As the Nintendo Switch approaches its 7th anniversary this March, the gaming community is abuzz with anticipation for the potential release of its successor, likely Nintendo Switch 2. While official statements are yet to confirm the speculation, recent court papers and leaks have fueled the fervor surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 release date and features. Join us as we line-up all the rumors, examining court revelations, Gamescom demos, and the latest Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, to decipher what the future holds for Nintendo’s gaming console lineup.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
In March, Nintendo Switch will be completing 7 years of its release. And there has been a lot of rumors regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 release date. However, there isn’t any official statement yet but looking at all the reports and leaks it can be said that the Switch 2 release date or at least official statement about it, is somewhere near! We will be dissecting some of the rumors that have made us believe about the Switch 2 release!
Recent court papers related to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard show that Nintendo gave Activision information about the Switch 2 in late 2022. Although the email exchange was heavily censored, there was one mention of the “NG Switch.” Earlier this year, Activision’s Brad Smith announced that Call of Duty will launch on the Switch “the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity,” and reaffirmed a 10-year partnership for the game.
Also in an interview, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the company will continue to support the current-generation Switch at least through March 2025. The remarks Furukawa previously made in a 2022 financial briefing Q&A regarding the Nintendo Switch’s future support this sentiment as well. “While continuing to release new Nintendo Switch software for consumers to enjoy, we aim to maintain relationships across hardware generations through services that utilize Nintendo Accounts and by providing opportunities for them to experience our IP through other non-gaming channels,” he reiterated in this interview, pledging to concentrate on “building long-term relationships with our consumers (through Nintendo Accounts).”
Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks From Gamscom
A demo version of the, reportedly Nintendo Switch 2 also surfaced during Gamescom 2023. Although the existence of a possible demo device doesn’t guarantee that a consumer product will be released anytime soon, it does suggest that Nintendo may be anticipating new developments and that game creators should brace themselves for what lies ahead.
Based on the first-generation Switch’s announcement date, the device came out globally about four months after it was initially revealed. Four months after the device’s launch, Nintendo revealed the improved screen model, the Switch OLED.
Therefore, if Nintendo’s Switch 2 is scheduled for release in September 2024, we should expect an announcement from Nintendo in April or May. But if the announcement doesn’t come by April/May then it is possible that the announcement is going to be in September 2024.
Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks About Models
Given the variety of Nintendo Switch consoles available right now, you might be wondering whether there won’t be as many options when the next version comes out.
As the newest model in Nintendo’s lineup, the OLED model of the Switch has an amazing screen and feels like the console of the future. On the other hand, a VGC report suggests that the upcoming Nintendo Switch might use an LCD screen instead.
Given the variety of Nintendo Switch models that have been produced over the years, it makes sense to assume that Nintendo Switch 2 will also come in several variants, providing more flexibility for users.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing Leaks
The first Switch was released by Nintendo for $299. A few years later, the more recent and upscale OLED model, was priced at $349. It was okay to pay an extra $50 for an OLED panel even when the internal specs and gameplay performance stayed the same. We also heard rumors of a potential “Nintendo Switch Pro” at some point in 2022.
When it comes to prices, Nintendo never goes “overboard,” and it makes sense. Because the gaming systems (from Sony, Nintendo, or Microsoft) are reasonably priced, even though the games themselves are pricey. Therefore, we anticipate that the Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for $349 to $449.
There are some rumors that the cost might exceed $400. Additionally, according to the speculations, two distinct Switch 2 models are under development. According to reports, one will only be available digitally, meaning that games will need to be downloaded via the internet.
It is anticipated that the other version will support actual cartridges. If Nintendo does release two versions, the Switch 2 range will be like how Sony sells its PS5 consoles: you can buy both disc and digital versions.
Larger gaming systems with enhanced processing power, such as the Xbox Series S or PS5 Digital, are available for about $400. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 will have a dedicated fan base and sell like hotcakes even with the existence of those platforms. Ideally, the whole cost shouldn’t go over $400.
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Specifications – All Rumors Gathered
Given the nature of the device and its compactness, it is tough to expect 4K-level gameplay with the upcoming Switch version. Despite everything, the new console ought to have far better visuals. Moreover, AI upscaling—a much-rumored feature—allows for a greater resolution as well.
Based on the development of older versions till now and looking at the users’ demand we have speculated the following specifications(least) which you can see in the upcoming Switch 2.
Do remember that these are only speculations with the best knowledge available, not the officially stated specs.
- Nvidia chip and Nvidia-based processor for better performance, probably like Nvidia T239 chip for smoother experience.
- Support Nvidia’s DLSS(Deep Learning Super Sampling). Wanna read more about DLSS? Click here!
- Backward Compatibility. This will allow user to retain their old loving titles on Switch 2.
- Legend of Zelda, as told earlier, was running smoothly with awesome quality. So, this suggests that there will be a significant upgrade in terms of software and processing capability.
- Given the size of recent games, it is definite that new version of Switch will have upgraded storage or even expandable storage support.
- Nintendo Switch offers 9 hours of battery backup, so in my opinion this will remain somewhere around this benchmark. The main reason behind this is that company will prioritize smoother gameplay and stunning visuals, as the market demands these days. So, it is likely possible that users will have to compromise on this one aspect. And believe me, its workable if gaming experience is elevated.
- The Switch 2’s screen could get a 120Hz refresh rate, a brighter screen, or an update to 900p/1080p resolution, which would make the picture even clearer. The Switch 2 should have an OLED screen.
- Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s CEO, said in 2023 that the next Nintendo console would use the same Nintendo Account system as the Switch. So, transition to new system will be less tedious.
Nintendo Switch 2 Design
Since the first Nintendo Switch device is so old, the second one should have a completely new look. It was previously reported that Switch 2 would have new controls based on a leak about new Joy-Con controllers.
Stick-drift problems have been around for a long time with the original Switch. If the user has this problem, they can’t use the joysticks. The controllers for the new Nintendo Switch 2 should be more stable, which might stop this problem from happening. Take a look at the Nintendo device design patent that was sent in below.
There have been rumors that the Nintendo Switch 2 dev kits that have been sent to game makers have a modular design like the first model. In the same way that the Nintendo Switch has a fixed mode, a TV mode, and a portable handheld mode, the Nintendo Switch 2 should also have these modes.
Verdict – Is It Game Changer?
The expected Nintendo Switch 2 release, following the footsteps of the original, promises improvements in design, display, and specifications. Whether it’s the talk of different models, leaked pricing details, or upgraded specs like DLSS support and a potentially brighter screen, Nintendo has a good treat for fans up in its sleeves.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 revolutionize gaming experiences with its rumored AI upscaling and beefed-up processing power? Only time will reveal the answers, but one thing is certain – the gaming landscape is on the verge of a notable shift, and the Nintendo Switch 2 could be the driving force behind it. Stay tuned to gta4.in for the latest updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 and all your gaming needs!
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