Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a new chapter in its gaming console lineup. The announcement, delivered through a cryptic video, showcased a console bearing a striking resemblance to its predecessor but with notable enhancements: The Switch 2 features a larger build and introduces magnetic Joy-Cons that may even sport computer mouse-like functionality.
Despite the anticipation, Nintendo has kept most launch-day game details and pricing under wraps, promising more details in a Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. There will also be a hand-on Nintendo Switch 2 “world tour,” where you can try out the console yourself.
Nintendo Switch 2 World Tour
Here’s where the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events will be popping up:
North America:
- New York, April 4-6, 2025
- Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
- Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
- Toronto, April 25-27, 2025
Europe:
- Paris, April 4-6, 2025
- London, April 11-13, 2025
- Milan, April 25-27, 2025
- Berlin, April 25-27, 2025
- Madrid, May 9-11, 2025
- Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025
Oceania:
- Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025
Asia:
- Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025
- Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025
- Hong Kong, To be announced
- Taipei, To be announced
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Reactions
The reveal has elicited mixed reactions. Some fans and former employees anticipated a familiar console with enhanced features rather than a revolutionary redesign. Social media echoed similar sentiments, with many favoring upgrades over radical changes. Despite positive fan reception, Nintendo’s stock experienced a 7.2% decline, reflecting investor concerns about market timing and potential sales performance.
A highlight of the announcement was the introduction of a new Mario Kart title, set to be a launch game for the Switch 2. The console is also expected to be backward compatible, allowing seamless play of original Switch titles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
The Switch 2 is larger than its predecessors in terms of hardware, featuring a 7.8-inch LCD screen. It’s expected to utilize Nvidia’s custom Tegra T239 processor, potentially offering power comparable to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Storage upgrades include 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage with microSD Express card support. The console introduces two USB-C ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, enhancing connectivity options.
Fans (myself included!) are eagerly awaiting more substantial details at the forthcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, hoping for compelling reasons to invest in the new console beyond small, iterative upgrades.
Nintendo Switch 2 Mouse
The Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons are making waves with a potential new feature: mouse mode. In the teaser video, the Joy-Cons are shown slipping into an attachment and gliding across a surface, strongly hinting at the ability to function like a mouse. This aligns with earlier rumors about built-in sensors allowing the controllers to double as gaming mice.
While this functionality could enhance point-and-click experiences in puzzle games like Botany Manor or creative design elements in cozy games like The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, it remains to be seen how essential or practical it will be for everyday use. Given that the feature mirrors the “mouse mode” on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go, which has been met with mixed reception, Nintendo’s implementation will need to stand out to avoid being dismissed as a novelty.
Adding to the intrigue, there’s speculation about an enigmatic blank “button” on the right Joy-Con, which some believe could be a trackpad nub. If true, this design choice would further align the Switch 2 with handheld gaming PCs and their functionality. While these features suggest exciting possibilities, questions linger about their practicality and appeal to gamers. The success of these additions will depend on whether they enhance the console’s versatility or end up as underutilized gimmicks.
Nintendo Switch 2 Speculations
The gaming community has been picking apart the first-look trailer and a few interesting things stand out:
- The red colored joy con has been toned down in color, perhaps indicating a shift to appeal to an older audience?
- The screen of the Switch 2 peeks out of the doc when in TV mode, maybe indicating space for notifications, a clock, or other accoutrement?
- The brief Mario Kart demo displayed 24 player starting points, perhaps hinting at larger multiplayer online play options?
- A new gimmick (mouse joy con) historically means a new Mario game leaning heavily on said gimmick, will we see the next Mario game be mouse-controller focused?
- No Amiibo sensor or support is highlighted, does this mean Nintendo is moving away from this in-game functionality?
Should You Buy Nintendo Switch 2?
I play my Nintendo Switch near daily. I’ve never not played a Pokémon game release and I sunk 1000+hrs into Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nintendo hardware is reasonably priced, and I anticipate the Switch 2 will be so, as well. It’s easy to slot in into my budget, and makes for a “cheaper” hardware option to travel with worry-free when I don’t feel comfortable hauling around an $800 Steam Deck or $2000 gaming laptop.
I also have friends and family who will adopt my Switch X, breathing new life into it as they experience games like Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart 8 for the first time.
My much-beloved Nintendo Switch has a cracked charging stand and a chip in the screen. It’s slowing down some, simply because it’s 6 years old now. It’s my preferred place to play even when I have other choices, simply because the handheld-to-TV flexibility can’t be beat.
Ever since the N64, I have bought and owned every Nintendo console and most of the handhelds. I know I will get my money’s worth from the Pokémon franchise alone. It’s an affordable way to play many cozy games, so long as you don’t mind waiting for them to graduate from PC first.
What Do You Think About the Nintendo Switch 2?
I want to know! Will you be buying Nintendo Switch 2 or waiting? Are you still using your original Switch, or are you a Steam Deck believer now?
Stay cozy, gamers!