After years of speculation, speculation, and occasional leaks, Nintendo has finally officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The first look at the new console, released in a video on January 16, has already excited the gaming community. While Nintendo is still remaining tight-lipped about all the details, we now have our first glimpse at what the successor to one of the most successful consoles of all time will look like – and perform. Will the Nintendo Switch 2 take the world by storm once again? Let's break down what we've learned.
Nintendo The Switch 2 looks like the bigger brother of the original Switch. The console has bigger screen, although Nintendo has not yet revealed the exact dimensions. Also Joy-Con controllers have undergone a transformation. In the new video, they are presented black Joy-Cons with colored accents, which attach magnetically to the sides of the console – this confirms rumors that have been circulating since December.
Magnetic attachment means controllers will no longer slide on the rails, potentially eliminating annoying wear and tear issues. “Joy-Con drift”, which upset first-generation Switch players. In addition, the new Joy-Cons have larger SL and SR buttons and an additional button below the right "home" button - so something new to explore.
A design that focuses on simplicity
Nintendo Switch 2 At first glance, it doesn't offer a revolutionary design, but that's perhaps its strength. Nintendo clearly follows the principle: If something works, don't change it. In addition to the larger screen and redesigned Joy-Cons, the console also includes:
- USB-C input (this time on the side, next to the 3.5mm headphone jack).
- New kickstand in the shape of the letter “U”, which works more stably than the one on the original Switch.
- New dock with more rounded edges, but which retains the functionality of the first Switch.
This is not a cosmetic renovation – these are improvements that are meaningful and practical.
Backwards compatibility, with a small caveat Nintendo Switch 2
One of the most exciting news is that... Switch 2 compatible with existing Switch games, both physical and digital. This means that iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, will also work on the new console. However, Nintendo warns that some games may not be fully supported - which could mean we'll see a major update to optimize older titles.
Mario Kart and maybe something more
In a presentation video, Nintendo showed new Mario Kart title, which was enough to get fans speculating about what's to come. Mario Kart is one of the best-selling franchises on the Switch, so it's no surprise that this title was chosen as a "teaser." But if Nintendo promises more information on April 2nd at its "Nintendo Direct" event, then we can expect a lot more.
When and where will we be able to try out the Switch 2?
If you want to get your hands on the Switch 2 before its official release, you're in luck. Nintendo has announced events in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas, where gamers will be able to try out the new console. Ticket registrations open January 17th at 3:00 PM Eastern Time on Nintendo's official website.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to hit the market sometime in 2025, but we don't have an exact date yet.
Switch: The difficult task of succeeding a legend
Nintendo Switch was a huge success – incredible sales 146.04 million units, making the Switch the second best-selling console in the company's history (behind the legendary Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units). The console redefined gaming with an innovative hybrid design that allowed for both TV and portable gaming.
Although the Switch received a few refreshes during its life cycle – such as Switch Lite and Switch OLED – gamers have been waiting for years for the next generation to bring more performance and new features. The Switch 2 finally seems to answer that need.
