The Nintendo Switch has been a groundbreaking console, blending portability with traditional home gaming. It's now ready for an update after over seven years on the market. The next iteration, which fans call the Nintendo Switch 2, is a hot topic. There's a lot of speculation surrounding its release, with many hoping it arrives sooner rather than later.
Will the Switch 2 stick with its hybrid model, offering both home and portable gaming? Or will Nintendo take an unexpected direction, as it has done with consoles in the past? And what will it be called – Switch 2, Super Switch, or something entirely different? With Nintendo, it's hard to predict.
Let's break down the rumours and expectations based on what we've heard from industry insiders and the few clues Nintendo has left for us.
Possible announcement in September 2024
Nintendo keeps its plans tightly under wraps, so we don't know when the Switch 2 will be officially revealed. However, many sources are pointing towards a September 2024 announcement. Why September? Well, Nintendo has changed its usual schedule for releasing new information, and September seems to be the most likely month. This aligns with other important dates in the gaming calendar, such as the Tokyo Game Show, which takes place at the end of the month.
There have been whispers across the industry, too. Christopher Dring of GamesIndustry.biz hinted that we might see something Switch 2-related soon. Other industry figures, such as Andy Robinson of VGC, agree that a reveal could be imminent, although no one can guarantee it yet. Even so, it's hard for Nintendo to keep everything under wraps when so much work goes into launching a new console. From sourcing parts to ramping up production, some details inevitably slip through the cracks.
Think it might be Sept 18-26 or in early Oct. (avoid Tokyo Game Show). https://t.co/65cRh012oq
— David Gibson (@gibbogame) September 4, 2024
No-one seems to have noticed the Nintendo assembler- Hosiden is spending ¥2bn on production equipment and ¥1bn on automation in FY3/25 for its major customer in amusement (Nintendo). I still expect Sept news and March 2025 release for next device. pic.twitter.com/APGEGGSyS8
— David Gibson (@gibbogame) September 4, 2024
A senior analyst at MST Financial has also pointed out that one of Nintendo's main manufacturers, Hosiden, has been increasing spending on production equipment. This adds more fuel to the fire, making a September announcement seem all the more likely.
Launch date and potential release in 2025
While we might get an announcement in 2024, the actual release of the Nintendo Switch 2 could take a little longer. The console is expected to hit the market by March 2025, based on current rumours. This would line up with the original Switch release, launched in March 2017. However, there's speculation that Nintendo might push the release into late 2025.
If Nintendo does make an announcement this year, we could be looking at a March 2025 release, following a similar pattern to the original Switch's timeline. But if they hold off until 2025 to reveal the new console, we might have to wait until later that year for its release.
Backwards compatibility and expected hardware upgrades
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Switch 2 is whether it will be backwards compatible with the original Switch's massive library of games. Fortunately, several reports indicate that the Switch 2 will likely support the previous generation's physical cartridges and digital games. This is great news for gamers who want to continue playing titles like Tears of the Kingdom without keeping two consoles.
Nintendo Patent Points to (Another) VR Headset https://t.co/pofTjclgOt #LaboVR #Nintendo pic.twitter.com/A5WEZUG3kL
— The Escapist (@EscapistMag) September 10, 2019
Nintendo executives have hinted that they want to make the transition from Switch to Switch 2 as smooth as possible. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, mentioned that they aim to “minimise the dip” between console generations. This suggests that backwards compatibility will be a key feature.
A summary of today's alleged Switch 2 images 'leak'. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Z4rfSGz4WQ
— Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) September 18, 2024
As for the hardware, the new console is expected to be more powerful than its predecessor. The original Switch was considered underpowered even at launch, so fans hope for a significant upgrade. Reports suggest the new model may feature an eight-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. Some rumours even suggest 12GB of RAM, while NVIDIA's DLSS technology is also expected to play a key role in improving the console's visuals.
In conclusion, while much of what we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 is still speculation, the rumours are building momentum. We'll likely get more information soon, possibly this month. For now, fans must wait and see what Nintendo has up its sleeve.
