The gaming community is buzzing with anticipation as rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 continue to circulate. As the seven-year mark of the original Nintendo Switch approaches in March, speculation about its successor is rife. Despite Nintendo’s silence on the matter, leaks have provided some intriguing insights into the potential features of the so-called “Switch 2.”
When and how much?
While there’s no official word on the release date of the Nintendo Switch 2, the seven-year anniversary of the original console in March 2024 could be a significant hint. Given that most console generations last around 7-8 years and the technology behind the Switch is now somewhat outdated, many are expecting an announcement soon. Despite declining sales for the Switch, Nintendo seems in no hurry to launch new hardware. Instead, the company’s strategy appears to focus on boosting sales through new titles and additional content.
However, rumors from Video Games Chronicle hint at a potential release in the latter half of next year. Some even suggest a specific release date of September 24, 2024. Additionally, there’s talk of two versions of the console: a digital-only version priced at $400 and a cartridge version at $449. This strategy mirrors that of other tech giants like Microsoft and Sony, who have also moved towards a digital-only future.
Design and features
The Switch 2 is rumored to come in two versions, maintaining its hybrid-handheld nature. Fans of the original design can breathe a sigh of relief. One significant change could be in the screen technology. While the current upgraded Switch model boasts an OLED screen, there’s speculation, based on rumors from Bloomberg, that the new console might switch to an LED screen to cut costs.
Potential specs
One of the primary criticisms of the current Nintendo Switch is its performance, which, while not terrible, lags behind its competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, this might be about to change. Recent rumors suggest that Nintendo has been showcasing tech demos of its upcoming hardware to developers during Gamescom.
According to sources speaking to VGC, these demos, powered by Unreal Engine 5, indicate performance levels that are on par with Gen 8 consoles. Notably, one of the tech demos was reportedly “The Matrix Awakens,” a demonstration that had previously amazed the gaming community in 2021.
Further rumored specifications for the Switch 2 include potential raytracing capabilities, a substantial 12GB RAM, and DLSS 3.1. While VGC’s reports suggest that the new hardware might not rival the power of a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo seems to be leveraging AI upscaling to enhance the console’s performance.
Launch titles of Nintendo Switch 2
The success of a new console often hinges on its launch titles. While Nintendo has committed to supporting the original Switch until 2025, primarily through new titles and add-ons, there’s significant speculation about the flagship titles for the Switch 2. Among the rumors, “Metroid Prime 4” stands out as a potential launch title. However, concrete details are scant, with most information being wish lists or speculative articles from fans and experts.
Zippo has hinted at a forthcoming 2D Donkey Kong game, which they suggest might have concluded its development phase by the close of 2021, a process that began four years prior.
Given the consistent popularity of Donkey Kong titles from Nintendo, the introduction of a new game for the 2024 console release wouldn’t be unexpected. It’s worth noting, as highlighted by Game Rant, that the last 2D Donkey Kong release was “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” in 2014.
