After months of speculation and leaks, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled, giving fans their first official glimpse via a trailer from Nintendo. This reveal confirms many of the rumors that have circulated about the successor to the original Nintendo Switch. However, the brief footage has left us with more questions than answers about this eagerly awaited console. Let's dive into the biggest questions surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 as we eagerly await more details at the next Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
The trailer confirms that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released sometime in 2025, but an exact date remains elusive. Speculation suggests a launch around May or June 2025, aligning with the original Switch's timeline. The upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, is expected to provide more clarity on the release date, alongside footage of launch games. Additionally, Nintendo plans to host fan preview events from April to early June, hinting at a potential release shortly after these events conclude.
What Is the Price of the Switch 2?
The pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a significant mystery. The original Switch launched at $300, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware rumored for the Switch 2, many analysts believe a price increase to around $400 is likely. This would position the Switch 2 competitively with other modern consoles like the Steam Deck OLED. The final price will depend on factors such as the hardware's capabilities and the type of screen used.
What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?
The success of any new console hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch benefited from a stellar lineup, including a new Legend of Zelda game and Mario Kart 8. The Switch 2 trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but other launch titles remain under wraps. Rumors suggest a robust selection of both first-party and third-party games, taking advantage of the console's improved technical capabilities.
What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size? ----------------------------------The trailer indicates that the Nintendo Switch 2 is not only more powerful but also larger than its predecessor. Both the console and the Joy-Cons are taller, and the screen is larger, suggesting a more substantial piece of hardware. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 might be about 15% larger than the original, but we'll need to wait for more details to confirm this.
What Type of Screen Does It Have?
The original Switch saw a significant upgrade with the OLED model, enhancing screen quality and battery life. Whether the Switch 2 will continue using an OLED screen or opt for a more cost-effective LED or LCD display is yet to be confirmed. The trailer provides no clear indication, so we'll have to wait for the April Nintendo Direct for more information.
Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible? ----------------------------------------Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with most original Switch games. However, a disclaimer in the trailer suggests that not all games will be compatible. The reasons behind this could range from hardware limitations to specific game requirements, such as those needing the original Joy-Con controllers.
Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?
With the improved hardware of the Switch 2, there's hope that original Switch games will run better. Whether these enhancements will be automatic or require purchasing upgraded versions remains to be seen. Games like Tears of the Kingdom could benefit significantly from the increased processing power, but the exact nature of these enhancements is still unclear.
What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?
The new Joy-Con controllers on the Switch 2 feature an additional button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. The trailer also hints at a mouse-like functionality, which could revolutionize gameplay in genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. We'll learn more about how these features enhance gameplay at the upcoming Nintendo Direct.
Mario Kart 9 - First Look
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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?
The issue of Joy-Con drift plagued many original Switch users. Nintendo has been proactive with repairs and replacements, but it's unclear if the Switch 2's new Joy-Cons will resolve this issue. The combination of new sensors and magnetic attachments may help, but we'll need to wait for the April Nintendo Direct for confirmation.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out 30 details we found in the reveal trailer, and see what to expect from Nintendo in 2025.
