The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be the next big thing in gaming, with exciting design changes and innovative features that promise to redefine the gaming experience. As leaks and rumors swirl, fans are eagerly anticipating Nintendo’s official reveal of this next-gen console, rumored to launch before April 2025. Will the Nintendo Switch 2 live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Here’s everything we know so far!
Although Nintendo skipped CES 2025, the company still managed to capture the spotlight. Genki, an accessory maker, showcased a 3D-printed prototype of the Nintendo Switch successor, giving us the chance to test it out and capture high-quality images for you to enjoy.
Promising New Design
Based on this prototype, the Nintendo Switch 2 appears wider than the original, with larger Joy-Con controllers for improved comfort. Compared to the Steam Deck OLED, the Switch 2 is noticeably more compact, thanks partly to its less pronounced grip design. However, its overall size is closer to Valve’s handheld console than the first-generation Switch.
New Magnetic Joy-Con Feature
According to Eddie Tsai, co-founder and CEO of Genki, the Joy-Con controllers for the Switch 2 will no longer use sliding rails for attachment. Instead, magnets will secure them to the console. To detach, users simply press a large button on the back of each Joy-Con, which releases the latch and separates the magnets.
Tsai assured that this magnetic connection remains sturdy during regular use. While users could theoretically detach the Joy-Con with force, the button method is easier and safer.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of an optical sensor in the Joy-Con grooves, enabling mouse-like functionality akin to Lenovo’s implementation in the Legion Go handheld series.
Leaks from Various Sources
Nintendo has promised to reveal the Switch successor before April 2025. As that date approaches, leaks and images of the Switch 2 are surfacing more frequently. In December 2024, YouTube channel SwitchUp shared a video of a 3D-printed Switch 2 prototype from a Chinese case manufacturer. This prototype, resembling the original Switch but larger, revealed changes like a USB-C port on the top and a mysterious square button below the Home button on the right Joy-Con.
Shortly after, accessory maker Dbrand announced the “Killswitch 2” case, designed based on claimed real hardware specifications. The case design unveiled the square button with a “C” on it, although Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz admitted its function remains unclear.
Even a Reddit user leaked images of the Switch 2’s charging dock and the internals of its Joy-Con controllers, heightening anticipation among the gaming community.
Awaiting the Official Announcement
As the April 2025 deadline nears, Nintendo fans are eagerly awaiting an official Switch 2 announcement. In the meantime, the current leaks and images have already sent the gaming world into a frenzy. What groundbreaking features will the Switch 2 bring? We’ll have to wait and see.
A Look Back at the First-Generation Nintendo Switch
The original Nintendo Switch, released on March 3, 2017, revolutionized gaming with its hybrid design, blending traditional console functionality with portable gaming.
Design:
- Screen: The Switch features a 6.2-inch multi-touch display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels in handheld mode. When docked and connected to a TV, it supports up to 1920×1080 resolution.
- Joy-Con Controllers: The detachable Joy-Con controllers can be attached to the sides of the screen for handheld mode or removed for TV mode. Each Joy-Con includes buttons, joysticks, motion sensors, and vibration feedback, offering diverse gameplay options.
Specifications:
- Processor: The Switch uses a custom Nvidia Tegra CPU/GPU, delivering smooth performance for a wide range of games.
- Storage: With 32GB of internal storage and support for microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB, the system offers ample space for games.
- Battery: A 4310mAh battery provides 2.5 to 6.5 hours of gameplay, depending on the game and usage conditions.
Features:
- Versatile Modes: The Switch supports three gameplay modes:
- Handheld Mode: Attach the Joy-Con controllers to the screen for portable gaming anywhere.
- Tabletop Mode: Detach the Joy-Con, prop up the screen with its kickstand, and share the controllers for multiplayer fun.
- TV Mode: Dock the console and connect it to a TV for an immersive gaming experience on a bigger screen.
- Game Library: The Switch boasts an impressive lineup of exclusive titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Super Mario Odyssey,” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” as well as numerous third-party games.
- Connectivity: The system supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for online gaming, device pairing, and sharing experiences with friends.
With its flexible design, balanced performance, and diverse features, the Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular gaming consoles, appealing to a broad audience of players.