A 2023 report indicated several developers already had access to the new Nintendo console at their studios and were starting to work on games for it, though none have been announced or hinted at so far.
A major inquiry fans are eager to address is whether the new Nintendo console will support games from the Switch. On November 6, Nintendo confirmed backwards compatibility for the Switch 2. Not only that, but Nintendo Switch Online will function across both Switch models.
“During today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the next iteration of Nintendo Switch,” Nintendo verified. “Nintendo Switch Online will also be offered on the forthcoming successor. Additional details regarding the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with the Nintendo Switch, will be provided in due course.”
Stay tuned with GameSpot for additional updates as we learn more about the upcoming Nintendo console; we will continue to refresh this story as new information becomes available.
Switch 2 Pricing
The Switch 2 has yet to be officially announced, so everything remains speculative at this point. However, one analyst recently estimated that the Switch 2 will be priced at $400, and that its premium titles will retail for $70. The original Switch launched at $300.
