After months of rampant speculation, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled through an official trailer from Nintendo. This trailer confirms many of the leaks that had been circulating about the successor to the original Nintendo Switch. However, the brief footage has left us with more questions than answers, especially regarding the exact release date, pricing, and the extent of backwards compatibility. Let's delve into the biggest mysteries surrounding this new console as we await more information at the upcoming Nintendo Direct in April 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

The speculation surrounding the release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 continues. The trailer confirms a 2025 launch, but doesn't specify a date. Given the original Switch's release pattern, which was announced in October 2016 and launched on March 3, 2017, it's possible the Switch 2 could hit the market around May or June 2025. This aligns with recent rumors. We're certain the console won't launch before April 2025, as Nintendo has scheduled a Direct livestream on April 2 to reveal more details and showcase launch games. Additionally, fan preview events will run from April to early June, suggesting a release shortly thereafter. We'll likely get a firm date at the April Direct.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a significant mystery. The original Switch launched at $300 in 2017, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the upgraded hardware in the Switch 2, a price increase is expected, with rumors pointing to a $400 launch price, aligning it with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. Industry analysts suggest $400 as the sweet spot. The final price could hinge on the hardware's sophistication, rumored to be comparable to the Xbox One X, and whether it retains the OLED screen technology.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

The success of a new console often depends on its launch lineup. The original Switch benefited from a strong start with games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8. The Switch 2 trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but keeps other launch titles under wraps. We're expecting a robust list of rumored games, with increased third-party support given the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities, potentially closing the technical gap with PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The Switch 2 trailer reveals not only enhanced power but also a larger form factor. The console and Joy-Cons appear taller, with a larger screen that dominates the front. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 could be about 15% larger than its predecessor. This size increase raises questions about comfort and handling, details we'll learn more about in April.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The Switch OLED model significantly improved upon the original's screen technology. Fans are eager to know if the Switch 2 will continue using OLED or opt for a more cost-effective LED or LCD panel. The trailer doesn't provide clues, leaving us to wait for the April Direct for clarification.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, easing the transition for existing users. However, the trailer notes that not all games will be compatible. This raises questions about which games might be excluded, possibly those requiring specific hardware like the original Joy-Con controllers used in Ring Fit Adventure or Nintendo LABO.

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While most original Switch games will run on the Switch 2, it's unclear how they will perform. Will they run identically, or will Nintendo leverage the new hardware to improve framerates and graphics? Games like Tears of the Kingdom, which pushed the original Switch's limits, could benefit from enhanced versions. Whether these enhancements will be free or require additional purchases remains to be seen.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers feature upgrades, including an extra button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. The trailer also confirms a rumored mouse-like manipulation feature, which could revolutionize gameplay in genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. We're eager to see how these features will be utilized in upcoming titles, which will likely be a focus at the April Direct.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift was a persistent issue with the original Switch, and many hope it's been addressed in the Switch 2. The new Joy-Cons with updated sensors and magnetic attachments might resolve this problem, but we'll need to wait for the April Direct to see if Nintendo addresses this concern.