Nintendo’s Switch 2 is nearing completion, with a possible March or April 2024 release. The console features magnetic joy-cons with a locking mechanism, a new analog stick configuration, and a larger 8-inch screen. Backward compatibility with the original Switch is also expected, with no pricing details announced yet.
Recent information about Nintendo’s highly anticipated console, the Switch 2, has come to light through an episode of Vandal Radio. Rubén Mercado, CEO of Blade, a company manufacturing accessories for the new device, revealed that the Switch 2 is nearing the end of its development phase.
The console is expected to hit the market around March or April of next year. Mercado provided insight into some of the console’s features, confirming that the Switch 2 will incorporate magnetic joy-cons equipped with a locking mechanism for a more secure connection between the controllers and the main unit. While the exact appearance of the joy-cons remains under wraps, their design is anticipated to deviate from previous iterations to accommodate a new analog stick configuration.
Leaked images for the Switch 2, believed to be authentic, reveal several notable features, including magnetic Joy-Cons and the addition of two USB-C ports. Nintendo is reportedly exploring alternative designs for the analog sticks, including flat sticks and trackpads, which could represent a significant departure from the traditional joystick design.
The next-generation Switch is expected to boast an 8-inch screen, making it slightly larger than its predecessor. A recent analysis of the Switch 18.0.0 firmware has uncovered evidence suggesting backward compatibility for the Nintendo Switch 2. A newly discovered mount point labeled “compat” could pave the way for cross-generational game support while bolstering anti-piracy measures.
There is no word on the Switch 2’s pricing, but it is expected to cost between €400 and €500, making it more expensive than the current Switch, but cheaper than rival consoles.
