The Future of Handheld Gaming: What to Expect from the Nintendo Switch 2

As a gamer on-the-go, I’ve always been excited about the prospect of a new Nintendo Switch console. The original Switch was a game-changer, and its portability and versatility made it an instant hit. But with the rumors of a new Switch 2 console swirling, I couldn’t help but wonder what improvements Nintendo has in store for us.

A Bigger and Better Console?

According to recent reports, the Switch 2 may have a larger screen, possibly an 8-inch display, which would make it slightly bigger than its predecessor. But don’t worry, it’s not going to be a bulky device. In fact, gaming analyst James McWhirter from Omdia believes that the Switch 2 will be roughly the same height as the Steam Deck OLED, despite having a larger screen.

The rumored Nintendo Switch 2 console

Improved Controllers and More Power

The larger size of the Switch 2 would also enable Nintendo to make improvements to the controllers. McWhirter thinks that the new console will still have slotable controllers, but with more durable designs and possibly even analogue triggers. This would be a welcome change, especially for gamers who have experienced the frustrating Joy-Con drift issue.

The Switch 2 is also expected to have more power under the hood, thanks to a custom Nvidia T239 chip. This would allow for more demanding games to be played on the console, and possibly even some cross-gen titles that can be played on both the new console and its predecessor.

New Games and Backwards Compatibility

Speaking of games, McWhirter expects Nintendo to release a new 3D Mario title this year, followed closely by Mario Kart 9. And the good news for regular Switch owners is that many of the initial Switch 2 releases will be cross-gen titles that can be played on both consoles.

The Switch 2 may also be backwards compatible, allowing users to take their library of Switch games with them. This would be a huge plus for gamers who have invested heavily in the Switch ecosystem.

Conclusion

While we don’t have an official release date for the Switch 2 yet, the rumors and speculation are certainly exciting. With its larger screen, improved controllers, and more powerful hardware, the Switch 2 has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of handheld gaming. As a gamer, I’m eagerly awaiting its release and can’t wait to see what Nintendo has in store for us.

The original Nintendo Switch console