For years, rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 have circulated, nothing unusual there. Some YouTube channels specialize in these whispers, releasing videos for every hint they uncover, leading to information overload at times. However, things are now accelerating with more concrete details emerging. Firstly, the scheduled release date for this device, known by its code name until Nintendo’s official announcement, is set for 2025. This confirms that the console will indeed be released this year and an announcement is imminent. Why might we know everything in the coming weeks? Simply because hardware details are leaking from Chinese manufacturing factories. It’s time to review what has been leaked during these holiday periods, revealing that while it’s not a revolutionary product, it represents an evolution. This may well be Nintendo’s best strategy to maintain its market leadership.
Other noteworthy elements include the presence of three buttons and a type of connector. The two buttons located at the top and bottom of the Joy-Con would serve as magnetic clips, utilizing two magnets to replace the sliding mechanism of the original Nintendo Switch. This change aims to provide a more intuitive experience for attaching and detaching the Joy-Cons from the Switch 2 screen, potentially extending the lifespan of the Joy-Con by reducing risks associated with mechanical wear. The third button functions as the pairing button for synchronizing the Joy-Cons with the console. However, Nintendo’s innovative approach lies in this connector, which reportedly resembles an optical mouse sensor. This feature could transform the controller into a true mouse, offering unparalleled precision in shooting games, strategy games, or perhaps even in a new iteration of Super Mario Maker. The Joy-Con would then be usable directly on a flat surface like a mouse, providing players with an ergonomic alternative to traditional controls. If this feature is confirmed, it is likely that Nintendo will devise innovative ways to leverage it.
Many have questioned the authenticity of these Joy-Cons, particularly given the capabilities of 3D printing and previous instances of users successfully deceiving others with leaks. However, there is a factor that will enhance the credibility of these images: a serial number visible on one of the Joy-Con units, which has been recognized as valid by Nintendo’s database. This confirms the accuracy of these new-generation Joy-Cons.
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a natural progression from the original console, featuring a refined design and larger size, alongside increased performance. According to rumors and leaks, Nintendo does not plan to introduce revolutionary changes like those seen with the initial Switch release. With an installed base of 150 million units sold, it is crucial for Nintendo to cater to its existing audience, as demonstrated by the November announcement confirming backward compatibility between the first Switch and the Switch 2. Offering a more powerful machine with additional features aligns with what the market expects and competitors have been doing for years. This approach aims to prevent a repeat of the Wii U’s performance; it sold only 13 million units in five years. The new Joy-Con controllers exemplify this strategy: they incorporate significant technical advancements and design refinement while preserving the foundational elements that made the original Switch successful.
In recent days, leaks have revealed not only the Joy-Cons but also the motherboard of an upcoming device. Based on what has been observed online, it seems that this motherboard is equipped with an Nvidia SoC and marked with “SNW8VF.” Why are these images considered reliable? Because in the video game industry, Nintendo stands as Nvidia’s sole partner for portable consoles. Additionally, the chip designation corresponds to a Samsung-produced 8nm chip featuring the Ampere architecture, which is equivalent to the GeForce RTX 3000 series on the market. It is noteworthy that offering technology two generations behind current offerings, given that Nvidia is set to release its GeForce RTX 5000 series soon, aligns with Nintendo’s known approach of prioritizing well-understood and mastered technologies over rapid technological advancements.
It is clear that one can distinguish a card reader or cartridges specific to the Nintendo Switch. Given the context of backward compatibility, this means that cartridges from the original Switch (Switch 1) can be inserted into the port of the new Switch model (Switch 2). However, the reverse is not possible because it has been reported that Switch 2 cartridges would include an additional flap to prevent them from being inserted into the first console. Additionally, improvement patches for Switch games on Switch 2 are expected, similar to what PlayStation and Xbox offer with their respective systems, which is quite noteworthy. Another element observed in these photos includes two USB-C ports. This feature has been a rumor regarding the Switch 2 for some time, and it appears that the new console will retain its USB-C port for docking under the device while also providing an additional port on top to charge when placed on a desk.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 screen, there will not be an OLED but rather an 8-inch LCD; this information has been known for some time now. This is somewhat unexpected given that OLED technology dominates the market currently, yet it allows Nintendo to reduce costs during the launch of its Switch 2 and later introduce a more expensive premium OLED version in the future. As a result, the Nintendo Switch 2 will undoubtedly receive a technical upgrade, featuring an 8-core processor and NVIDIA DLSS technologies for 4K upscaling capabilities. In summary, the new Switch is expected to be four times as powerful as the original model and would compare favorably to a PS4 Pro in terms of performance. However, one should anticipate upscaled 4K with 30 frames per second when docked and 1080p resolution in handheld mode. While this might seem underwhelming compared to what is offered by the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, it aligns with Nintendo’s approach where power alone does not define the value proposition of their products.
Regarding the dock of this Switch 2, it will have a more rounded design but will retain the same connectors as the Switch OLED. There are rumors suggesting the inclusion of a fan to cool the device, given that supporting 4K could cause increased heat generation.
According to reports, it is suggested that Mario Kart 9 would accompany the release of Switch 2, a game anticipated to attract significant interest and potentially drive console sales. With its initial launch on Wii U followed by an adaptation for Switch in 2017, and having sold over 75 million copies since its release in 2014, Mario Kart is considered a system-seller. If Nintendo decides to release Mario Kart 9 alongside the Switch 2, success appears likely. The exact release date of this Switch 2 remains undisclosed but could arrive by late March 2025, at the end of Nintendo’s fiscal year, as indicated by Nintendo itself, suggesting that an announcement is imminent. The pricing has not yet been determined: will it be less than 400€ or around 500€? It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will maintain a family-friendly price point or follow other manufacturers in increasing their prices. Many questions remain unanswered, and we are likely to find out soon.
