After months of anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled through a trailer from Nintendo, confirming many of the rumors that circulated about the successor to the beloved original Nintendo Switch. While the trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse, it left many questions unanswered, leaving fans eager for more details. As we await the next Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2025, let's delve into the biggest questions surrounding the new console.
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 released on March 3, 2017, after its reveal in October 2016. If Nintendo follows a similar timeline, the Switch 2 could potentially hit the market around May or June 2025, aligning with recent speculations. We're certain it won't release before April 2025, as Nintendo has planned a Direct livestream for April 2 to provide more details and showcase launch games. Additionally, Nintendo will host fan preview events from April to early June, suggesting a release might follow shortly after these events conclude.
What Is the Price of the Switch 2?
The pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains one of the most speculated aspects. The original Switch debuted at $300 in 2017, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2, a price increase is expected. Rumors suggest a launch price of $400, which would position it competitively with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts seem to agree that $400 could be the sweet spot for the new console, though the final price may hinge on the specifics of its advanced hardware and screen technology.
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 a robust lineup, including a new Legend of Zelda game and Mario Kart 8. For the Switch 2, the trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9. While other launch titles remain under wraps, there's speculation about a new Zelda or Mario game. A list of rumored launch games suggests strong third-party support, thanks to the Switch 2's improved technical capabilities.
What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?
The Switch 2 trailer indicates that the new console is not only more powerful but also larger than its predecessor. Both the console and the Joy-Cons appear taller, with a larger screen dominating the front. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 could be around 15% larger than the original. This increase in size raises questions about comfort and handling, details we'll learn more about in April.
What Type of Screen Does It Have?
The original Switch's OLED model was a significant upgrade, offering brighter and more vibrant visuals with improved battery life. Fans are eager to know if the Switch 2 will continue this trend. The trailer doesn't reveal the screen technology, leaving us to wonder if it will feature an OLED, LED, or LCD panel. We'll have to wait for the April Direct to get clarity on this.
Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, easing the transition for existing owners. However, the trailer notes that not all games will be compatible. The specifics of which games won't work, possibly due to hardware limitations or reliance on original Joy-Con features, remain unclear.
Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?
While most original Switch games will work on the Switch 2, the question of performance enhancements lingers. Will these games run with improved framerates or graphics? Nintendo might offer enhanced versions of popular titles like Tears of the Kingdom, but whether these will be free upgrades or require additional purchases is yet to be determined.
What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?
The Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers come with notable upgrades, including an extra button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. The trailer also hints at a mouse-like functionality for the Joy-Con, potentially revolutionizing gameplay in 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?
Joy-Con drift was a persistent issue with the original Switch, and Nintendo's efforts to address it were commendable but not entirely effective. With the Switch 2, there's hope that new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments will resolve this problem. We'll find out more at the April Direct.
For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore 30 details we found in the reveal trailer and see what to expect from Nintendo in 2025.
