Nintendo Switch 2 (Image: Nintendo)
After months of rumors and speculation, Nintendo finally revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 and the brief announcement trailer is jam-packed with details and hints about the console.
On Jan. 16, Nintendo released an announcement trailer for the brand-new Switch 2 console. Fans have known for a while now that the console was in progress and this first look at the device does not disappoint. The trailer focuses on the physical model of the Switch 2 in comparison to the original Switch, and there are a lot of great changes and additions to note about the Switch 2.
The most apparent detail about the Switch 2 is that it will be larger than the original. There are no exact dimensions of the console yet, but based on a side-by-side comparison, it appears that the Switch 2 is about an inch longer and perhaps two to three inches wider. Though it is a little larger than the previous model, it should still be pretty easy to carry around as a portable device.
In addition to the wider screen, there is a retractable leg built into the back of the Switch 2 that will allow the screen to stand on its own when playing in portable mode, making gaming on-the-go even easier. Another beautiful addition to the Switch 2 is the extra USB-C port added to the top of the console compared to the original Switch only having one on the bottom.
Now for the really exciting part: the new Joy-Cons. First and foremost, rather than the original Switch’s rail connection for the Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 features magnetic snap-on Joy-Cons that should effortlessly clip into the console’s screen. It also appears that the Joy-Cons could have some sort of mouse functionality, though it is unclear at this time what this feature will be used for. Another mysterious addition to the Joy-Cons is the new “C” button located at the bottom of the right Joy-Con below the “Home” button. We don’t know what this button is for yet, but it’s giving me Game Cube flashbacks. With these improvements to the Joy-Cons, there is much hope that Nintendo has improved the overall functionality of the controllers, so perhaps we won’t have to worry about the dreaded “Joy-Con Drift” with the Switch 2. Fingers crossed.
Many gamers will be relieved to hear that the Switch 2 will be backward compatible; you will be able to play both physical and digital Switch titles on the Switch 2. It should be noted, however, that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2,” but more details will be revealed about that at a later date.
The last hint the Switch 2 trailer gave us is a potential first glance at a new Mario Kart game. In the trailer, the Switch 2 is playing Mario Kart, but the track is unfamiliar to fans, which has led many to speculate that this is an early look at Mario Kart 9. It seems to be a tradition for Nintendo to release a new Mario Kart title alongside a new console, so Mario Kart 9 will likely be one of the launch titles.
The end of the Switch 2 trailer announces a Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 to be held on April 2 of this year. This is likely when we will get the official release date for the console, as well as more information about the titles releasing alongside it and any other new functions it has to offer.
If you just can’t wait to get your hands on the Switch 2, Nintendo will be hosting the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience in select cities across the globe from April to June. The U.S. cities hosting this event include New York City, Los Angeles and Dallas, and dates vary throughout the month of April. Registration for this event will be available on Nintendo’s website from Jan. 17 to Jan. 26 and winners will be selected at random.
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