After months of whispers and leaks, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here! Nintendo’s official trailer confirmed many of the circulating rumors about the successor to the original Switch. While the trailer tantalized us with a glimpse, many questions remain. What's the exact release date? How much will it cost? And will it play all my old Switch games? Let's dive into the biggest unanswered questions as we eagerly await the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
Speculation runs rampant about the Switch 2's 2025 release. The trailer offers no concrete date, only confirming a launch sometime this year. Following the original Switch's release timeline (October 2016 reveal, March 3, 2017 launch), a May or June 2025 release seems plausible, aligning with recent rumors.
We know for certain the release won't be before April 2025. A Nintendo Direct on April 2nd promises more details and gameplay footage, along with hands-on preview events from April to early June. A post-event launch seems likely, but a firm date will likely emerge during the April Direct.
What Is the Price of the Switch 2?
Pricing is a major unknown. Will it mirror the original Switch's $300 price point, or will we see a price increase? The Switch OLED's $350 price tag suggests a potential $50-$100 increase for the upgraded Switch 2. Current rumors point to a $400 price point, a price many industry analysts believe is optimal, comparable to the baseline OLED Steam Deck.
The final price will likely depend on the hardware's sophistication. Rumors suggest performance comparable to the Xbox One X—a significant upgrade, but not cutting-edge. The Switch 2's processing power and screen technology (OLED or otherwise) will heavily influence the final cost.
What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?
A console's success hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch boasted a stellar lineup, including a new Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart 8. Will the Switch 2 follow suit? The trailer hints at only one new game: what appears to be Mario Kart 9. Any other major launch titles, such as a new Zelda or Mario game, remain under wraps until April.
A list of rumored Switch 2 launch titles circulates, suggesting increased third-party support due to the smaller performance gap between Nintendo's console and its competitors.
What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?
The trailer reveals a larger console and Joy-Cons. Both are taller, though width appears unchanged, with a larger screen dominating the front. This suggests a more substantial device than the original Switch.
Based on the trailer, a 15% size increase is estimated. The impact on comfort and usability remains to be seen, and more concrete details are awaited until April.
What Type of Screen Does It Have?
The Switch OLED's improved screen and battery life set a high bar. Will the Switch 2 retain OLED technology, or will Nintendo opt for LED or LCD to reduce costs? The trailer offers no clues, leaving this as another question for the April Direct.
Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?
Nintendo confirmed backwards compatibility with most original Switch games, easing concerns. However, not all games will be compatible. Will incompatibility stem from reliance on the original Joy-Cons (e.g., Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo LABO) or other hardware limitations?
Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?
While backwards compatibility is welcome, performance remains uncertain. Will games run identically, or will the upgraded hardware enhance framerates and graphics? Given the graphical demands of titles like Tears of the Kingdom, some form of enhancement seems likely. Will this be automatic, or will players need to purchase upgraded versions?
What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?
Rumors of upgraded Joy-Cons are confirmed: an extra button, magnetic attachment, and potential mouse-like functionality. How these features will enhance gameplay remains to be seen, particularly the mouse functionality for first-person shooters or strategy games. The April Direct is expected to showcase these new capabilities.
Mario Kart 9 - First Look
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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?
Joy-Con drift plagued the original Switch. Will the Switch 2 address this issue? Improved sensors and magnetic attachments offer hope, but confirmation awaits the April Direct.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore the 30 details uncovered in the reveal trailer and discover what Nintendo has in store for 2025.
