After months of speculation, Nintendo has finally officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2 in video. This confirms the design and some of the expected features. The design, Joy-Cons and other information had been widely leaked in recent weeks. Scheduled for mid-2025, the successor to the Switch (2017) promises to keep the recipe that made its predecessor successful, while providing several improvements. A more detailed presentation is expected during a Nintendo Direct which will take place on April 2 next. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to remember about the Switch 2.
Continuity in design, larger screen and improved Joy-Cons
Aesthetically, the Switch 2 takes the general lines of the first Switch, but adds some notable modifications. The screen seems enlarged while having reduced borders in order to modernize its visual appearance. Another new feature, the rear support is now inspired by that of the Switch OLED, offering better stability when placed. The console presented is black, decorated with colored touches on the controllers. We are far from the shimmering colors of previous Joy-Cons. Additionally, the new iteration appears to add a additional USB-C portlocated above. The dock has been revisited with a more rounded and open design. This no longer hides the screen as much, unlike the current model.
© Nintendo
THE iconic Joy-Consthe Nintendo Switch’s detachable controllers, have also been redesigned. Their fixation is now based on a magnetic systempresented as more practical and above all more reliable than the rails of the previous version. A button specially designed to detach them has been added to their back. Furthermore, a mysterious “C” button appears on the right controller, although the Kyoto company has not yet revealed its exact role.
These controllers could have been developed for new uses, such as use similar to a computer mouse, with SL and SR buttons larger than on the original models. We will undoubtedly know more next April during a more in-depth presentation.
© Nintendo
La Switch 2 is intended to be compatible with all gamesphysical and dematerialized, already available for the current Switch. However, the company clarifies that some titles may not be fully supported, without providing further details at this time.
Finally, a fun little detail: Nintendo also reveals some images of what could well be the future Mario Kart 9. In this preview of around ten seconds, we see Mario and his opponents racing on an unknown circuit. A way for Nintendo to give a first teasing of the future racing game? Possible ! In any case, it is one of the most anticipated opuses on the new console.
Expectations reinforced by the success of the first Switch
The Nintendo Switch, with almost 150 million copies sold to date, is one of the best-selling consoles in history. Its hybrid concept, offering the possibility of playing in portable mode as well as on a television, has largely contributed to its phenomenal success. Iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have also become cult.
For the moment, no information has been communicated on the chip equipping the Switch 2. According to the latest rumors, the partnership has been renewed with Nvidia to replace the aging Tegra X1 with a new chip armed with DLSS (deep learning scaling technology). Rumors from the corridors which are, for the moment, still not confirmed.
© Nintendo
If the first images of a potential Mario Kart 9 support the rumors of a launch accompanied by major titles, we will have to wait for the next official meetings to better understand the ambitions of the Switch. The Japanese giant sets the date of April 2 for the next Nintendo Direct ahead of a series of demonstration events throughout the month. Sessions will be organized in New York and Paris from April 4, before expanding to other major cities in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. These meetings will allow the public to discover the new console and, probably, certain new titles. A little more patience then!
