After months of anticipation and rampant speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. A trailer released by Nintendo not only confirms many of the previously surfaced leaks but also gives us our first official glimpse of the successor to the beloved original Nintendo Switch. Despite this exciting reveal, the footage was brief, leaving many questions unanswered. Key details such as the exact release date, pricing, and the extent of backwards compatibility with original Switch games remain undisclosed. As we eagerly await the next Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2025, let's delve into the most pressing queries about this new console.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release sometime in 2025, but the exact date remains a mystery. The original Switch hit the market on March 3, 2017, after its reveal in October 2016. If history repeats itself, we might see the Switch 2 launching around May or June 2025, aligning with current rumors. Nintendo has confirmed a Direct livestream on April 2, 2025, where we'll receive more information and see footage of the Switch 2's launch games. Additionally, Nintendo plans to host fan preview events from April to early June, suggesting a possible release shortly after these events conclude.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains one of the biggest mysteries. The original Switch debuted at $300, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2, a price increase seems likely, with rumors pointing towards a $400 launch price. This would position it competitively with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. The final cost may hinge on the specifics of the hardware, such as whether it retains the OLED screen.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

The success of any new console hinges on its launch titles. The original Switch launched with a stellar lineup, including "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe." The trailer for the Switch 2 teases what appears to be "Mario Kart 9," but details on other launch titles are scarce. Rumors suggest a robust selection of games, including potential third-party support, which could be more substantial due to the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The Switch 2 trailer indicates that the new console is not only more powerful but also physically larger than its predecessor. Both the console and the Joy-Cons are taller, and the screen is bigger, occupying more of the front of the unit. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 might be around 15% larger than the original. We'll need to wait for more details in April to fully understand how this size change impacts the user experience.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The original Switch's OLED model significantly improved upon the base model with its vibrant screen and better battery life. Speculation abounds on whether the Switch 2 will retain this OLED technology or opt for a more cost-effective LED or LCD panel. The trailer offers no clues, so we're left to wait for the April Nintendo Direct for more information.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, easing concerns about transitioning to the new console. However, a disclaimer in the trailer suggests that not all games will be compatible. The reasons for this could range from hardware limitations to games that rely on specific features of the original Joy-Con, such as "Ring Fit Adventure" or "Nintendo LABO."

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While most original Switch games will work on the new console, the question remains whether these games will be enhanced to leverage the Switch 2's superior hardware. Will there be improved framerates or graphical upgrades? If so, will these enhancements be free or require purchasing remastered versions? Games like "Tears of the Kingdom" could greatly benefit from additional power, but the specifics of these enhancements are yet to be revealed.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The trailer confirms that the new Joy-Con controllers for the Switch 2 feature an extra button and magnetic attachments instead of rails. Moreover, the Joy-Con can now be used like a computer mouse, potentially opening up new gameplay possibilities. How these new features will be integrated into games and what the additional button will do are questions we hope to see answered at the upcoming Direct event.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift was a persistent issue for many original Switch owners. Nintendo addressed it with repair and replacement options, but it remained a source of frustration. The Switch 2's new Joy-Cons feature updated joystick sensors and magnetic attachments, raising hopes that this issue has been resolved. We'll learn more at the Direct event in April.

For more insights on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore 30 details we spotted in the reveal trailer and anticipate what Nintendo has in store for 2025.