Nintendo Switch 2: 9 Burning Questions About the New Console

After months of hushed anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled! Nintendo's official trailer confirms many of the previously leaked details surrounding this highly anticipated successor. While the trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse, many questions remain. When exactly will it launch? What will it cost? And will it truly be backwards compatible with every original Switch game? Let's delve into the biggest unanswered questions as we eagerly await the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

Speculation abounds regarding the Switch 2's 2025 release. The trailer offers no concrete date, only confirming a launch sometime this year. Following the original Switch's launch timeline (October 2016 reveal, March 3, 2017 release), a May or June 2025 release seems plausible, aligning with recent rumors.

Currently, a pre-April 2025 release is ruled out. Nintendo's April 2nd Direct livestream promises further details, including gameplay footage of launch titles. Planned hands-on preview events, running from April to early June, suggest a post-event release is likely. However, a definitive date likely awaits the April Direct.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

Pricing remains a significant unknown. Will it mirror the original Switch's $300 price point, or will gamers face a price increase? The Switch OLED's $350 price tag suggests a potential $50-$100 increase for the upgraded Switch 2. Current rumors point to a launch price of $400, a price point considered optimal by industry analysts, mirroring the base Steam Deck OLED.

The final price will depend on the console's hardware advancements. Rumors suggest performance comparable to the Xbox One X—a significant upgrade, but not cutting-edge portable technology. The Switch 2's processing power and display technology (OLED, LED, or LCD) will ultimately determine its price.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

A console's success hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch boasted a strong lineup, including a new Legend of Zelda title. Will the Switch 2 match this success? The trailer hints at only one game: what appears to be Mario Kart 9. Any further launch titles, such as new Zelda or Mario games, remain undisclosed until April.

A comprehensive list of rumored launch titles exists, suggesting increased third-party support due to the reduced performance gap between Nintendo's console and its competitors (PlayStation 5 and Xbox).

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The trailer reveals a larger console and Joy-Cons compared to its predecessor. The screen is also larger, occupying more of the unit's front. Based on the trailer, a 15% increase in size is estimated, but confirmation awaits. The impact of this size increase on comfort and usability remains to be seen.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED's improved brightness, vibrancy, and battery life highlight the importance of display technology. Will the Switch 2 utilize OLED, LED, or LCD technology? The trailer provides no clues, leaving this question unanswered until the next Nintendo Direct.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo confirmed backwards compatibility with most original Switch games, easing concerns. However, not all games will be compatible. The trailer doesn't specify which games will be excluded, leaving room for speculation regarding hardware limitations or controller requirements (e.g., Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo LABO).

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While backwards compatibility is positive, the performance of original Switch games on the Switch 2 remains unclear. Will the upgraded hardware improve framerates and graphics? Will this be automatic or require purchasing remastered versions? The investment required for enhanced versions of games like Tears of the Kingdom remains unknown.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

Rumors of upgraded Joy-Cons are confirmed: an additional button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. The trailer suggests mouse-like functionality, opening new gameplay possibilities. The April Direct will likely showcase these features and their impact on gameplay.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift plagued the original Switch. Will the Switch 2 address this issue? Improved joystick sensors and magnetic attachments offer hope, but confirmation awaits the April Direct.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore the 30 details uncovered in the reveal trailer and discover what Nintendo has in store for 2025.