Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 console is expected to launch in June 2025, according to multiple industry sources and a former Nintendo employee, with worldwide hands-on events beginning in April to showcase the new hardware.
Why it matters: The launch represents Nintendo’s first major hardware release since 2017, bringing significant technical upgrades while maintaining backward compatibility with most existing Switch games.
Technical Specifications: The Switch 2 introduces several notable improvements over its predecessor while maintaining the hybrid console design. Based on leaked information and patents, the new system features:
- Nvidia T239 processor with 8-core CPU
- 12GB RAM and up to 256GB storage
- Magnetic Joy-Con attachment system
- Enhanced graphics comparable to PS4/Xbox One
Global Preview Events: Nintendo has announced a worldwide tour of hands-on events starting April 4, allowing fans to experience the new console before its retail release:
- North American events in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Toronto
- European showcases in Paris, London, Berlin, and five other cities
- Additional events in Melbourne, Tokyo, Seoul, and other Asian locations
The new console maintains the hybrid design of its predecessor but introduces several innovations, including magnetically-attaching Joy-Con controllers with potential mouse-like functionality. Patents filed by Nintendo show controllers that can be used on flat surfaces similar to computer mice.
Nintendo plans to reveal full technical specifications and launch titles during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025. Early reports suggest the console will be priced between $399-$400, higher than the original Switch’s $299 launch price.
The system will be backward compatible with “most” existing Switch games, though Nintendo has cautioned that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.”
Looking ahead, industry analysts expect the Switch 2 to continue Nintendo’s focus on innovative gameplay rather than raw processing power, though the new hardware represents a significant upgrade over the aging original Switch.
