Exciting news for Nintendo fans: recent filings for the Nintendo Switch 2 have confirmed the inclusion of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, suggesting that beloved Amiibo figures will likely be compatible with the next-generation console. As reported by The Verge, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) documents indicate that the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) feature, essential for Amiibo interaction, will be housed in the right Joy-Con, mirroring the setup of the original Switch. This raises an intriguing question: will the Switch 2 support existing Amiibo figures that unlock in-game content?
Further details from the filings reveal that the Switch 2 can be charged through either its bottom USB-C port or a new top port, a feature that fans anticipated following the console's official reveal. Additionally, the Switch 2 is set to support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks with up to 80MHz of bandwidth, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on the original Switch. However, there's no mention of support for Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, as noted by The Verge. The console remains rated for a maximum of 15V, but the filings also reference an AC adapter capable of up to 20V, leaving the actual charging speed a mystery for now.
Last month, a Nintendo patent hinted that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable in an upside-down position. This suggests that the Switch 2 could utilize gyro mechanics similar to those in smartphones, allowing for flexible controller positioning. Unlike the original Switch, which used rails to secure the Joy-Cons, the new controllers may use magnets, enabling them to be attached on either side. This could offer gamers more control over button placement and headphone ports, potentially leading to innovative gameplay mechanics.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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If the patent's features make it to the final product, Nintendo is likely to showcase them fully at their special Nintendo Direct event, scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2. As for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, while Nintendo hasn't confirmed a specific window, speculation points towards a launch between June and September. This is inferred from ongoing hands-on events up until June and statements from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon, indicating a release before September.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details such as its game lineup and the function of a mysterious new Joy-Con button remain undisclosed. Speculation about the Joy-Con's new capabilities, including a potential mouse-like function, has garnered significant interest among fans.
