release date, price, games, backwards compatibility… everything we know

Release date, price, technical characteristics, backward compatibility: everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s next hybrid console.

Read laterSavedFollow #nintendo switch#nintendo switch Follow

After 7 years of success and many hours of play, the Nintendo Switch is starting to show signs of fatigue. But don’t worry, Nintendo is preparing to take over with the highly anticipated Switch2 ! Even if we have to wait until 2025 to discover it, Nintendo recently confirmed that it will be officially presented before March 31, 2025. Between rumors and official announcements, let’s take stock of everything we currently know about this future Japanese console.

Nintendo Switch 2: estimated release date

As usual, Nintendo chose to play it safe by taking its time to unveil the Switch 2. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa announced that the console will be presented before the end of the 2024 fiscal year, i.e. before March 31, 2025. Regarding the release date, rumors suggest a release no earlier than March 2025.

Yes, as soon as possible! Indeed, let’s not forget that Nintendo’s objective is to continue selling the current Switch until the arrival of the Switch 2. By postponing the release of the new console, Nintendo hopes to sell as many models as possible. the first generation, which has already exceeded 139 million units sold since its launch.

Nintendo Switch 2: prices and models

Big N has always been able to attract a large audience thanks to competitive prices and a variety of models adapted to different types of players. The Nintendo Switch 2 will be no exception to this rule. According to Soldier Delta, a renowned industry insider, here’s what we can expect in terms of models and prices. To meet the varied needs of gamers, the Nintendo Switch 2 should be available in two distinct modelssimilar to what Sony and Microsoft have done with their latest consoles.

• Switch 2 digital version : this model would lack a physical cartridge reader, focusing entirely on downloaded games. This choice reflects the growing trend towards digital games. Estimated price: approximately $400 366 euros.
• Switch 2 standard version : this version would include a physical cartridge reader, allowing players to continue using physical games while enjoying the new generation of consoles. Estimated price: approximately $450 412 euros.

Despite a slight price increase compared to the previous generation, the Nintendo Switch 2 remains competitive. Dr. Serkan Toto of the Japanese consulting company Kantan Games indicated in the media outlet Gameindustry.biz that this price increase is in line with current market trends. He also mentioned that games could see their price increase to 70 dollarsan increase already observed among other console manufacturers.

Nintendo Switch 2: features and performance

With the console not yet revealed, it is important to note that the following information is based on rumors and speculation from various reputable sources. Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet. That being said, here is nevertheless an overview of the characteristics and expected performances of this new console, based on the most credible rumors.

CPU and GPU

The Nintendo Switch 2 should be equipped with an Nvidia Tegra 239 chip, engraved in 5nm. This chip will include:

• CPU: ARM A78C composed of 8 cores, offering significantly greater processing power than the current Switch.
• GPU: Based on Nvidia’s Ampere RTX 30 architecture, it will have 1536 CUDA cores, promising increased graphics performance.

Performance

In terms of power, the Switch 2 would be between the PS4 and the Xbox Onewith specifications promising a real generational leap compared to the original Switch.

• Docked mode: 3.5 to 4.5 TFLOPS, which is comparable to previous generation home consoles.
• Handheld mode: 1.7 to 2 TFLOPS, outperforming devices like the Steam Deck and PS4 Pro.

Battery, storage, screen: the characteristics of the Switch 2

The Switch 2 would integrate several advanced technologies to improve the gaming experience:

• DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): probably version 3.1, allowing image resolution to be improved using AI, while using less powerful hardware.
• Ray Tracing : supported via Ray Reconstruction technology, providing more realistic lighting renderings and improving the visual quality of games.
• File Decompression Engine (FDE): Enables ultra-fast loading times by quickly decompressing data stored in memory.
• Clock-gating : Technology for better energy management, improving processor efficiency.
• Memory : Rumors suggest several possible configurations for RAM and storage. RAM: Between 8GB and 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, with recent leaks indicating a likelihood of 12GB, which would be a significant improvement.
• Storage : between 256 GB and 512 GB, offering much more capacity than current models, which are limited to 32 GB to 64 GB.
• Screen : probably an LCD screen, although some are hoping for an OLED.
• Size and resolution : 8-inch screen with 1080p resolution in portable mode, reaching 4K in dock mode for certain games.
• Refresh rate : Rumored to be 60Hz, with the possibility of a 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother gaming experience.
• Battery autonomy : between 3 and 6 hours of battery life, similar to the current Switch, but optimizations could improve energy management and extend playtime.
• Wi-Fi connectivity : Compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E for faster and more stable connections.
• Bluetooth : Updated to a newer standard to improve connectivity with wireless accessories.

Will Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible?

Backwards compatibility is a crucial issue for many gamers who want to be able to continue using their old games on a new console. Fortunately, Nintendo seems well aware of this request and has provided reassuring clarification on this subject. During an interview for the media Inverse, Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo America, has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with current generation Switch games.

One thing we’ve done with the Switch to make this communication and transition easier is the creation of the Nintendo Account. In the past, each device we transitioned to had a completely different account system. Creating the Nintendo Account will allow us to communicate with our players, if and when we transition to a new platform in order to facilitate this process or transition. I can’t speak to the potential features of a new platform, but the Nintendo Account is a solid foundation for this communication during the transition.

With backwards compatibility, players will be able to easily transfer their games, save data and subscriptions between consoles via their Nintendo Account. This continuity is a major benefit for users who have invested time and money in their current game libraries.

Backwards compatibility may be limited to certain Switch 2 models. It is rumored that only the standard model with physical cartridge reader could offer this full functionality. Players using the digital version of the Switch 2 may be restricted to games downloaded via the Nintendo eShop.