Nintendo Switch 2: Top 9 FAQs Unveiled

After months of whispers and speculation, the gaming world finally got its first official glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo unveiled the much-anticipated successor to the original Switch through a captivating trailer, confirming many of the leaks that had been circulating.

Unfortunately, the teaser was brief, leaving many questions unanswered. Key details such as the exact release date, pricing, and full backward compatibility are still shrouded in mystery. We'll delve into these burning questions as we await the next Nintendo Direct, scheduled for April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

Speculation abounds regarding the 2025 release window for the Switch 2. The trailer offers no new clues, merely reaffirming that the console will launch sometime this year. Given that the original Switch debuted on March 3, 2017, following an October 2016 reveal, we might expect a similar timeline. This could position the Switch 2 for a release around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors.

Currently, we know the system won't launch before April 2025. Nintendo has a Direct livestream planned for April 2, promising more details and a showcase of launch titles. Additionally, Nintendo will host fan preview events from April to early June. It's logical to assume the console will hit shelves post-events, but we'll need to wait for the April Direct for a confirmed date.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price remains a significant enigma. The original Switch launched at $300 in 2017, with the Switch OLED model priced at $350 today. Given the Switch 2's expected hardware upgrades, a price increase seems inevitable. Analysts suggest a $400 price point could be the sweet spot, aligning it with the baseline OLED Steam Deck.

The exact price will hinge on the console's hardware capabilities, rumored to be comparable to the Xbox One X. Whether it retains an OLED screen or opts for a more cost-effective alternative like LED or LCD will also influence its final cost.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

A console's success often depends on its launch titles. The original Switch hit the ground running with a stellar lineup, including a new open-world Legend of Zelda game and Mario Kart 8. The Switch 2's trailer teases footage of what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but other launch titles remain under wraps.

Rumors suggest a robust lineup, bolstered by increased third-party support due to the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. We'll have to wait until April for official announcements.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The trailer reveals that the Switch 2 is not only more powerful but also larger than its predecessor. Both the console and Joy-Cons are taller, with a larger screen dominating the front. We estimate the Switch 2 to be about 15% larger than the original. This size increase raises questions about comfort and handling, details we'll learn more about in April.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED's superior display set a high bar. Will the Switch 2 maintain this standard or opt for a more budget-friendly LED or LCD screen? The trailer doesn't provide clear answers, leaving us to await the April Direct for confirmation.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, easing concerns about transitioning to the new console. However, a disclaimer notes that not all games will be supported. The exact titles that won't make the transition remain unclear, possibly due to hardware-specific requirements like those for Ring Fit Adventure or Nintendo LABO.

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While most original Switch games will work on the Switch 2, the question remains how they'll perform. Will the new hardware boost framerates and enhance graphics? Given the demand for more power in games like Tears of the Kingdom, it's reasonable to expect some form of enhancement. Whether these improvements will be automatic or require purchasing remastered versions is yet to be determined.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The trailer confirms rumors about upgraded Joy-Cons, featuring an extra button and magnetic attachment to the console. It also hints at a mouse-like functionality, which could revolutionize gameplay in genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. The exact implementation and benefits of these new features will likely be a focal point 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 the issue. The Switch 2's new joystick sensors and magnetic attachments offer hope for a drift-free experience. We'll look forward to hearing more about this at the April Direct.