Nintendo fans are on the edge of their seats as numerous leaks suggest the imminent unveiling of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The gaming community is abuzz with details of release dates, advanced features, and an exciting lineup of games expected to accompany the new console's launch. Here's what we've gathered from various sources about what could be a transformative moment in handheld gaming.
Impending Reveal and Launch Window
According to the well-known leaker, Nate the Hate, Nintendo is set to pull the curtain back on the Switch 2 as early as this week, with an announcement slated for January 16. This reveal is expected to focus primarily on the hardware capabilities of the console. Following this, a more detailed software-centric Nintendo Direct is reportedly planned for late February or early March, which will dive into the upcoming game titles. Nate's claims have been substantiated by other major publications like VGC and The Verge's Tom Warren, adding credibility to the speculated dates. Additionally, the release window for the console is hinted to be around May or June 2025, promising a summer of exciting new gaming experiences.Exciting Game Lineup
The anticipation doesn't stop at the console itself. A new iteration of Mario Kart is rumored to be ready at launch, with a 3D Mario adventure set for the 2025 holiday season. Other major titles like Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage and the much-awaited Final Fantasy 7 Remake are also expected to grace the new platform, making it a must-have for gaming enthusiasts.
Legal Stir and Design Innovations
Interestingly, a recent mockup of the Switch 2 by accessory maker Genki at CES 2025 drew attention not just from attendees but also Nintendo's legal team, indicating the sensitivity around the new design features. The mockup, alongside other leaks, suggests significant advancements like magnetic Joy-Cons with larger SL and SR buttons, enhanced connectivity with USB-C ports, and support for the latest MicroSD Express cards up to 512GB.Enhanced Specifications and Forward Compatibility
Leaks also hint at a substantial boost in the hardware specs with the new Switch potentially featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a stark increase from its predecessor. Another intriguing aspect is the patent filed in July 2023 for AI image upscaling technology, aimed at maintaining smaller game file sizes while supporting up to 4K textures. Moreover, Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backward-compatible, allowing gamers to enjoy their existing library of Switch games on the new console. This feature, combined with Nintendo Switch Online, ensures that players will have access to both classic and new content.