The Switch 2 is coming and here’s everything you need to know

Nintendo is expected to unveil the Switch 2 on Thursday, January 16. But we already know a lot about the new Japanese game console.

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Nintendo’s future game console is no longer a secret: in May 2024, the Japanese creators said that the successor to the Switch would be announced no later than the end of March 2025. Now the Switch 2 should be teased today , followed by a revelation this Thursday, January 16.

Over the past few weeks, more and more details about the new Switch have leaked out. Those who want to be spoiled will have no problem finding alleged photos and videos of the console on the Internet.

Earlier this year, a bold accessory maker took a 3D-printed model of the Nintendo Switch 2 to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas — and showed off the fake console in public. It seems that real Switch 2 consoles have appeared on the black market recently, which has definitely blown Nintendo’s lid.

The Switch 2 is arguably the console that has been the subject of the most leaks – and Nintendo is forced to finally spill the beans.

But before getting there, we summarize the most important facts for you:

What do we know about the new console?

Nintendo says the Switch 2 is fully backwards compatible with existing Switch games. This means that physical games and games purchased from the Nintendo eShop can be played on the new Switch. It is also confirmed that the online service can continue to be used with the existing Nintendo Account.

The Switch 2 name has not been officially confirmed. However, it is generally accepted that the console will be called that.

What does the Switch 2 look like?

Nope, she definitely won’t look like that ???? image: @NintendoMemo

We know that the Switch 2 will have the same shape as the original Switch, that it will be equipped with a second USB-C port on the top and that it will be slightly larger. Concretely, the screen should go from 6.2 inches (7 inches for the OLED model) to 8.4 inches.

It is also almost certain that the new Joy-Con controllers, which are a little larger and have optimized analog sticks, will magnetically adhere to the console and that the base will be significantly larger and more robust. In the leaked photos, we can see on the right Joy-Con a new button below the home button and an optical sensor on the magnetic underside of the controller. In principle, the controller could be used like a mouse.

What can the Switch’s successor do?

The quality of the graphics will be a big leap forward compared to the old Switch and should be between the PS4 (Pro) and the Xbox Series S. It is therefore not the top level of consoles and even less high graphics low-end for PC, but it’s good enough.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see multiple ports of Xbox Series S games on the Switch 2 in the future.

According to previous leaks, the Switch 2 would use an Nvidia Tegra T239 chip paired with 12 GB of RAM (the Switch has 4 GB of RAM). The internal memory should increase from 32 GB to 256 GB and, above all, be significantly faster. This goes hand in hand with reports that the Switch 2 will be equipped with a super-fast MicroSD card reader, at least nine times faster than the previous model. These MicroSD-Express memory cards are still relatively more expensive, but should significantly reduce loading times.

The performance of the Switch 2 will be about the same level as that of a Playstation 4 or a PS4 Pro. But, unlike the older PS4 (Pro), the Switch 2 likely uses AI supersampling technology to improve graphics quality. This allows game developers to make games at low resolution and then upscale them. Games can thus be transferred relatively quickly and inexpensively to the Switch 2, which is attractive to both large and small developers.

The original Switch’s low power and lack of 4K graphics were its secret advantage. It made game development cheap and therefore attractive. On the Switch 2, however, players expect more contemporary graphics. Nintendo could therefore use dynamic AI upscaling, specially adapted to the performance of a low-power chip for mobile devices. This helps save battery life and at the same time should ensure a smooth gaming experience.

What are the upcoming games?

Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4 are being discussed as possible launch titles. A new 3D Mario game is also expected to be released before Christmas 2025. A total of 25 new games are expected to be available during the launch period. As mentioned, hundreds or thousands of older Switch games will additionally work on the Switch 2.

Among the third-party games expected to release on the Switch 2 are Assassin’s Creed Mirage and, a little later, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft is also planning ports of Rainbow Six Siege and its The Division series. Konami is said to be working on Metal Gear Solid Delta and it is very likely that Microsoft will port several Xbox titles to the Nintendo console. It is also rumored that Final Fantasy 7 Remake and its successor Rebirth are planned for the Switch 2.

How much do the games cost?

In general, we assume an increase in prices for successful titles, especially since the development of games on the Switch 2 is graphically more complex despite the upscaling of the AI ​​and inflation hits inexorably. According to previous leaks, the new First-Party games should cost between 69 and 79 euros on the Switch 2.

Here, major Nintendo titles currently cost between 60 and 70 francs. Nintendo quietly lowered its prices at the end of September 2024, after the Swiss had to pay the highest prices in the world for years. It is quite possible that with the Switch 2, Nintendo will increase prices again to 70 or 80 francs.

However, Nintendo also regularly offers discount promotions and hundreds of independent games that offer great gaming pleasure, sometimes for a few francs.

When will Switch 2 be available?

The date has not yet been communicated.

The new console is expected to launch in April at the earliest. It is more likely that the Switch 2 will launch from May or June 2025.

How much does the Switch 2 cost?

The price is Nintendo’s secret for the moment. Recent leaks indicate an official amount of 399 euros. In 2017, the first Switch cost 329 euros when it was launched on the market, or around 350 francs in Switzerland. Currently, 399 euros corresponds quite exactly to 375 francs.

Why are there so many leaks?

It was feared that information would come out shortly before the unveiling. Behind the scenes, Nintendo is preparing the biggest boost in its console history. The Japanese are having several million Switch 2s produced in advance in order to have enough devices in stock for the launch (and to avoid exorbitant prices from resellers). It also regularly happens with other manufacturers that devices are stolen from factories and end up on the black market. But frequent sources of leaks are also resellers who receive information about new products in advance.

(Translated and adapted by Chiara Lecca)

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