Gaming powerhouse Nintendo unveiled its latest console on Thursday, in an eagerly awaited announcement that gamers had been anticipating since speculation about its launch began years ago.
The Nintendo Switch 2, the follow-up to the original Nintendo Switch, is set to launch in 2025, according to the company.
Key Highlights
- Nintendo unveiled its upcoming Switch 2 console in a video trailer on Thursday, showcasing a larger display and joy controllers.
- While no release date was provided for the Switch 2, the company announced that it would share additional information during its next “Nintendo Direct” online event on April 2.
- Nintendo indicated that the Switch 2 will support backwards compatibility, allowing players to enjoy previous Switch games on the new console.
In a newly released promotional video, Nintendo highlights a larger iteration of the Switch that resembles its predecessor. The video also illustrates how the system’s controllers, known as Joy-Cons, now attach to the sides of the main unit instead of sliding in.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature exclusive games designed for it, in addition to supporting both physical and digital Nintendo Switch titles. However, the company indicated that some Nintendo Switch games might not be fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.
The announcement lacked extensive details about the console and did not specify an exact release date. Nintendo stated that more information regarding the system will be disclosed during the company’s April Nintendo Direct event. The Kyoto-based gaming company also plans to organize “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience” events in various countries, allowing players a chance to try out the new system.
These events are scheduled to take place in cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris starting in April. Registration for tickets for these events will open on Friday, according to Nintendo.
Nintendo announced on Thursday that its highly anticipated new Switch 2 hybrid console will launch this year, featuring a larger screen and new controllers, as the company aims to revitalize its faltering hardware business.
New Nintendo switch 2
The company showcased the Switch 2 in a video trailer, which begins with the current model before detaching the two “joy-con” controllers to increase the size of the attached tablet. The clip then demonstrates the joy cons enlarging and transforming into a matte black finish.
The joystick and controller covers come in variations of light blue and red. It appears that the joy con covers can magnetically attach to the controllers when removed from the main tablet of the Switch 2, allowing for use while the console is propped up on its stand or docked for play on a home television.
Additionally, the Switch 2 incorporates an enhanced kickstand that is U-shaped and can be positioned farther back, resulting in the console lying nearly flat on a surface. The device’s design closely resembles mock-ups that were leaked online prior to the official announcement of the Switch 2.
Nintendo switch 2 release date
While Nintendo did not provide a specific release date for the Switch 2, it mentioned that further details would be disclosed during the next “Nintendo Direct” online event scheduled for April 2. The company also announced that the Switch 2 is backward compatible, allowing users to play previous Switch games on the new device.
Nintendo is optimistic that the Switch 2 will help drive console sales. The current generation of the Switch was launched back in March 2017 and has now been in the market for nearly eight years. Most console manufacturers typically wait around six to seven years before introducing a new model.
In the latest quarter ending in September, Nintendo reported a net profit of 27.7 billion Japanese yen ($178.2 million), reflecting a decline of about 69% compared to the previous year. The company’s revenues dropped 17% year-over-year to 276.7 billion Japanese yen.