Nintendo Switch 2: 9 Key Questions Answered

After months of speculation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been officially unveiled by Nintendo through a tantalizing trailer, confirming numerous leaks about the successor to the beloved original Switch. While the trailer offers a glimpse into the future of gaming, many details remain shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eager for more information as we anticipate the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

The trailer provides no new clues about the exact release date of the Switch 2, only reaffirming that it will launch sometime in 2025. Drawing parallels with the original Switch, which was revealed in October 2016 and released in March 2017, we might expect the Switch 2 to hit the market around May or June 2025. Nintendo has scheduled a Direct livestream for April 2, 2025, where we'll gain more insight into the console and its launch games. Additionally, Nintendo will host hands-on fan preview events from April to early June, suggesting a possible release shortly after these events conclude.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The pricing of the Switch 2 remains a major point of speculation. The original Switch launched at $300, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2, many industry analysts believe it will be priced at around $400, aligning it with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. The final price could hinge on the specifics of the new console's hardware, such as whether it retains the OLED screen of its predecessor.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

The success of a new console often depends on its launch titles. The original Switch captivated gamers with games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8. The trailer for the Switch 2 teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but other potential launch titles remain undisclosed. Rumors suggest a robust lineup of both first-party and third-party games, taking advantage of the console's enhanced capabilities.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The trailer reveals that the Switch 2 is not only more powerful but also physically larger than its predecessor. The console and Joy-Cons appear taller, and the screen seems to occupy more of the front of the unit. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 might be around 15% larger than the original Switch, but we'll need more details in April to understand the impact on the gaming experience.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The original Switch saw a significant upgrade with the introduction of the OLED model, which offered a brighter and more vibrant screen along with improved battery life. Whether the Switch 2 will continue to use an OLED display or opt for a more cost-effective LED or LCD panel remains unclear. We'll have to wait for the next Nintendo Direct to learn more about this crucial aspect of the console.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, whether they are physical cartridges or digital downloads. However, the trailer includes a disclaimer that not all games will be compatible. The specific titles that won't work on the new system, possibly due to hardware limitations or unique Joy-Con functionalities, are yet to be detailed.

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

With the upgraded hardware of the Switch 2, there's potential for enhanced performance of original Switch games. Whether these enhancements will be automatic upon playing the games on the new console or if they will require separate purchases for remastered versions is still a mystery. Games like Tears of the Kingdom could greatly benefit from this upgrade, but the exact implementation remains to be seen.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The trailer confirms several upgrades to the new Joy-Con controllers, including an extra button and magnetic attachment to the console. Rumors of a mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Con also seem to be true, potentially opening new gameplay avenues for genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. The specifics of how these features will be utilized will likely be a highlight of the April Direct.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

The issue of Joy-Con drift plagued many original Switch users. Nintendo addressed this by offering repair and replacement services, but the problem persisted. With the Switch 2, we hope for a drift-proof solution, potentially through new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments. We'll find out more at the April Direct.

Are you planning on getting a Switch 2? ---------------------------------------

Yes, on day 1! Nope, I’m fine with my current setup.I'm waiting to find out more – games, specs, etc!

AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out 30 details we found in the reveal trailer, and see what to expect from Nintendo in 2025.