The Nintendo Switch 2 is preparing for release—and some publications think it could redefine handheld gaming. Or, more appropriately, redefine handheld gaming again, just like it did with 2017’s original release. When the Switch first hit shelves, it opened the doors to a new frontier in gaming hardware that combined the power of a console with the convenience of a handheld device.
Since then, competitors have hit the market, from the Steam Deck to the Rog Ally from ASUS. But neither offers the same dock set, which enables players to game on a TV screen. And with Nintendo set to break boundaries once more, gamers are beginning to speculate heavily about what the next Nintendo project could entail.
Here’s what you need to know about the next Nintendo Switch release, including the latest rumors, speculation, potential release date, and more.
Upgrades on the Table
One feature that many are looking forward to is extended browser capabilities. The original release had a secret web browser function that went viral, but it’s likely the next generation will have a much stronger option at their fingertips.
This could open up a whole new world of gaming—obviously with an emphasis on browser titles. That might not seem like a coup but think of niches like online poker. The vast majority of those who play poker online access their favorite platforms via browsers, as most platforms offer an instant play option along with downloadable software.
Along with browser capabilities, the Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to offer backward compatibility. This means that gamers can access every previous Switch release from the past—something that isn’t usually on offer when a new set of hardware hits the market.
The Nitty Gritty of Specs
Aside from potential browser improvements and backward compatibility, one major upgrade is the Nvidia Ampere GPU and Nvidia ARM SoC ‘Drake’, the latter of which is customized for Nintendo Switch users. Along with a larger LCD display (rumored to be up to 8’) and 8GB of RAM, these added specs will put the Nintendo Switch 2 at the cutting edge of gaming tech.
Specifically, these types of features will greatly improve the performance of games and visuals, allowing for more advanced rendering. That would make the Switch 2 on par with some PC systems, just like its competitor handhelds. These specs might also open up the doors for 4K gaming, something that’s only on offer from high-tech PC monitors.
Combined together, it’s clear that Nintendo wants to challenge the idea that handhelds can’t offer an experience that’s on par with PCs or even a PlayStation. But it’s important to point out that these boosted specs will only come into clear focus when the Switch is hooked up to its dock.
Potential Release Date & Pricing
The Nintendo Switch 2 was expected to hit shelves around autumn of this year. However, publications have now started to report that the Nintendo release is more likely to enter the market in March 2025.
Another hot topic is the upcoming game release schedule for the Nintendo Switch 2. Given there’s not yet a firm release date, it’s no shock that reported projects haven’t yet been confirmed. However, it’s expected that Nintendo will announce plans to launch new Pokémon and Metroid Prime titles sometime in 2025 to cater to Nintendo Switch 2 players.
The same is true for Persona 6, one of the world’s most beloved RPGs. In fact, it’s possible that the Switch 2’s release has been delayed so that it can be launched in time with Nintendo’s highly successful Persona series. Unfortunately, these rumors remain unconfirmed for the time being. Until Nintendo announces an official release date, its subsequent game launches will stay under wraps.
