After months of anticipation and widespread rumors, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The long-awaited successor to the original Nintendo Switch was revealed through a trailer that confirmed many of the previously leaked details. However, the footage was disappointingly brief, leaving many questions unanswered. As we eagerly await more details at the next Nintendo Direct in April 2025, let's delve into the most pressing questions about the new console.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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What's the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?

Speculation abounds regarding the exact release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. The trailer provided no new insights, merely confirming that the console will launch sometime this year. The original Switch debuted on March 3, 2017, after its reveal in October 2016. If Nintendo follows a similar pattern, we might see the Switch 2 hit the market around May or June 2025, aligning with recent rumors. The earliest possible release is after April 2025, with a new Direct livestream scheduled for April 2, where more details and launch games will be showcased. Nintendo has also planned hands-on fan preview events from April to early June, suggesting a release might follow these events. However, a firm release date is likely to be announced during the April Direct.

What Is the Price of the Switch 2?

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains one of the biggest mysteries. The original Switch launched at $300, while the Switch OLED model is priced at $350. Given the apparent hardware upgrades in the Switch 2, it's reasonable to expect a price increase. Rumors suggest that the Switch 2 will launch at $400, a price point that industry analysts agree could be the sweet spot, aligning it with the baseline OLED Steam Deck. The final price will depend on the specifics of the hardware, such as whether it retains the OLED screen, and its overall performance, rumored to be comparable to the Xbox One X.

What New Games Will the Switch 2 Launch With?

A console's launch lineup can make or break its initial success. The original Switch launched with a strong lineup, including a new Legend of Zelda game, Mario Kart 8, and later, Super Mario Odyssey. For the Switch 2, the trailer teases what appears to be Mario Kart 9. However, details about other potential launch titles, such as new Zelda or Mario games, remain under wraps until April. A list of rumored launch games suggests a robust third-party support, thanks to the reduced technical disparity with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

What Is the Switch 2’s Exact Size?

The Switch 2 trailer revealed that the new console is not only more powerful but also physically larger. Both the console and the Joy-Cons appear taller, with a larger screen dominating the front. Estimates suggest the Switch 2 is around 15% larger than its predecessor. The exact dimensions and how they impact the gaming experience remain to be seen, but more information should be forthcoming in April.

What Type of Screen Does It Have?

The original Switch's OLED model was a significant upgrade, offering brighter and more vibrant colors with improved battery life. Whether the Switch 2 will continue using an OLED screen or opt for a less expensive LED or LCD panel is still unknown. The trailer provided no clues, leaving fans to wait until the April Direct for more information.

Which Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible?

Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards-compatible with most original Switch games, supporting both physical cartridges and digital downloads. However, the trailer noted that not all games will be compatible. The specifics of which games won't work—whether due to Joy-Con requirements or other hardware limitations—are yet to be clarified.

Will Original Switch Games Be Enhanced?

While most original Switch games will work on the Switch 2, it's unclear how they will perform. Will they run identically, or will Nintendo leverage the new hardware to enhance framerates and graphics? Games like Tears of the Kingdom could benefit significantly from more power. Whether enhancements will be automatic or require a purchase of remastered versions remains to be seen.

What New Functions Does the Joy-Con Have?

The Switch 2's Joy-Cons come with several upgrades, including an extra button and magnetic attachment instead of rails. The trailer also confirmed rumors that the Joy-Con can be used like a computer mouse, opening new gameplay possibilities. How these features will be utilized in new games will be a key focus at the April Direct.

Mario Kart 9 - First Look

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Will Joy-Con Drift Be Fixed?

Joy-Con drift was a persistent issue with the original Switch. Nintendo addressed it with repair and replacement programs, but it remained a significant concern. The new Joy-Cons, with updated joystick sensors and magnetic attachments, are hoped to resolve this issue. Whether Nintendo has finally solved Joy-Con drift will likely be discussed at the April Direct.