The Nintendo Switch 2: What to Expect from the Next Generation of Handheld Gaming
The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most highly anticipated gaming consoles of the year, and for good reason. With rumors of a new console release in early 2025, gamers are eagerly awaiting the next generation of handheld gaming. But what can we expect from the Switch 2? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rumored features, games, and release date of the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Delayed Release Date?
According to recent reports, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be released as early as we thought. Game developers have been told not to expect the Switch 2 to come out before April 2025, which is a bit later than the initially rumored release date of March 2025. However, it’s worth noting that Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has suggested that we may hear about the console before April, so we may still get some news about the Switch 2 sooner rather than later.
An artist’s rendition of what the Nintendo Switch 2 might look like
New Features and Improvements
So, what can we expect from the Nintendo Switch 2 in terms of new features and improvements? One of the most recent rumors is that the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons will use a magnetic fixing system, which could potentially solve the issue of Joy-Con drift. Additionally, the Switch 2 is expected to have a larger screen, which could make for a more immersive gaming experience.
According to gaming analyst James McWhirter, the Switch 2 will likely have a larger screen, but may not be that much bigger overall due to its 16:9 aspect ratio. This means that the Switch 2 could be similar in size to the Steam Deck OLED, but with a larger screen.
A comparison of the Steam Deck OLED and the Nintendo Switch
Improved Controllers
The larger size of the Switch 2 could also enable Nintendo to make improvements to the controllers. McWhirter believes that the Switch 2 will still have slotable controllers, but Nintendo may look into making them more durable and incorporating analogue triggers. This could potentially solve the issue of Joy-Con drift and provide a more immersive gaming experience.
More Power
The Switch 2 is also expected to have more power under the hood, thanks to a custom Nvidia T239 chip. This could allow for more powerful games and a more immersive gaming experience. However, it’s worth noting that this increased power may come at the cost of a bigger battery and heftier active cooling.
New Games and Backwards Compatibility
So, what about new games and backwards compatibility? According to McWhirter, Nintendo will likely release a new 3D Mario game and Mario Kart 9 in the near future, which could be great news for fans of the series. Additionally, many of the initial Switch 2 releases are expected to be cross-gen titles that can be played on both the new console and its predecessor.
This means that regular Switch owners may not have to worry about being left behind, as they will likely be able to play many of the same games on their existing console. However, it’s worth noting that the Switch 2 may have some exclusive titles that can only be played on the new console.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be an exciting new console, with a range of new features and improvements. While the release date may have been delayed, we can still expect to hear more about the console in the near future. With its larger screen, improved controllers, and more powerful hardware, the Switch 2 is likely to be a must-have for any serious gamer.
The Nintendo Switch 2 logo
