Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know So Far

Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know So Far

As a long-time gaming enthusiast and tech aficionado, I find myself eagerly anticipating the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Having grown up with Nintendo consoles, my childhood memories are deeply intertwined with their iconic characters and immersive gameplay experiences.


The Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017 and swiftly became a common household item, much like its predecessor Nintendo consoles. It garnered immense popularity due to its adaptability and unique gaming experiences, catapulting it to become the third best-selling console of all time, following the PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. After seven years, whispers about a genuine successor have been circulating, featuring speculations and rumors suggesting potential features of the Nintendo Switch 2.

At present, Nintendo hasn’t disclosed any formal details about their upcoming console, so it’s important to approach the following information with a bit of skepticism. For ease of understanding, we will refer to the unnamed next-generation Nintendo console as the “Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2: Is it real?

As a devoted Nintendo fan, I’ve got some exciting news to share – the successor to the beloved Nintendo Switch is indeed in development! The company’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, confirmed earlier this year that we can anticipate an official announcement about the Switch successor by the end of this fiscal year. With March 31, 2025 marking the conclusion of the fiscal year, we’re on tenterhooks for the big reveal before then.

Last year’s Gamescom reports indicate a possible preview of the Nintendo Switch 2, where developers were presented with an advanced version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, believed to be running on potential hardware for the Switch 2. Additionally, it was rumored that this hardware was also demonstrating The Matrix Awakens Unreal Engine 5 tech demo using Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology. The visuals were claimed to match those of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Nintendo Switch 2: Expected Specifications

  • Nvidia T239 chip
  • 64GB eMMC storage
  • 8GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • 8-inch LCD
  • Improved battery life
  • Support for DLSS 2
  • Support for FSR 3

Based on leaks and whispers, it appears that the Nintendo Switch 2 might be more of an enhanced version rather than a complete overhaul in gaming technology. According to a memo exchanged between Chris Schnakenberg from Activision and his colleagues, the Switch 2 is expected to perform similarly to the PS4 and Xbox One consoles, but not to exceed their performance levels. This means that if you’re hoping for current-generation console capabilities, you might be let down. However, given Nintendo’s history of prioritizing innovative gameplay over powerful hardware, this isn’t surprising.

The forthcoming console is anticipated to utilize the T239 chip by Nvidia, a more efficient processor than the current Switch’s Nvidia Tegra X1. Nevertheless, it has been noted that this new chip might lack the Deep Learning Accelerator features necessary for 4K upscaling.

Regarding its dimensions, the upcoming console is rumored to surpass both the Nintendo Switch and the Switch OLED in size, while retaining the detachable Joy-con-like controllers, though they will be slightly larger and equipped with magnets this time around. The potential new model, known as the Switch 2, might feature an 8-inch display, but instead of an OLED screen like its predecessor, it could opt for a less expensive LCD alternative. Given that the Nintendo Switch OLED is already available, it seems logical for the successor to incorporate an OLED display; however, this may not be the case due to cost considerations. The use of an LCD would help keep the price of the Switch 2 affordable compared to implementing an OLED screen.

As a fan, I’m eagerly anticipating potential upgrades on the next-gen Switch, such as enhanced storage options akin to the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Ideally, I’d love to see a 64GB eMMC storage option in the base model of the Switch 2. In terms of RAM, rumors suggest it could come with a significant boost, with an 8GB LPDDR5 memory, which is twice as much as the current generation console has.

Nintendo Switch 2: Design and Form Factor

Newly leaked designs for what appears to be the upcoming Switch 2 model have surfaced, aligning with previous shipping manifest leaks. These images are claimed to have been presented to Nintendo partners. They offer sneak peeks of the device and its design, including the Joy-cons. The control layout seems reminiscent of the original console, but the display appears significantly larger. Additionally, it seems that a USB Type-C port is located at the bottom, with another at the top near the exhaust vents. Notably, the flip-out kickstand could potentially be swapped out for one resembling that of a Microsoft Surface device.

The shipping summary (translated) also points to some more details about the components inside the Switch 2:

HGU1100: Game console itself.

HGU1110: Left Joy-Con controller.

HGU1120: Right Joy-Con controller.

HGU1130: Dock.

Detailed Configuration List

SoCl (CPU + GPU) model: GMLX30-R-A1.

Memory model: MT62F768M64D4EK-026 (6GX2 dual channel, LPDDR5X, 7500 MT/s)

Flash memory model: THGJFGT1E45BAILHW0 (256GB, UFS 3.1, manufactured by Kaixia, 2100 MB/s).

Audio chip model: Ruiwu ALC5658-CG.

NFC reader model: NXP IPN7160B1HN

Built-in microphone model: CMB-MIC-X7.

Dual cooling fans, model BSM0405HPJH9 and BSM0505HPJQC (copper gaming heat sink).

The process of transforming video signals (from DisplayPort to HDMI) should involve using a specific chip type, and the Ruixian RTD2175N is such a chip, capable of supporting HDMI 2.1.

Network chip model: Ruiming RTL8153B-VB-CG and Gigabit Ethernet chip (the base has a network cable interface).

Microcontroller chip model: STMicroelectronics JSTM32G0OB0OCET6.

Video game console protective case model: HGU1100 (size: 206 x 115 x 14mm, made of plastic).

Speakers: MUSE BOX-L and MUSE BOX-R (two-channel stereo).

Nintendo Switch 2: When and How Much?

Estimated Announcement: Early October

Estimated Launch: March 2025

Estimated Price: $400

Initially, there were whispers about the possible debut of the Nintendo Switch 2 towards the end of 2024. However, these speculations were swapped with hints of a potential postponement. As of now, it’s anticipated that the new console might roll out in March 2025, wrapping up this fiscal year, though still within its confines, as suggested by Nintendo’s president. The postponement, as reported by a Japanese news source, stems from Nintendo’s intention to have an ample supply of Switch 2 units prior to launch. Furthermore, the company aims to guarantee a robust and powerful lineup for the console’s debut.

Although the release date for the Switch 2 is still distant, the potential announcement might arrive well ahead of schedule. The most recent hint originates from the same source who accurately forecasted the launch date and cost of the PS5 Pro prior to its reveal. This individual suggests that the Switch 2 will be officially announced early next month, priced at approximately $400. Furthermore, there are rumors of two versions being launched, but specific details about their differences remain undisclosed as of now.

For reference, the original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 with 32GB of on-board storage. The Nintendo Switch OLED launched at $349. This makes the $400 price tag for the Switch 2 more believable and realistic.

FAQ

Q: Will Switch 2 be more powerful than PS4?

The upcoming Switch 2 is said to be as powerful as the PS4 and the Xbox One consoles.

Q: Will Switch 2 support 4K?

The Switch 2 is expected to support 4K with the help of upscaling through DLSS 2.

Read More

2024-09-21 02:36