Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (2024)

Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (1)

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Recent updates

November 6 - Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa announced at a corporate management policy briefing that existing Nintendo Switch software will be playable on the Switch successor. While exact details on whether that would include the use of physical Switch game carts wasn't expanded upon, Furukawa also explained that Nintendo Switch Online will also be compatible.

The Nintendo Switch 2 saga continues to drag out, but now that Nintendo has finally confirmed the handheld's actual existence (like that was ever in doubt) and we have a rough release window, things are heating up. The rumor mill has been spinning for a while at this point - after all, it's been seven years since the original console took to the shelves. That's a lot of time for the internet to do its thing, and we're rounding up all the credible rumors right here.

The Nintendo Switch has largely stayed the same during its life. We've had the Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch OLED models, delivering a more portable form factor with the former and an improved OLED display with the latter, but neither managed to improve the specs of the original model. Despite this, we still think it's the best gaming handheld for most players, as it offers up an incredible library and decent portable performance.

A new model is already rumored to beef up the internal power of the 2017 original (which shouldn't be hard, it's likely going to land in 2025 after all), with backwards compatibility, a better battery, and performance rumored to stand alongside the PS4 generation of consoles. Ninty's always done things it's own way, though, so we'll just have to wait and see.

When will the Nintendo Switch 2 launch?

Delays have reportedly pushed the Nintendo Switch 2 launch back to 2025, with new rumors pointing towards April being our new launch window at the earliest. After Nintendo confirmed that its next Switch console will be announced within this fiscal year (ending March 2025) via a message from its President on X (Twitter), we held out hope for a similar release date. However, in a GamesIndustry.biz podcast, head Chris Ding explained that "[developers] have been told not to expect it in the [current] financial year. A bunch of people I spoke to hope it's out in April or May time."

All of this is just the latest in the release date saga after Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe uploaded a new episode to the O X do Controle YouTube channel on February 16, in which they claim five different internal sources have indicated that the Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed internally. On February 26, Japanese site Nikkei claimed that the Nintendo Switch 2 release date was March 2025, citing Nintendo's aim to beat scalpers with enough units to meet demand as the reason behind the push.

Since then, another possible reason for the delay away from the original expected 2024 timeline has appeared via reputable leaker Moore's Law Is Dead. A Feb 29 YouTube video explained how Nvidia sources approached the leaker stating that the console has been complete for a while now and the brand is just waiting to launch. Crucially, though, the response states that "Nintendo isn't Sony... they see delays as something that will cause their games to be more polished at launch" (original emphasis). Ninty could be pushing the Nintendo Switch 2 release date back to evade scalpers, but there's also a possibility that the launch game lineup just isn't ready for the system yet.

Nintendo Switch 2 spec and design rumors

Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (2)

All the rumors and analyst predictions are definitely pointing towards Nintendo Switch 2 being more of an iterative update than a complete revamp of the lastest hardware. Think like the difference between the Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS, which mainly introduced better 3D quality, some additional buttons like a second pair of shoulder buttons, and a c-stick rather than completely reinventing its predecessor. It doesn't help that Switch 2 will be "closer" to PS4 and Xbox One specs according to Activision emails.

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Most recently, a post on the GamingLeaksAndRumors Reddit sub reporting to come via a Chinese site has fuelled speculation in the Nintendo Switch 2's design. The images contain raw renders of the a Switch-like system, with console, Joy-Con, and dock labelling. As previously rumored, this is very much a Nintendo Switch but with a larger body, slimmer profile, and more rounded corners.

It's expected that the design will stay much the same, but with a few tweaks. It'll still be a hybrid console, with a dock that's might be able to upscale to 4K rather than just 1080p using DLSS 2. That said, Digital Foundry points out that we don't yet know whether the chip destined to power the Switch 2, Nvidia's T239, has the Deep Learning Accelerator components required to make that feat a reality.

It's also looking like the Nintendo Switch 2 will be larger than its predecessor. A previous leak from Spanish site Vandal not only suggests the new device will use magnetic connections for its controllers but that the gamepads themselves are bigger. The report also seems to confirm that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be compatible with the existing Pro Controller.

As for display specs, a VGC report claims the Switch 2 could go back to using an LCD screen rather than an OLED panel, in an attempt to keep costs low. This has been consolidated more recently by Hiroshi Hayase, an Omdia analyst, being cited in a Bloomberg report. Some players may view that decision as a step backwards considering the Steam Deck OLED is now also a thing, but it does provide Nintendo with options for revamped models down the line.

Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (3)

Rather than investing in OLED off the bat, Nintendo is apparently looking at upping the quality and quantity of the storage available in the Nintendo Switch 2. It could come with eMMC storage like the original entry-level Steam Deck, which is faster than the current Switch's internal memory solution.

There's good news elsewhere too - or so we hope - as there are rumors Nintendo is switching to a new technology for Switch 2 Joy-Cons that should mean stick drift is a thing of the past. According to a patent spotted by Laura Kate Dale the Nintendo Switch 2 could use hall effect analog sticks, which would avoid the wear and tear induced stick drift that the current Joy-Cons are prone to.

In terms of raw stats, the latest rumor is that the Nintendo Switch 2 specs could be:

  • Custom Nvidia chip
  • 8GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • 64GB eMMC storage
  • DLSS 2 support
  • FSR 3 support
  • 8-inch LCD display
  • Improved battery life

There are rumors that a better specced Nintendo Switch 2 Pro could launch alongside with a higher price tag, but that's less substantiated than the above specs sheet.

Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility

Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (4)

For starters, Nintendo's president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed in an interview with Nikkei (translated by VGC) that the company will support the current Nintendo Switch until at least 2025, which is good news for those not looking to make the leap to Switch 2 straight away.

However, Shuntaro Furukawa also elaborated on that a little in a Nintendo financial results briefing from the end of FY22. He said that the company is "focusing on building long-term relationships with our consumers (through Nintendo Accounts). While continuing to release new Nintendo Switch software for consumers to enjoy, we aim to maintain relationships across hardware generations through services that utilize Nintendo Accounts and by providing opportunities for them to experience our IP through other non-gaming channels."

Furukawa later shared on X (Twitter) that "Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch." According to the Nintendo President, this news was unveiled during a corporate management policy briefing. It was also announced that the Nintendo Switch Online services "will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well."

Details on whether this means that downloaded games and physical Switch carts will be backwards compatible weren't shared. However, the current Nintendo Switch 2 spec rumors do suggest that the next hardware will retain the cartridge slot so you should be able to play your physical Switch games on the Switch 2 whenever it launches.

The Nintendo President closed out his recent statement on social media by iterating that "further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date."

Nintendo Switch 2 price rumors

Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (5)

The current price of the Nintendo Switch OLED is £309.99 / $349.99, but rumors suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 price will be more in the region of $400, which could convert to around £350 retail. At most, though, we could be looking at a $499 MSRP for the Nintendo Switch 2.

That's according to an analyst speaking as part of the GI.biz 2024 analyst predictions piece though, so obviously isn't exactly concrete yet. But, if we look at the retail price of machines like the Steam Deck OLED, PlayStation Portal, or the Asus ROG Ally then the $400 mark does seem pretty reasonable. Of course, the majority of those devices have higher specs that better justify those price tags.

Latest Updates

November 6 - Backwards compatibility announced


Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa announced on X (Twitter) that existing Nintendo Switch software and Nintendo Switch Online services will be available on the Switch successor.

September 18 - Design images reportedly leaked

While in no way verified, a Chinese website was recently credited with leaking 3D rendering images of the new Nintendo Switch 2 system in a Reddit post on September 18. The images show a larger, slimmer, and more curved design.

September 4 - Industry insiders rumor news is coming soon

Christopher Dring (GamesIndustry.biz boss) posted that "whispers around 'something' Switch 2-related [could be] happening this month" on X in early September. Many have taken this to mean the possibility of a September reveal, even if that release date is still expected to fall in 2025.

August 14 - Developers reportedly told not to expect a Switch 2 before April 2025

A GamesIndustry.biz podcasts reveals rumors that developers have been warned that the Nintendo Switch 2 won't be launched until April 2025 at the earliest. This comes as an apparent delay from the previously rumored March release window.

July 22 - Nintendo releases new charging accessory

It might not seem linked to Switch 2, but Nintendo launched a new Joy-Con charger in July that allows you to charge the controllers without the handheld. Considering previous rumors have pointed to a new controller style for the next-generation device, this could be a product designed to bridge the gap between handhelds.

July 5 - Nintendo says Nintendo Switch 'successor' won't suffer from component shortages

Nintendo reported that it had fixed supply chain issues that caused shortages of the original Switch handheld in time for its next console when speaking with investors. This was also a rare moment of acknowledgement of the new device from Ninty itself.

May 7 - Nintendo confirms that Nintendo Switch successor will be announced in this fiscal year

The President of Nintendo himself announced that the next Switch device will be announced in the fiscal year ending March 2025 in a statement on X (Twitter). The President highlighted that there is a Nintendo Direct coming up in June, but there will be no news on the Nintendo Switch 2.

April 26 - New reports suggest Switch 2 will feature magnetic controls

Rather than opting for a Joy-Con rail design, the Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to feature magnetically attaching controllers. The leak comes from Spanish site Vandal, with information also suggesting that the next console will be larger than its predecessor.

Feb 29 2024 - Leaker suggests console has been ready to ship for two years

Moore's Law is Dead is a reputable leaker who claimed that the Nintendo Switch 2 has actually been ready to ship since late 2022 in. The YouTube video cites Nvidia sources who claim that the console has been ready to go "for a very long time" and that "the ball has been entirely in [Nintendo's] court for years now."

Feb 26 2024 - Nintendo reportedly delaying Switch 2 to combat scalping

Japanese website Nikkei followed up on earlier rumors by reporting that the Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed to March 2025, providing a reason for the supposed push. This is apparently due to Nintendo's aim to combat the scalping price rises previously associated with the original console's release by ensuring enough stock will be in circulation to meet demand.

Feb 16 2024 - 2025 release date rumored

Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe posted a video to their O X do Controle YouTube channel claiming that five separate sources confirm the Nintendo Switch 2 to be launching in 2025. The information comes from sources within development, apparently claiming that the release date has slipped from late 2024 to next year entirely.

Feb 11 2024 - A good sign for backwards compatibility

Brazilian site Universo Nintendo detailed that original Switch games will not only be playable on the new Nintendo, but developers will also be able to enhance their libraries for play on the new device.

Feb 9 2024 - Nvidia reportedly producing custom chip for Nintendo Switch 2

An exclusive Reuters report featured an unknown source stating that the Nintendo Switch 2 will "likely" feature custom chips from Nvidia. This is less surprising, but does reaffirm speculation from last year.

Feb 8 2024 - Reliable leaker suggests March reveal

Appearing on the Game & Talk Podcast, known leaker NateTheHate stated that the new console "appears poised and ready for a reveal or announcement in March", citing information from last year's supposed Gamescom closed doors developer demo.

Jan 25 2024 - More signs pointing to an 8-inch LCD screen

An Omdia analyst Hiroshi Hayase is cited in a Bloomberg report as stating Nintendo's next console will launch in 2024, with an 8-inch LCD screen. This rumor corroborates news from May 2023 that Sharp has been producing similar screens for a new console.

See more Nintendo Switch Features
Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 (6)

Sam Loveridge

Global Editor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+

Sam Loveridge is the Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar, and joined the team in August 2017. Sam came to GamesRadar after working at TrustedReviews, Digital Spy, and Fandom, following the completion of an MA in Journalism. In her time, she's also had appearances on The Guardian, BBC, and more. Her experience has seen her cover console and PC games, along with gaming hardware, for a decade, and for GamesRadar, she's in charge of the site's overall direction, managing the team, and making sure it's the best it can be. Her gaming passions lie with weird simulation games, big open-world RPGs, and beautifully crafted indies. She plays across all platforms, and specializes in titles like Pokemon, Assassin's Creed, The Sims, and more. Basically, she loves all games that aren't sports or fighting titles!In her spare time, Sam likes to live like Stardew Valley by cooking and baking, growing vegetables, and enjoying life in the countryside.

With contributions from

  • Tabitha BakerManaging Editor - Hardware
  • Rosalie NewcombeHardware Editor

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