Nintendo has shared the first official information about the Nintendo Switch 2. The release is expected to take place by the end of March 2025 and some of the console’s long-awaited features have already been confirmed.
- Backwards compatibility: All previous Switch games will also run on the new Switch 2
- Nintendo Switch Online: The service will remain for the new console.
- Technical improvements: Presumably larger display and more powerful hardware.
New gaming experience thanks to backwards compatibility
The important news: the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible and will be able to play all Nintendo Switch games. This can be seen in the latest report on Nintendo’s quarterly figures on page 49.
The decision to make the entire Switch library accessible on the new console shows Nintendo’s efforts to continue supporting the original Switch’s fanbase. Backwards compatibility allows players to seamlessly transfer their existing games to the new hardware and benefit from new features.
The improved chipset could offer visual benefits such as upscaling or a smoother refresh rate. However, it remains to be seen whether existing Switch titles will receive optimized versions for the Switch 2.
Nintendo also revealed via X (formerly Twitter) that Nintendo Switch Online will also be available on the new console.
This is Furukawa. At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…
– 任天堂株式会社（企業広報・IR） (@NintendoCoLtd) November 6, 2024
Hardware leaks and possible specifications
Leaks suggest technical upgrades such as a larger 8-inch display, 12GB of LPDDR5X memory and a GPU potentially based on Nvidia technology. This could allow the Switch 2 to boast DLSS and ray tracing graphics, which would be a huge improvement over the current generation. With an SoC upgrade, Nintendo could achieve a significant performance boost, laying the foundation for immersive, more graphics-intensive games.
Conclusion and availability
With the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is aiming to maintain the balance between new features and existing gaming fun. The console is expected to be available by March 2025 at the latest. Further details are expected in the coming months, and fans can look forward to seeing what innovations Nintendo will ultimately implement for the Switch 2.
