A Nintendo Switch 2 announcement dropped on January 16 sending the internet into meltdown. Nintendo has stoked the fires by letting everyone know the console’s official reveal date via a Nintendo Direct, some of its features and accessibility functions, and offered a glimpse of the Switch 2’s stylish design.
We’re finally getting the Nintendo Switch 2, you can all stop panicking. Rumors and speculation hinted at January 16 being the long-awaited reveal of the Switch 2—and it happened. We’ve seen the console, Nintendo has confirmed when we get to see it properly through a Nintendo Direct, and much more.
Here’s everything you need to know about the announcement and what’s to come.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Period
The Nintendo Switch 2 officially releases in 2025, but Nintendo has neglected to give an official launch date yet.
Nintendo’s site confirms that the Switch 2 is “The successor to Nintendo Switch releasing in 2025.”
This is headline news in itself, and the Japanese company knows it’s got the world in the palm of its hands. More details are expected to be announced courtesy of the Switch 2 Direct showcase.
Switch 2 Nintendo Direct Date
A Nintendo Direct is happening on April 2 to officially present and show off the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo said via a post on X, “Stay tuned for a closer look at #NintendoSwitch2 in #NintendoDirect: Nintendo Switch 2 – 02.04.2025, airing on April 2nd, 2025. The broadcast time will be shared at a later date.”
We’re unsure if it’s just the console, or if we’ll be treated to a games showcase as well. All we know for sure is we’re getting “a closer look at Nintendo Switch 2.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Cross-Compatibility Confirmed
You can play certain Nintendo Switch games on the Switch 2, meaning the new console offers cross-compatibility.
Many details are understandably a bit hazy right now. But Nintendo has put in writing that the sequel “Plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as Nintendo Switch games.”
Before you start throwing the babies in the air and getting the champagne out, there’s a catch. “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.“
It also says the details about which games are compatible are going to be “shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Console Design Revealed
Nintendo has played it safe with the Switch 2. The design falls in line with the Switch 1’s sleek look. The Joy Cons are easier to handle—making detaching and reattaching easier.
The front of the console looks identical from a configuration standpoint. From the analog sticks to the button layout, it all feels familiar. The default color palette is the most striking with Nintendo opting for a pure black finish for the most part.
When Was The Nintendo Switch 2 Announced?
The Switch 2 was officially announced to the world on January 16.
Social media was quickly abuzz after Nintendo posted to all its socials about the impending arrival of the first Switch’s successor. Nintendo has previously said the Switch 2 would be announced before April 2025. The company stuck to its word and now the next wait begins.
Leaked Specs
The Switch 2’s specs and launch titles are two big mysteries right now. Leaks have revealed possible answers to both of these questions with a possible spec list and Switch 2 games.
According to X account @Zuby_Tech, the Switch 2’s CPU, GPU, and Docked and Handheld capabilities have leaked.
Here’s the list of possible Switch 2 specs—with more rumored specs on top of this.
| Type of Spec | Hardware Part | Value(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Specifications | CPU (Arm Cortex-A78C) | 8 Cores |
| Technical Specifications | CPU (Arm Cortex-A78C) | Unknown L1/L2/L3 cache sizes |
| Technical Specifications | GPU @ Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 Series) | 1 Graphics Processing Cluster (GPC) |
| Technical Specifications | GPU @ Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 Series) | 12 Streaming Multiprocessors (SM) |
| Technical Specifications | GPU @ Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 Series) | 1534 CUDA cores |
| Technical Specifications | GPU @ Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 Series) | 6 Texture processing Clusters (TPC) |
| Technical Specifications | GPU @ Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 Series) | 48 Gen 3 Tensor cores |
| Technical Specifications | GPU @ Nvidia T239 Ampere (RTX 20 Series) | 2 RTX ray-tracing cores |
| Technical Specifications | RAM (12 GB LPDDR5, some/all units will have LPDDR5 chips) | 2 6 GB chips |
| Power Profiles | Handheld | CPU @1100.8 MHz |
| Power Profiles | Handheld | GPU @561 MHz, 1.72 TFLOPs peak |
| Power Profiles | Handheld | RAM @2133 MHz. 68.26 GB/s peak bandwith |
| Power Profiles | Docked | CPU @998.4 MHz |
| Power Profiles | Docked | GPU @1007.3 MHz, 3.09 TFLOPs peak |
| Power Profiles | Docked | RAM @3200 MHz. 102.40 GB/s peak bandwith |
Potentially Leaked Games
2025 could be a big year for Switch 2 games, and possible launch-day software includes Metroid Prime 4, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and classic Xbox titles too.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond seems like a logical choice to help shift units at launch. But leaker Nate the Hate has pointed fingers toward Metal Gear Solid, and Xbox ports as well. It’s claimed Metal Gear Solid Delta releases on Switch 2 this year—a launch window remains to be seen—and legendary Xbox exclusives are coming to Switch 2 also.
Are you ready to add the new Switch to your collection? Is this a necessary upgrade that’s long overdue at this point? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.
The rest of the industry and media are so desperate to take down Nintendo… It’s depressing.
Reveal the console with games