After months of hushed anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled! Nintendo's official trailer confirms many of the previously leaked details surrounding this highly anticipated successor. While the trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse, many questions remain. When exactly will it launch? What will it cost? And will it truly be backwards compatible with every original Switch game? Let's delve into the biggest unanswered questions as we eagerly await the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
Speculation abounds regarding the Switch 2's 2025 release. The trailer provides no concrete date, only confirming a launch sometime this year. Following the original Switch's launch timeline (October 2016 reveal, March 3, 2017 release), a May or June 2025 release seems plausible, aligning with recent rumors.
However, a pre-April 2025 release is ruled out. Nintendo's April 2nd Direct livestream promises further details and gameplay footage of launch titles. Furthermore, planned hands-on preview events running from April to early June suggest a post-event release. Ultimately, a firm release date likely awaits the April Direct.
What Is the Price of the Switch 2?
The price remains a significant unknown. Will it mirror the original Switch's $300 price point, or will we see a price increase? The Switch OLED's $350 price tag suggests a potential $50-$100 increase for the upgraded Switch 2. Current rumors point towards a launch price of $400, comparable to the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts largely concur that $400 represents a strategic sweet spot.
The final price may hinge on the console's hardware advancements. Rumors suggest parity with the Xbox One X – a substantial upgrade, but not cutting-edge portable technology. The Switch 2's processing power and display technology (OLED or otherwise) will significantly impact the final price.
What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?
A console's launch lineup is crucial. The original Switch's success was partly due to its impressive launch titles. The Switch 2's trailer hints at only one title: what appears to be Mario Kart 9. The existence of a new Zelda or Mario launch title remains unconfirmed, likely saved for the April Direct.
A comprehensive list of rumored launch titles exists, suggesting increased third-party support thanks to a smaller performance gap between Nintendo's console and its competitors (PlayStation 5 and Xbox).
What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?
The trailer reveals a larger console and Joy-Cons than its predecessor. The screen appears larger, occupying more of the unit's front. While a 15% size increase is estimated based on the trailer, precise dimensions and the impact on ergonomics remain unknown, awaiting confirmation in April.
What Type of Screen Does It Have?
The Switch OLED's superior OLED screen improved the original Switch. Whether the Switch 2 will utilize OLED, LED, or LCD technology remains unclear. The trailer offers no clues, leaving this detail for the April Direct.
Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?
Nintendo confirmed backwards compatibility with most original Switch games, easing concerns. However, the trailer acknowledges exceptions. The specifics of incompatible games remain unknown, potentially due to reliance on original Joy-Con features (e.g., Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo LABO) or other hardware limitations.
Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?
While backwards compatibility is welcome, the performance of original Switch games on the Switch 2 is uncertain. Will the upgraded hardware enhance framerates and graphics? The potential for improved versions of existing titles is high, given the graphical demands of games like Tears of the Kingdom. However, the method of delivering these enhancements (free updates, paid remasters, or entirely new releases) remains unclear.
What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?
The trailer confirms upgraded Joy-Cons with an extra button and magnetic attachment, supporting previous rumors. Mouse-like functionality is also hinted at, opening possibilities for new gameplay experiences in genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. The April Direct should clarify these new features and their applications.
Mario Kart 9 - First Look
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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?
Joy-Con drift plagued the original Switch. The hope is that the Switch 2 addresses this issue. Whether the new Joy-Cons are drift-proof due to improved sensors and magnetic attachments remains to be seen, likely addressed in the April Direct.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore the 30 details uncovered in the reveal trailer and anticipate Nintendo's 2025 plans.
