Nintendo Switch 2 UPDATE: Release Date, Possible Games & More

Good things are coming soon! It has been a long time since Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch and began the call for its successor. Due to this, several rumors and leaks on the upcoming console have been going around for years that have made enthusiasts excited. Finally, in their recent announcement, the “Nintendo Switch 2” is confirmed to be on its way.  

According to the company, the new console will come within the current fiscal year, which will end on March 31, 2025. Here’s everything you should know about the Nintendo Switch 2 2025. 

Release Date Speculation

Earlier reports suggested that Nintendo Switch 2 will launch during the second half of 2024. Eventually, as more recent information came in, the release date began to point to 2025.  Shuntaro Furukawa, the president of Nintendo, stated their intention to stick with the current Nintendo Switch as their “main business” for 2024. With that, multiple industry sources claimed the console’s release was further to the first quarter of 2025. 

Despite the confirmation, the release timeline remains uncertain for everyone who has been waiting. Some analysts are predicting that the launch will happen in the first half of 2025, potentially in April or May. The reports are also saying that the delay is intentional as Nintendo seeks stronger first-party software for the console’s debut. This is to avoid any supply chain issues that affected the launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. 

There are still months left before the year ends and another begins. Nintendo has yet to make an announcement on the release of the new console, Nintendo Switch 2. 

Rumored Specs and Features

How big does the upgrade be? It’s a question that has been going around as soon as the rumors on the Nintendo Switch 2 came up. According to the latest leaks and reports, Nintendo will make significant upgrades in the new Nintendo Switch 2. In the leaked prototype images, it showed a larger 8-inch display with slimmer bezels, contrary to the current model. It also showed a redesign version of the Joy-Con controllers and added USB-C ports both on top and bottom of the console. 

Moreover, people are expecting Switch 2 to be as powerful as the Xbox Series S. Some even see it to be potentially more capable than the Steam Deck that will bring different dynamics to console gaming. Based on the rumors, this will be possible as Switch 2 will feature an Nvidia Tegra T239 SoC that uses Ampere GPU architecture. With this, it can support up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory. Unfortunately, Nintendo has not confirmed whether Switch 2 will support 4K but is ensured to deliver high-quality visuals. This means that it can run games at a higher framerate and resolution that brings visual delight. 

Potential Launch Titles

Nintendo did not only push back the release of the new console, Switch 2, but other game development as well. In the recent data breach at Game Freak, the Pokémon developer revealed Pokémon Legends: Z-A to be affected by the situation. Initially, the launch should be in 2024 but now coincides with the release of Switch 2 in 2025.  

People can definitely anticipate that a strong lineup of titles is coming in with the new hardware. Besides Pokemon, other rumored titles include enhanced versions of existing Switch games, including Super Mario, Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda. With this, it expects to pique the interests of these games’ player community. 

Backward Compatibility and Pricing

With the new console, people are asking whether it will be backward compatible with the current Nintendo Switch game library. Definitely, this will affect the reception of the new console to players and customers. So far, Nintendo has not officially confirmed, but they hinted to seek ways for customers to smoothly transition into new hardware. 

Further, with all the upgrades in the Nintendo Switch 2, it is certain to be more expensive than the current models. The estimates for the console range from $399 to $499 USD, which can be tough on the budget. Yet, Nintendo may still create changes to maintain their affordability to the mass. 

Conclusion

All the wait is about to pay off as Nintendo gears up for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. While they have been focusing on the current model for 2024, they have also been making extensive efforts to make upgrades. Visual improvement is definitely one of their aims to bring in Switch 2 with higher framerate and resolution. Besides, they will also add features that will bring convenience to players in setting up the console. Overall, more details from Nintendo are about to come soon, including its release timeline as the year end approaches.