Everything we’re dying to know about the Nintendo Switch 2

The seven-year wait is finally over. Nintendo has officially revealed its next consolethe Switch 2. Now that the revelation has really happened, after months of speculationwe can all move on to something else, right? Not so fast. The short intro video actually created more questions than answers. There’s a lot we don’t know about Nintendo’s next hybrid console, so let’s get into it.

When will it come out?

We don’t know! Nintendo has a livestream planned for April 2nd, in which we will probably get this information. It will be some time later, but during 2025. Maybe you will make a quick turn and have it ready for sale at the end of April, but a summer release is much more likely. It is also possible that the company will wait until the beginning of the lucrative holiday season. People will be able to play in the near future, however, like Nintendo organizing in-person events around the world from April to June.

What are the internal specifications?

This is another mystery. The introduction video only showed the exterior of the console, with the updated controls. There was no mention of internal specifications. Of course, there are many rumors regarding the power of Nintendo’s next console, but nothing concrete. Some analysts predict the console will include an eight core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of internal eMMC storage, while others say will be powered by a SoC Tegra239 produced by NVIDIA (system on a chip). Most people seem to agree that the system will include a version of NVIDIA’s DLSS “deep learning supersampling” upscaling technology.

What about the screen?

We’ve seen the screen in action, likely running a version of an upcoming Mario Kart game. The video gave us an idea of ​​the size of the display, as it seems to be around 30 percent larger than the current model. This track with rumors indicating an 8-inch screen. However, we do not know the type of display that will accompany the console. Rumors vary here. Some analysts predict a Mini LED screenwhile others expect a traditional LCD. It probably won’t be an OLED, as the company will probably save that for a future update.

What is the battery life?

There are no credible rumors about it, but there was some speculation last year regarding the adoption by the company of a performance mode function with the Switch 2. Nintendo likes to hit that mass market sweet spot, so I’d be very surprised if the battery life doesn’t match Change the OLED from 4.5 to nine hours of playtime per charge. The console will be more powerful than the OG Switch, sure, but it’s also bigger. This extra room can accommodate a robust battery.

How much will it cost?

This is yet another unknown. Nintendo will probably reveal pricing information on April 2. The original Switch launched at $300, like the Wii U. However, inflation is real and supply chains are rickety. Rumors are circulating that the price it could shoot up to $400or even higher. Nintendo tends to raise the prices of the base console every couple of generations. The GameCube originally cost $200 and the Wii was $250.

Do the controls feature optical sensors?

There is a long-standing rumor that the Switch 2 will incorporate mouse-like functionality via optical sensors on the Joy-Cons. We don’t have exact confirmation on this, but the intro video sure seems to imply it. Eagle-eyed viewers likely saw a segment that featured the Pixar-like controllers moving around a table like, well, two computer mice. If true, Nintendo will probably develop some wacky software that combines mouse and controller inputs. However, this addition will certainly do things like Civilization VI easier to play. Might as well suggest a new one Mario Paint.

What is that unmarked button on the right side?

Viewers will also likely see a new button on the bottom of the right Joy-Con. This was previously said to be a “C” button, but it’s not marked in the intro video. We don’t know what it does, so your guess is as good as ours. Maybe calibrate the controls or start the voice chat. We’ll probably find out on April 2nd.

What’s the deal with backwards compatibility?

Yes, the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with the original Switch games. This is great news, but the introduction video noted that “some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” We don’t know exactly what that means or how many titles it will impact. It’s a fair bet that it refers to some of the more extravagant things of the previous generation, such as Nintendo Labo o Mario Kart: Home Circuit.

Will stick drift be a problem?

We’ll have to wait and see here, but the reveal video took a while to show a joystick making cute little full circles. Previous leaks have indicated that Nintendo has learned its lesson regarding stick-drift and the new console. will include Hall effect joysticks. We certainly hope so.

What will the UI be like?

The Switch’s user interface, for better or worse, is extremely minimal and bare. This leads to the online shopping experience. We don’t know if the Switch 2 will incorporate some Nintendo-quality screenplay when it comes to the UI. My hope is that he brings his back long forgotten social network Miiverse. It was silly and funny. Modern social media apps are many things, but I don’t call them exactly stupid or funny.

Will there be a Nintendo oddity?

From the headache-inducing 3DS to the equally headache-inducing Virtual Boy, Nintendo has always marched to the beat of its own drum. The Switch 2, however, seems to be an extremely conservative release for the company. It’s a more powerful and slightly larger Switch.

Will there be any of that Nintendo weirdness that saved the company in the Wii era and nearly ruined it during the Wii U era? We don’t know yet. It is entirely possible that the aforementioned optical sensors or “C” button could lead to wild and extravagant gaming experiences. It is also possible that there are features yet to be announced. This is Nintendo we’re talking about here.

What are launch games?

This is a total unknown, although fans hoping for a new Mario Kart certainly got a shock from that reveal video. It included a good amount of footage from what appeared to be a new Mario Kart, complete with revamped character designs and the potential of races of 24 people.