The long-awaitedNintendo Switchsequel is nearly here, and its bigger and bolder in its new black color scheme.
However, theNintendo Switch 2will not arrive in your mailbox for at least the next few months.
The Switch 2 should include a larger 8-inch screen and similarly resized JoyCons.
The next Nintendo Switch could have a far bigger screen, though rumors note it could still be LCD instead of OLED.© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
The new JoyCons are more rounded and slot into the console with a dedicated port and magnetic sides.
The only peripherals confirmed so far are the Dock and the controller attachments.
The Switch 2 should be compatible with most cartridges from the first Switch.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
However, as Nintendo spelled out in its reveal trailer, some games wont work.
Some games may not be supported on or fully compatible with the sequel Switch.
Nintendo promised it would post more details on its website at a later date.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
Nintendo plans to host aNintendo Directon April 2 at 6 a.m. PT and 9 a.m.
This event will provide a closer look at Nintendo Switch 2, according to the console maker.
Until then, we must rely on old rumors and leaks to understand better whats in store.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
When Can I Preorder the Nintendo Switch 2?
There isnt a precise release date, though you may only need to wait a few months.
Nintendo said it plans to host a Nintendo Direct on April 2.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
There will be further opportunities to try a console sooner than that.
Nintendo ishosting severalearlyhands-on eventsin North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The New York event will take place April 4 through 6.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
Los Angeles will start on April 11, while youll have to wait for April 25 in Dallas.
Theres a hands-on event in Toronto, Canada on April 25 as well.
There have beenplenty of hintsfromnoted rumormongersto suggest it could be either month.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
Henderson also claimed that the Switch 2 will have a staggered release schedule.
First-party games may arrive at the June launch.
He reiterated that sentiment in an interview with the Japanese game press, according to a translation fromVGC.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
Nintendo may have reportedly already shipped 400,000 units to the U.S.
But more supply doesnt mean the Switch 2 will be as cheap as its predecessor.
Will the Switch 2 Be More Powerful Than the First Switch?
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
All the current speculation points to the Switch 2 getting access to a special chip from Nvidia.
At the beginning of 2025, leakersshowed off the consoles supposed motherboard,including an unknown Nvidia chip.
Patents from Nintendo indicate this will allow the Switch to fit games on smaller capacity physical media.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
They performed benchmarks with similar architecture on the RTX 2050 running at 750 Mhz.
Theres also been plenty of rumors about the display.
However, a few fans are likely disappointed that the next console wont maintain theSwitch OLEDs beautiful7-inch display.
But since that launch weve gotten other handheld consoles, like theSteam Deck OLED.
The NFC tech will likely be useful forany of your Amiibosyou still have lying around.
We still have no clue what this button does, so the rest is up to speculation.
© Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube
What Games Will Be Available for the Switch 2?
Considering its 2025 release date, the upcomingPokemon Legends: Z-Ais highly likely to be cross-platform.
After that, we can only speculate based on past rumors and our hopes and dreams.
Nintendo usually tries to engender support for new hardware with a new 3D Mario title.
This post was updated again 1/16/25 at 10:15 a.m.
ET to include official details from Nintendo.
It was again updated March 26 to include new information about a suspected Switch 2 release date.
It was updated March 27 to include details about Virtual Game Cards and Switch 2 Edition games.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
Two banks say Amazon has paused negotiations on some international data centers.
Those who want a console at launch June 5 should get in line as soon as possible.
