After much speculation, Nintendo has unveiled the company’s next console, the Switch 2, but what is known about the upcoming gaming system yet?
In terms of a release window, Nintendo confirmed that it will release the new system in 2025, bringing a host of new improvements and features to the original machine.
This follows the immensely successful run of the original Switch, which according to Nintendo’s financial reports had sold over 132 million units by December 2023, making it the company’s best-selling console of all time.
Hardware specifications and design
Not too many specifics of the hardware were given, but a ‘first look’ video shows redesigned controls, a larger display, and a new docking system.
According to Bloomberg’s technology reporter Takashi Mochizuki, who has consistently provided reliable Nintendo information, the new system is expected to feature an 8-inch (20,3 cm) LCD screen, marking a significant upgrade from the original Switch’s 6,2-inch display.
The way in which the removable controllers attach to the console itself looks to have changed significantly, along with some new triggers and buttons that will obviously be more integrated into upcoming games.
Industry analysts have noted that these changes appear to address the ‘Joy-Con drift’ issue. This is a problem, described as “weird joystic drifting” by The Verge, that plagued the original Switch. Note that Nintendo has not explicitly confirmed that they’ve fixed it.
Gaming library and backwards compatibility
The Switch 2 is set to get some big Nintendo-exclusive games in the coming years, but Switch owners will also be glad to know that backwards compatibility is present. Therefore Switch 2 will play both physical and digital original Switch games. There was a small caveat though; the Nintendo mentioned that some Switch 1 games will not work on the Switch 2.
The backwards compatibility feature is particularly significant for the South African market, where game prices tend to be higher than in other regions, making the ability to play existing Switch libraries a valuable cost-saving feature for consumers.
Processing power and technical capabilities
While Nintendo has traditionally focused more on innovative gameplay than raw processing power, reliable supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the Switch 2 will feature significant performance improvements.
The upgraded hardware is expected to support more sophisticated graphics and potentially 4K output when docked, though Nintendo has yet to confirm specific technical specifications.
Future announcements and pricing
Nintendo is set to break down the details of the console even further on 2 April 2025 at the next Nintendo Direct event. This presentation is expected to showcase launch titles and provide more detailed technical specifications.
Pricing and an actual 2025 release date is yet to be announced. Given South Africa’s current exchange rates and Nintendo’s historical pricing strategies, local industry analysts expect the console to retail between R8 000 and R9 500.
