Nintendo Switch 2: 9 Key Questions Answered

After months of being the gaming industry's worst-kept secret, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been officially unveiled. Nintendo's latest trailer has confirmed many of the rumors and leaks about the successor to the beloved original Nintendo Switch. However, the tantalizingly brief footage leaves us with numerous questions about this new console. From its release date and price to its compatibility with original Switch games, let's delve into the biggest mysteries surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 as we eagerly await more details at the upcoming Nintendo Direct in April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

Speculation abounds about the Nintendo Switch 2's release window in 2025. The trailer doesn't shed new light on this, only confirming that the console will launch sometime this year. Given the original Switch's launch on March 3, 2017, following its reveal in October 2016, a similar timeline could place the Switch 2's release around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors. We know the system won't release before April 2025, with Nintendo planning a Direct livestream on April 2 to reveal more details and showcase launch games. Fan preview events are scheduled from April to early June, suggesting a potential release after these events conclude. A firm release date may be announced at the April Direct.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price remains a significant mystery. The original Switch debuted at $300 in 2017, while the Switch OLED model now costs $350. Given the Switch 2's upgraded hardware, a price increase seems likely. Rumors suggest the console might launch at $400, a price point analysts consider a sweet spot, similar to the baseline OLED Steam Deck. The exact price may depend on the hardware's sophistication, rumored to be comparable to the Xbox One X, and whether it features an OLED screen.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

The success of a new console often hinges on its launch lineup. The original Switch's strong debut was bolstered by titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8. For the Switch 2, the trailer teases Mario Kart 9, but details on other launch titles, including potential new Zelda or Mario games, remain undisclosed until April. Anticipated third-party support is expected to be robust, given the reduced technical disparity with competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

The Switch 2 trailer indicates a larger console and Joy-Cons compared to the original. Both are taller, with the screen taking up more of the front panel. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 could be around 15% larger. This size increase raises questions about comfort and usability, which will be addressed in the upcoming April Direct.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED model significantly improved upon the original with its vibrant display and better battery life. Fans are curious if the Switch 2 will continue using an OLED screen or opt for a more cost-effective LED or LCD panel. The trailer offers no clues, leaving this detail for the April Direct.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, easing transition concerns. However, the trailer notes that not all games will be compatible. The specifics of which titles won't work on the new console, possibly due to hardware limitations or reliance on original Joy-Con features, remain unclear until April.

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While original Switch games will work on the Switch 2, the question remains how they will perform. Will they run with enhanced graphics and framerates on the new hardware? Nintendo might offer improved versions of these games, but whether this requires a new purchase or is available via a simple update is yet to be revealed.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The new Joy-Con controllers on the Switch 2 feature an additional button and attach magnetically rather than via rails. The trailer also hints at a mouse-like functionality, suggesting new gameplay possibilities. How these features will be utilized in games remains to be seen, with more expected to be showcased at the April Direct.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift plagued many original Switch owners, despite Nintendo's efforts to address it through repairs and replacements. With the Switch 2, there's hope that the new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments will resolve this issue. Whether Nintendo has indeed fixed drift will likely be a topic at the April Direct.