It’s been 8 years since Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo Switch, a console that became the second best-selling in history (with real chances to surpass the PS2 and take the top spot) and undoubtedly Nintendo’s most successful product. Speculation suggests Nintendo may repeat the same reveal-presentation-launch pattern, and rumors point to an imminent announcement this week, so it’s worth considering what we might expect from this new system.
More than 7 years after its launch, the end of the Switch’s life cycle is certain, and anticipation for the successor’s announcement is at an all-time high. Currently, Switch 2 is trending worldwide, as fresh rumors indicate an official reveal. Notably, Nintendo’s next financial report is scheduled for November 5, making this the ideal time to showcase its market power to investors and fans alike.
Related Video: Everything We Know About Nintendo Switch 2
What Will Nintendo Switch 2 Look Like?
So far, leaks hint at what Switch 2 may look like and its potential power. Starting with the exterior, unofficial information suggests Nintendo will stick to the hybrid console concept. In today’s market, launching a new concept from scratch is risky, especially given the 140+ million global user base.
Rumor has it that Switch 2 will maintain the familiar combination of tablet console, dock, and detachable controllers. Its screen may measure 8 inches, larger than the current 7-inch OLED model. Comparatively, the console is expected to be larger than the Switch but smaller than Valve’s portable gaming device, the Steam Deck.
Switch 2 will reportedly keep the Joy-Con concept, but the controllers may be mounted with magnetic supports for easier detachment. Magnetic technology might also be used on the stick to prevent the infamous drifting issue, a rare blemish on the hybrid console’s strong reputation.
Although Nintendo is known for bold transitions between console generations, Switch 2 may have a smoother transition, supposedly offering compatibility with Switch’s physical and digital games and supporting current Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller. Nintendo has confirmed that its current user account system will carry over, ensuring at least digital game compatibility as users switch to the new generation.
What Will the Inside of Switch 2 Be Like?
While some gamers demand more power, Nintendo traditionally favors proven, cost-effective hardware with high utility. Reports indicate that Nintendo once again partnered with NVIDIA for the Switch 2’s SoC, after an AMD proposal failed energy efficiency tests for portable mode.
In 2023, leaks referenced NVIDIA’s T239 project, likely the SoC for Switch 2, with a production process of 5 nanometers (nm) and a maximum clock speed of 2.6 GHz, a significant step up from the second-generation Tegra X1 used in the Switch, which is built at 20 nm with a 1.75 GHz clock. Additionally, the Switch 2 SoC is rumored to support DLSS upscaling.
What does this mean in terms of power? According to unofficial reports, Switch 2 might offer performance comparable to PS4 in handheld mode and reach Xbox Series S levels when docked.
In terms of memory, Switch 2 is expected to have 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, along with HDMI 2.1 compatibility.
Everything seems aligned for Nintendo to work its magic again and meet fans’ high expectations for the new console. If Nintendo follows a similar strategy, the initial announcement might offer a glimpse of the console running a few games, showcasing its next-gen hybrid capabilities. More detailed information and new game announcements may follow in a dedicated event in the coming months.
What would you like to see in Switch 2?
Let us know in the comments and keep following us at LEVEL UP.
Related Video: Nintendo Switch Poised to Become the Best-Selling Console in History