Officially, little is known for definite about theNintendo Switch 2, but there are many leaks and rumors about the capabilities of Nintendo’s next console and when it may be released.Naturally, some of this information appears more reliable than the rest, but without official confirmation, it’s difficult to be certain about everything the Switch 2 will have to offer. Nevertheless, between what information has been released officially and the more-likely leaks, a strong picture of the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally begun to emerge.
Ever since Nintendo provided an official update on the Switch 2 earlier this year,confirming that an official announcement would be made within the fiscal year,excitement for the console has increased dramatically. Not only could theSwitch 2 remedy its predecessor’s few mistakes, the new console may also introduce a range of new and exciting features to further enhance the gaming experience it offers. Naturally, speculation at this stage is rife, with the promise of further announcements only fueling interest. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that as time moves forward, more and more credible leaks are appearing.
When The Switch 2 Might Release
There Some Likely Release Windows
Considering that Nintendo has promised an official announcement regarding the Switch 2 in the near future, it is reasonable to assume thatthe console’s actual release date is similarly imminent. At this stage, it seems most probable that the Switch 2 will release next year, or in 2026 at the very latest. This is because although the console’s release may indeed be announced before the end of this year, developers in contact with Nintendo have indicated that theSwitch 2’s actual release windowis - perhaps obviously - unlikely to coincide with the 2024 holiday season.
Leaked Nintendo Hardware Turns Out To Be The Furthest Thing From Switch 2
A recent Nintendo FCC filing didn’t turn out to be the product that fans are waiting for, but it’s certainly an interesting venture for the company.
Nevertheless, rumors do indicate that although the Switch 2 may be late compared to rival consoles, it will still be arriving on shelves relatively soon. With actual development of the console all but certainly reaching its conclusion, there is a strong chance thatthe Switch 2 could be announced later this year for a 2025 release date, perhaps as early as March or April. If so, it is worth noting that this wouldfollow the release strategy of the original Switch, something which has undoubtedly proved to be a successful approach.
Predicting The Switch 2’s Price
How Much It Might Cost
At launch, the original Nintendo Switch had a price of $299.99 USD, and considering the differences not only in hardware but the wider economyit is almost certain that the Switch 2 will be more expensive than its predecessor. However, considering the immense backlash to the PS5 Pro’s own $699.99 price tag, Nintendo is also unlikely to make the same mistake as Sony. Instead, a much more conservative rise in price toaround $400 seems most probable.
Nintendo’s newest console costing $400 would match predictions made earlier this year in response to news that theSwitch 2 will likely be an iterative console. Of course, the console could still easily cost more, but any such difference is unlikely to be dramatically higher. Notably, this would also place the Switch 2 as having a similar price range to the costs at launch of older PS5 models ($499 for the base model and $399 for the Digital Edition) and the Xbox Series X and Y consoles ($499 and $299 respectively).
What Specs The Switch 2 Might Have
How Powerful Could It Be?
Although Nintendo is naturally working to keep the technical capabilities of the new console under wraps, a glimpse into theSwitch 2’s specifications may come from recent leaks.In addition to the console reportedly using an 8-inch LCD screen, it is also believed to boast 12GB of RAM; three times that of the original Switch. Moreover, the Switch 2 has also been suggested to have an internal memory of 256GB, which is again a massive increase over the original model’s own (a mere 32GB).
Other leaked changes to the original Switch’s design include magnetized Joy-Cons and a pair of USB-C ports on the console’s top and bottom. However, all of these details are currently unconfirmed, and it should always be kept in mind that the true design of the Switch 2 may differ from these leaks in any number of ways.
If the Nintendo Switch 2 does have 12 GB of RAM, it will fall short of equaling the PS5 and Xbox Series X’s 16 GB, although it will have more than the Series S’s 10GB of RAM. Furthermore, PS5 models have at least 1 TB of internal storage space, and the Xbox Series X and S have a minimum of 1TB and 512GB respectively.Overall, the Switch 2 will likely therefore fall short of matching its rival consoles’ specifications, although the actual level of entertainment it will provide is of course not necessarily limited by such figures.
It’s worth noting that the LCD screen and humbler specifications of the Switch 2 could also allow it to keep its production costs relatively low in comparison to PS5 and Xbox consoles. These savings may then allow Nintendo to set a lower price tag and still make a profit, which would only will benefit consumers. With at least some of its specifications apparently being more conservative,there will presumably be little barrier to the Nintendo Switch 2 providing a more affordable gaming experiencein comparison to its fellows.
Games We’ll Most Likely See At Launch On Switch 2
What We Might Be Play Day One
The question of the Switch 2’s launch titles is arguably just as significant as any other aspect of its release, if not the most important of all.A high-profile, console-exclusive title can be a key factor in driving early sales of any console, and the Switch 2 will be no different in this regard. Because of this, it is near-unthinkable that the Switch 2 will launch without being accompanied by a major new Nintendo title, with the only real mystery being which familiar name will be the one to lead the way.
Fire Emblem Is Perfectly Primed For A Bright Future On Nintendo Switch 2
The Fire Emblem franchise had many successes on the Nintendo Switch, and the company’s next console could expand upon that in many ways.
Long-running game franchises that are among the most likely to providethe first big release for Switch 2includePokémon,Metroid,andAnimal Crossing. Of course, it is also worth noting that a dedicated multiplayer game,like a newMario PartyorMario Kart, would also have an incredible level of appeal to many. With all of these franchises due for either a brand-new entry or remake (or both, in some cases), there is a good argument to be made for any of them helping to launch the Switch 2, and any one of which would undoubtedly be well-received.
Leaks have helped to provide a framework for much of the speculation about the Switch 2, albeit from sources that can naturally be difficult to completely trust. However, the most reliable do paint a consistent and believable picture of what form the Switch 2 will ultimately take.Of course, none of this is a true substitute for an announcement from Nintendo, and any amount of speculation can always prove false in the long run. But until the details ofNintendo Switch 2are officially revealed, theories based in prominent leaks are helping to provide reasonable answers to the mysteries surrounding the console.
