Nintendo Switch 2: Leaks, rumors and what we know so far about the next big console

The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation as the successor to the Nintendo Switch gets closer and closer to reality. After over seven years, Nintendo fans are excited to see what the company has in store for its next big release. Although Nintendo continues to remain tight-lipped, several leaks and rumors have emerged that give us a glimpse of what the new console could bring.

The name: Probably not “Switch 2”

Although the company hasn’t confirmed an official name yet, it’s highly unlikely that the new handheld will be nicknamed “Switch 2.” Nintendo has historically avoided using numerical names for its consoles, preferring a more creative approach. So don’t be surprised if the successor has a completely different name when it launches.

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Backwards compatibility for Switch games

It has been confirmed that the new console supports backwards compatibility. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently announced that the Switch successor will allow gamers to enjoy their existing Switch games on the new device. However, it remains unclear whether accessories such as the Joy-Con controllers will be compatible with the new console.

Will the new console retain its hybrid character?

The question on many gamers’ minds is whether the upcoming console will retain the hybrid nature of the original Switch, which can be used as both a handheld and home console. While nothing is official, sources suggest that the new system will likely follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and allow players to seamlessly transition between portable and docked modes.

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Physical or digital: What does the future of Switch games look like?

Despite rumors suggesting the Switch 2 could have a fully digital future, Nintendo likely won’t give up on physical copies. The company has always focused on selling physical games, and rumors suggest that the Switch successor will still feature a cartridge slot for game cards to ensure that physical media fans can continue their collection.

Expected performance and performance levels

As for the performance of the new system, leaked internal communications from a meeting between Nintendo and Activision in 2022 suggest that the Switch successor could compete in terms of performance with consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Additionally, recent reports have revealed that the system could feature Unreal Engine 5 support, ray tracing, and NVIDIA’s DLSS upscaling technology, as demonstrated in the game The Matrix Awakens.

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When can fans expect the Switch successor?

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch successor is in development, but is still tight-lipped about its release date. The console is expected to launch sometime in the fiscal year ending March 2025. With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s unlikely the console will launch before the end of the year. However, all eyes are on Nintendo as fans eagerly await further announcements.