What to Expect From Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025

Summary

Nintendo Switch 2 will be revealed before March 2025, be backward-compatible, and support Nintendo Switch Online services.
Predictions suggest the Switch 2 will likely be revealed between January and February, with a possible release between March and July.
Speculated to have PS4 Pro-level power, an 8-inch 1080p screen, magnetic Joy-Cons, and potential launch titles such as Metroid Prime 4 or Mario Kart 9.

It is evident that the Nintendo Switch significantly transformed the realm of portable gaming consoles due to its impressive success, sleek portable structure, distinctive click sound from the Joy-Cons, and the acclaimed launch of its flagship game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Approaching eight years since the initial Switch’s unveiling, speculations about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 have been rampant this year. Despite numerous online leaks, Nintendo has remained relatively quiet on the matter. Rest assured, fans need not worry as the console is guaranteed to be unveiled before March 2025 concludes.

What is Confirmed About The Nintendo Switch 2 So Far

At present, there hasn’t been any formal announcement about the new console regarding its title, but enthusiasts have nicknamed it Nintendo Switch 2, which could very well be its actual name. Thus far, here’s what we know:

Or more informally:

The new console hasn’t officially spilled the beans on its name yet, but fans are calling it Nintendo Switch 2, and it might just stick. So far, this is what we know:

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be revealed, even if only with a teaser trailer, before the end of the company’s fiscal year for 2024, which ends on March 31, 2025.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward-compatible and run all Nintendo Switch titles, meaning it will have a cartridge slot and support physical games.
The console will continue to support Nintendo Switch Online services via Nintendo Accounts and the official Nintendo store.

Predicting The Nintendo Switch 2’s Reveal Window

Based on the information we have, it seems likely that the new Nintendo Switch console will be unveiled some time between January and February this year. This timing aligns with numerous leaks suggesting an earlier reveal than March, with many sources claiming that a presentation is planned for January.

Predicting The Nintendo Switch 2’s Release Window

The predicted launch date for the Nintendo Switch 2 is not straightforward as it hasn’t been officially announced yet. However, there are several plausible scenarios. One possibility is that the console will be launched on March 3rd, marking the 8th anniversary of the original Nintendo Switch’s debut, but this seems unlikely. A more probable timeline suggests that the console could hit stores anywhere between late March 2025 and July, with April through June being the months most often mentioned in leaks as potential release periods. Overall, it appears that March, April, May, and June are the frontrunners for the Nintendo Switch 2’s release.

On October 20, 2016, the first version of the Nintendo Switch was unveiled, and it hit the shelves approximately four and a half months later on March 3, 2017.

Predicting The Nintendo Switch 2’s Hardware and Design

Regarding its hardware, it’s generally accepted among leaks that the Nintendo Switch 2’s power will be on par with the PS4 Pro. Given the progression of console generations and considering potential advancements, it seems reasonable to assume that the Nintendo Switch 2 might incorporate ray-tracing and AI upscaling for enhanced performance. Latest leaks suggest that the console could boast an 8-inch screen, supposedly offering a resolution of 1080p. Consequently, the Switch 2 is expected to be broader than the standard Switch, which features a 6.2-inch screen.

There are whispers that this upcoming console may feature magnetic Joy-Cons for easy detachment, potentially including a sensor for computer mouse-like functionality. Similar to its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch, it’s anticipated to come with a dock and the ability to connect to TV screens, which appears highly probable.

Nintendo Switch 2’s Possible Launch Games Explained

For some time now, there have been several rumors about potential launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. At this point, nothing definitive has been revealed. Nevertheless, it’s speculated that “Metroid Prime 4,” a game in development for quite a while and previewed last year with a projected release date of 2025, could be among those launch titles. Similarly, fans have been eagerly awaiting a new 3D “Mario” game since it’s been nearly eight years since the release of “Super Mario Odyssey.”

For a while now, Mario Kart 8 has been receiving updates following its release, but the potential arrival of Switch 2 could mark an ideal moment for Mario Kart 9 to debut. There have been numerous whispers about remastered versions of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, which would be delightful additions when the console becomes available. Lastly, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is expected in 2025, while recent speculations suggest another round of mainline Pokemon games may surface this year – possibly Gen 5 remakes/new titles or more Pokemon Let’s Go games set in Johto region.

As a devoted cinephile of the gaming world, I can’t help but speculate about the potential return of a sequel to “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” on the Nintendo Switch. The original game was nothing short of a blockbuster hit, and it’s been quite some time since its debut. While we haven’t heard any official announcements yet regarding a new Animal Crossing game for the Nintendo Switch 2, I can’t help but feel that the possibility remains tantalizingly within reach.

Nintendo Switch 2’s Price – Leaks and Predictions

Before the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, let’s talk about its projected price. Some leaks hint at a price point around $500, give or take. At present, the Nintendo Switch OLED model retails for $349. If we compare this to the Steam Deck OLED priced at $549, it seems reasonable that the Nintendo Switch 2 could fall between $399 and $499. However, this price range might shift due to launch bundle deals, and it’s also expected that limited edition bundles will be released over time.

2025-01-13 01:53