We've probably all heard about the astounding handheld console, the Nintendo Switch - but something not many are aware of is that there might actually be a successor to this console, simply called the Nintendo Switch 2, and that's exactly what we will be discussing in today's article.
Nintendo Switch 2 leak
After an anonymous 4chan user posted an alleged leak of the Nintendo Switch 2, everyone lost it. Of course, while nothing has been confirmed and it all could be just a very bad April Fool's prank, there are some reasons to still believe this is legit. As many of you already know, most popular game consoles get a successor - take the PlayStation or even the Xbox for example. If it's successful, there will be a next one, with improved hardware and integrations.
The same user has previously leaked some Pokemon information that turned out to be accurate, so dismissing all this information would probably not be such a good idea. So, what can we expect from the new console? We've written down everything that we know about the Nintendo Switch 2.
This is the key information leaked (which has now been removed from the website):
Codenamed "Hawk"/"HWK" - Devkit codename is "HTW"
Some small gimmicks alongside the Switch's hybrid features
Performance is comparable to the PS4
7" 1080p OLED screen
DLSS support
4K at 30FPS seems doable
Nintendo provided screenshots of a Star Fox-ish tech demo to show off its pros and cons
Raytracing support. Don't expect to see it much
16GB of RAM, 2GB intended for the OS. Games are targeting 10GB
Cartridges will be a little wider than the Switch's. Height and depth are unchanged or very similar
Some files be loaded extra quickly. Common decompression types are supported, and a new one "HLZ"
Next-gen patches are possible. Ninty's been pushing next-gen exclusives
Systems can transfer save data with other systems or with "communication companion devices" AKA CCDs
Third parties haven't seen the CCDs. Switch Lites were given out as placeholders
Each CCD can link to one user profile, allowing the CCD to act as a middleman for comms between its linked system and the other systems/CCDs.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a handheld gaming console that will see some improvements to the first Nintendo Switch console, as well as some possible new implementations. At the moment, there is nothing certain about it since all the information we have is from leaked sources and nothing has been confirmed.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible?
From what we know so far, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible. If you're not familiar with the term, backwards compatibility means that any hardware previously compatible with the Nintendo Switch should also be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, without the need for additional adaptation or modifications.
Nintendo Switch 2 price estimate
In terms of pricing, we are expecting the Switch 2 to cost similarly to the original Switch - probably only slightly more. Therefore, we are guessing the price will be between $300 and $400. We'll update you as soon as we know something more concrete, but in the meantime, if you want to start saving money for it, you can start there.
Nintendo Switch 2 release date
According to the source, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch in the second half of 2023. However, since no official information has been released yet, this is all just speculation. We can only wait and see, and hope that this newly-improved console will become accessible soon! Until then, you can enjoy the best local multiplayer Switch games with your friends, or the best free Switch games that are easiest to pick up and play.
