Trustworthy Sources Reveal Details About the Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2
Recently, whispers about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 have circulated since the console's initial launch. However, Nintendo has been quite silent on the subject. While these rumors should be taken with a pinch of salt, some stand out as more solid and could offer a glimpse into Nintendo's plans for their most anticipated new console in recent years.
A recent stir was caused by Vandal, a Spanish outlet, where their writer Ramon Varela dropped a piece with exclusive information that has not been circulating before. The claims made were later corroborated and expanded upon by Mobapad, a company that produces Switch controllers and accessories.
Although many rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, Vandal's reporting has some credibility. In a 2021 report on the "Switch Pro," they predicted several details accurately, such as the Switch OLED's increased display size without enlarging the console, the use of an OLED panel for the display, and the inclusion of a Microsoft Surface-like stand and USB 3.0 ports, as well as an ethernet port.
Let's dive into the latest rumors.
Familiar Design, New Connections
The iconic rail design of the Switch Joy-Cons, where the user aligns the Joy-Con's rail with the corresponding rail on the Switch and slides and clicks it into place, seems likely to remain in the Switch 2. This is because detachable controllers make the console portable and instantly multiplayer. However, one notable difference is that the new Joy-Cons might connect via magnets instead of rails.
The details of the magnetic technology remain unclear, but Mobapad suggests it uses "magnetic suction" and relies on an electrical current. It's not clear how this electrical current works, but it's possible that a locking mechanism clicks into place once the magnets do.
With the possible shift to a magnetic connection, it's likely that your old Joy-Cons won't be compatible with the Switch 2 unless Nintendo or a third-party produces magnetic rail attachments. It's important to note that Mobapad believes the existing Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller will still be functional through Bluetooth.
In addition to the new magnetic connection, the Joy-Con buttons are also allegedly getting an upgrade. The SL and SR buttons are said to be metal, and Nintendo is adding a third button to each of the Joy-Cons. Furthermore, there's a new function button below the HOME button on the right controller.
Backwards Compatibility
While the latest rumors don't provide a definitive answer on whether the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with original Switch games, Vandal claims manufacturers "believe and assume" it will. It's hard to fathom that Nintendo would risk forcing customers to upgrade without the option to play their existing Switch library after rejecting backwards compatibility for the GameCube era.
Powerful Hardware
We still lack specifics on the hardware specs, but it's likely that Nvidia will be involved. In February, an anonymous source revealed to Reuters that Nintendo planned to use a custom Nvidia chip for the Switch 2, while a prior Vandal report indicated Nintendo was planning to use an Nvidia chip based on the GeForce RTX 30 series. If the rumors hold true, this chip is known as the T239, an adaptation of the already existing T234 chip.
Vandal expects the new Switch iteration to support DLSS (deep learning super scaling), which utilizes AI to craft upscaled frames, and promises that ray tracing, a modern lighting technique creating realistic lighting environments, will be supported. With these changes and rumored 4K output, the Switch 2 would significantly outperform the original in terms of graphics.
Even though we might possess the precise system specifications for the Switch 2, we still couldn't define its true capabilities with complete certainty. This is due to the likelihood that Nintendo will restrain the chip's full prowess in order to maintain a good balance between the system's power and its compactness, similar to the existing Switch. While we might override the chip's settings and boost performance in demanding games like "Tears of the Kingdom", such alterations are not suggested.
In summary, it is prudent to expect that the Switch 2 will elevate the graphical performance beyond the original Switch, but the leap presumably won't be earth-shattering, particularly when compared to advanced systems from Sony or Microsoft, or potentially even the upcoming PS5 Pro. However, Nintendo has never emphasized superior graphics exclusively: As long as the subsequent iterations of their IP offer enjoyable gameplay and engaging content, and there remains consistent support from outside developers, the Switch 2 will effectively function as intended.
In addition, the Switch 2 should furnish an improved viewing experience in handheld mode. Mobapad asserts that the device will be equipped with an 8-inch screen, bigger than the 7-inch display of the Switch OLED, and sporting 1080p resolution. Although the Switch 2 won't deliver 4K in handheld mode, it is anticipated to offer a sharp visual experience when compared to present Switches, as these models currently feature 720p displays.
The Switch 2 Won't Arrive This Year
Assuming you've been intentionally postponing your acquisition of an OLED Switch in anticipation of the impending Switch 2, you could be in for a lengthy wait. As reported by Vandal and other authorities, Nintendo envisions a launch in early 2025, which would significantly extend the length of time between Nintendo's console generations, equivalent to eight years.
Vandal reports that peripheral manufacturers predict Nintendo plans to delay the release of the Switch 2 until they have assembled an enhanced catalog of games for it, which is an efficient tactic: Nintendo initially launched the 3DS with a meager assortment of games, and this inadvertently stifled the handheld's first year's success. (Its excessive cost was another contributing factor, but that's a different narrative altogether.)
The rationale behind Nintendo's delay in releasing the Switch 2 is unclear at present; however, it's plausible that the company intends to launch when they're confident in the Switch 2's capability to attract gamers with an ample supply of appealing titles. This tactic could prevent the Switch 2 from replicating the 3DS's disappointing initial performance.
Therefore, the Switch 2 is unlikely to hit shelves imminently or in time for the festive season. If you've been holding out for the Switch 2, you'll need to endure a potential waiting period of up to another year, or settle for a Nintendo Switch that's currently available.
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Source: lifehacker.com
