The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 was just revealed — here's what we know so far
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Nintendo
After months of rumors and leaks, Nintendo has officially unveiled its latest video game console, the Switch 2. Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 can be used as a portable handheld system or at home connected to a TV.
The Switch 2 made its debut in a short video posted to Nintendo's YouTube channel on January 16. The console looks a lot like the original model but has a few new design flourishes. However, actual specifications are pending, so there's a lot we still don't know about the Switch 2' hardware, including its display type and exact graphical capabilities.
The Switch 2 price and exact release date also remain unknown, but it's launching later this year. Nintendo will share more details in another video set for release on April 2. Likewise, the company announced a series of hands-on events throughout April in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas where fans can try the system for the first time.
Though there's still much to learn about the console, here's everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 so far.
Nintendo Switch 2 resembles the first-gen model but has some key tweaks
Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal trailer focuses mainly on the console's appearance, which is very similar to the original Switch. The Switch 2 features a display sandwiched between two removable Joy-Con controllers. The display can also be slotted into a dock that plugs into your TV.
The new Joy-Cons have a similar button layout as their predecessors, but rather than slide into place on the side of the display, they appear to snap into the console with magnets. A revised kickstand was also shown off, and the right Joy-Con appears to have one additional button.
Though details on the screen's panel type, resolution, and even its exact size were not announced, side-by-side images clearly show that the Switch 2's display is larger than the original Switch, which had a 6.2-inch screen.
Switch 2 will be more powerful than its predecessor, but its graphical capabilities are unconfirmed
As with any next-gen console, the Switch 2 will deliver graphical improvements over the original Switch. However, it remains to be seen just how powerful the new system will be. Nintendo hasn't revealed any details about the Switch 2's internal hardware.
Industry rumors have long hinted at 4K upscaling capabilities and performance similar to that of a PS4 Pro. But we'll have to wait until April 2 to see if those reports pan out.
The original Switch was limited to 1080p resolution in docked mode and 720p in handheld mode. A bump to 4K would be a welcome upgrade and put it on more equal footing with other modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
A new Mario Kart was shown, but that's all we know about Switch 2 games
Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal trailer included a brief glimpse of what appears to be a new Mario Kart game running on the console. The last Mario Kart title was Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which hit the original Switch in 2017.
No other new games were shown off. However, Nintendo confirmed that the system will play new Switch 2 titles and most original Switch games in both physical and digital form. That said, some original Switch games may not be compatible.
Nintendo Switch 2 price, release date, and preorder details will likely be revealed in April
Nintendo
For now, Nintendo is still keeping the Switch 2's price and release date a secret. We know the console will launch in 2025, but that's about it. Full details are expected to be revealed on April 2, when the company will release another Switch 2 video.
The original Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 for $300, while a slightly upgraded Switch OLED model launched in October 2021 for $350. A handheld-only model called the Switch Lite was made available in September 2019 for $200. Based on previous pricing, it's likely the Switch 2 will cost somewhere in the $300 to $400 range.