Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Switch 2 launch date
Switch 2 Backward compatibility
Switch 2 Design
Price
Internal specs
Screen high quality
Controllers
Preorder
Rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 have been circulating for years. Whispers of the next-gen Nintendo console first began when The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was initially teased in 2019, then gained steam when the Switch OLED launched in 2021. There’s little doubt that the Nintendo Switch is a unbelievable console — it has a singular and spectacular recreation library (with extra upcoming video games slated for this 12 months), the variety of options included with Nintendo Switch Online is continually enhancing, and it’s nonetheless our favourite transportable console — however it isn’t with out its flaws. But there’s loads of room for enchancment in a follow-up console.
After what felt like years of leaks and rumors, Nintendo has lastly unveiled the Switch 2 to the world. Here’s the whole lot we all know concerning the system to this point, in addition to what continues to be up within the air.
Switch 2 launch date
On April 2, Nintendo hosted a particular hour lengthy Nintendo Switch 2 Direct the place we lastly realized the discharge date for the upcoming console. The Switch 2 will hit retailer cabinets on June 5. Preorders had been initially set to go stay on April 9 however had been delayed till April 24 resulting from new tariffs being launched however we now have all the knowledge you want about easy methods to preorder the Switch 2.
Switch 2 Backward compatibility
Nintendo
As a part of the Switch 2 announcement, Nintendo confirmed that each bodily and digital Switch video games might be suitable with the Switch 2. However, there may be one asterisk right here in that not each recreation might be suitable. Nintendo hasn’t launched that listing of video games but, so there’s no telling how in depth it’s.
While it isn’t straight associated to backward compatibility, we additionally realized that the Switch 2 will use the brand new Virtual Game Card system to make sharing digital video games between consoles simpler. Additionally, a number of Switch video games could be upgraded to Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for a price, although how a lot that’s hasn’t been disclosed as of but.
Switch 2 Design
Nintendo
On the floor, the Switch 2 appears virtually similar to the unique Switch. It retains the identical fundamental type issue and design however with a bigger display and Joy-Con controllers. Otherwise, the one main design change is a extra sturdy-looking kickstand for the display when enjoying with the Joy-cons indifferent. Nintendo went with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality with the console.
The Joy-cons have probably the most new options hidden inside. First, they’re now magnetically linked to the principle display so that you now not have to slip them out and in of place. What is most unusual this time, although, is the flexibility to make use of a Joy-con just like a mouse by putting it on its edge on a floor. This may open up a brand new world of potentialities for the way we work together with video games on a console. The solely recreation now we have seen this in motion for to date is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond however anticipate it to be an possibility in additional video games as they launch.
While not particularly tied to design, one attention-grabbing factor lacking from the Switch 2 is any type of achievements. Speaking to Polygon, Nintendo Vice President Bill Trinen was requested if gamers may look ahead to incomes any sort of system-wide achievements on the Switch 2, to which he merely replied, “Nope.”
Price
It’s time to start out saving up as a result of the Switch 2 will value you $499 at launch or $500 for the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle. There had been considerations that the worth would go up after a number of tariffs had been launched within the US, which brought about the preorder date to be delayed, however Nintendo confirmed that these costs will keep the identical in the interim, though the costs on some equipment had been impacted. We have seen consoles improve in worth after launch, nevertheless, so we are able to by no means make certain this worth will keep at this quantity indefinitely.
Considering the unique Switch by no means bought a worth discount, don’t anticipate this method to get any official worth reduce both.
Internal specs
Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct got here with a ton of information about what’s below the hood of Nintendo’s new console. Here’s a fast breakdown of all of the technical particulars revealed so far concerning the Switch 2. We even have comparisons of the Switch vs Switch 2 and Switch 2 vs Steam Deck should you’re on the fence about which one it’s best to spend money on.
Size
4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches extensive, .55 inches thick (with controllers connected). .88lbs or 1.18 lbs with Joy-cons connected.
Weight
TBD
Screen
7.9-inches, 1080p HDR, VRR 120Hz.
CPU/GPU
8x ARM Cortex A78C 998MHz (docked), 1101MHz (handheld), Max 1.6GHz/ Ampere GPU structure 1007MHz (docked), 561MHz (handheld) Max 1.4GHz
Memory
128-bit.LPDDR5, bandwidth of 102GB/s (docked), or 68GB/s (handheld), with 3GB (9GB for video games) reserved for system reminiscence
Storage
256GB
Wireless
Yes
Video output
4K docked, 1080p handheld
Audio output
3D audio
Speakers
Stereo
USB connector
2 USB Type-C ports
Headphone/mic jack
Built-in mic with noise-cancelling tech, however audio jack included within the new Pro Controller
Game card slot
Nintendo Switch recreation playing cards
microSD card slot
Supports microSD Express
Internal battery
Lithium-ion battery/522mAh or ~20Whr
Battery life
2 – 6.5 hours
Charging time
TBD
Availability
Launching on June 5
For anybody who isn’t tech-savvy and not sure what all these numbers and letters imply, particularly wanting on the CPU, GPU, and reminiscence, don’t fear. The most important takeaways are that the CPU has extra cores out there for builders and the system has a far greater most clock pace. However, the present specs don’t present it absolutely using it which could imply extra energy could possibly be made out there in future updates. A better clock pace usually permits video games to load and run sooner.
The Ampere GPU is identical used within the RTX 30 collection however is probably the most troublesome facet to essentially discuss since it is extremely depending on how every developer makes use of this energy. If you need some extra numbers, this GPU is rated for 3.072 TFLOP in docked mode or 1.71 in handheld.
On the reminiscence entrance, 12 GB of LPDDR5X cut up between two modules, with 3 devoted to the system itself, will go away 9GB of reminiscence for builders to work with. By comparability, the Switch 1 solely had 3.2GB leftover for builders, making this virtually a 3X enchancment.
One facet that doesn’t match neatly into that desk is DLSS. Nintendo has confirmed that the brand new system will reap the benefits of this AI upscaler, in addition to ray tracing expertise, however it wasn’t prepared to share how. This is sensible, given we all know that the system makes use of an Nvidia GPU, however we had been informed by Tetsuya Sasaki, GM of Nintendo’s Technology Department Division, that “Nintendo doesn’t share too much on the hardware spec. What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information.”
The firm was equally cryptic about ray tracing past the truth that the GPU does assist that expertise as an possibility for builders.
Screen high quality
Nintendo
Sadly, the Switch 2 won’t have an OLED possibility at launch and can follow an LCD show. However, it’s going to have the ability to produce much better visuals than the unique Switch. While docked, the Switch 2 can output at as much as 4K visuals with full HDR relying on the sport and whether or not you decide the efficiency or high quality mode, however it’s restricted to 1080p in handheld mode regardless.
Controllers
Nintendo
The Switch 2 will use new magnetic Joy-Cons which are barely bigger than the originals however have just a few different notable upgrades. For one, they now join magnetically as an alternative of sliding into place, however the huge new function is the flexibility to make use of them just like a mouse. Certain video games will help you place one Joy-Con on a flat floor and basically use it as a pointer, like a conventional mouse for aiming in FPS video games or enjoying technique video games.
The Switch 2 will even include a brand new and improved Pro Controller that could be a huge step up from the unique. This new model contains the brand new C button for the brand new GameChat function, an audio jack, and customizable again buttons. This brings it according to the perfect PS5 controllers and greatest Xbox controllers when it comes to performance.
One little bit of unhappy information that Nintendo Life uncovered is in regard to the rampant Joy-con drift points that had been current on the unique Switch. Many hoped that the Switch 2 would use corridor impact sticks, that are rather more sturdy and fewer liable to points, however Nintendo of America’s Nate Bihldorff straight states this isn’t the case. “Well, the Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good.”
It is just too quickly to be alarmed concerning the return of Joy-con drift, however this isn’t a constructive signal.
Preorder
Giovanni Colantonio / Digital Trends
We’re already previous the preliminary date when you could possibly preorder the Switch 2. If you haven’t already secured your console, you’ll need to maintain an in depth eye on all of the retailors to see if/after they get extra inventory.