Nintendo Switch 2: 9 Key Questions Answered

After months of anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially unveiled through a trailer from Nintendo, confirming many of the previously leaked details about this successor to the beloved original Nintendo Switch. While the initial glimpse was brief, it has sparked numerous questions about the new console, which we'll address as we await further details at 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 Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch sometime in 2025, but the exact date remains a mystery. The original Switch was revealed in October 2016 and released on March 3, 2017. If Nintendo follows a similar timeline, we might see the Switch 2 hit the market around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors. We'll know more after the Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, which will include additional details and footage of launch games. Nintendo also plans hands-on fan preview events from April to early June, suggesting a release after these events conclude.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is a hot topic. The original Switch debuted at $300, and the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware in the Switch 2, a price increase is expected. Current rumors point to a launch price of $400, which aligns with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts suggest that $400 is the optimal price point for the new console, considering its rumored specs, which are comparable to the Xbox One X. The type of screen used—whether OLED, LED, or LCD—will also influence the final price.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

The success of a new console often hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch launched with an impressive lineup, including "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe." The Switch 2 trailer teases Mario Kart 9, hinting at one of the launch titles. While other potential launch games remain under wraps, we're anticipating a robust lineup, including third-party titles, thanks to the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The trailer reveals that the Nintendo Switch 2 is physically larger than its predecessor, with taller Joy-Cons and a larger screen. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 could be about 15% larger than the original. This increase in size may affect comfort and handling, but we'll need more details from the upcoming Nintendo Direct to confirm these specifics.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED model improved on the original's display with a brighter, more vibrant OLED screen and better battery life. It's unclear whether the Switch 2 will retain this technology or opt for a less expensive LED or LCD screen. The trailer doesn't clarify this, leaving us to wait for the April Direct for confirmation.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games. However, the trailer notes that not all games will be compatible. This raises questions about which titles won't work—potentially those requiring specific hardware like the original Joy-Con, such as "Ring Fit Adventure" or "Nintendo LABO."

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

With the Switch 2's enhanced hardware, there's potential for improved performance of original Switch games. Whether this means automatic enhancements or the need for remastered versions remains to be seen. Games like "Tears of the Kingdom" could benefit significantly from the new console's power, but the specifics on how this will work are still unknown.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The new Joy-Con for the Switch 2 includes an extra button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. The trailer also suggests a mouse-like functionality, which could revolutionize gameplay in genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. We'll learn more about how these features will be utilized at the April Direct.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift was a persistent issue with the original Switch. Nintendo has yet to confirm whether the Switch 2's new Joy-Con design, featuring different joystick sensors and magnetic attachments, will resolve this problem. We hope for a drift-proof solution, and the April Direct might shed light on this.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore 30 details we found in the reveal trailer and discover what to expect from Nintendo in 2025.