Nintendo Announces Switch 2

Nintendo has officially announced the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to its highly successful hybrid console. The new system is scheduled for release in 2025, aaaaaand that’s kind of all we know. Well, we know a little more than that. Let’s get into it.

The Switch 2 retains the hybrid design, allowing for both handheld and docked play modes. Notable enhancements include a larger screen and redesigned Joy-Con controllers that attach magnetically to the console, aiming to improve user comfort and adaptability, which should be great. The Joy-Con controllers tend to get a little wonky once you’ve used them for about 100 hours (easy to do), hopefully the new controllers have a little more life in them.

Backward compatibility is a significant feature of the Switch 2, enabling players to enjoy their existing library of Nintendo Switch games on the new console. However, Nintendo notes that some games may not be fully supported or compatible. No surprises here. Nintendo loves to pick and choose the games they find compatible.

While specific hardware specifications remain undisclosed, industry reports suggest the Switch 2 will offer a substantial performance boost, potentially aligning with the capabilities of consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Features such as Nvidia's DLSS technology and ray tracing support are anticipated, which would enhance visual quality and performance.

Nintendo says that they’ll have more information about the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct event on April 2, 2025. Following this, "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" events will be held in various cities, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, providing fans with hands-on opportunities to experience the new console. Ticket registration for these events begins on January 17, 2025.