Leaked images claim to be photos of the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch launched seven years ago in 2017, which means it's about time for its successor. The Switch is said to be a hybrid console, meaning it can be plugged into a TV or used as a portable gaming system, and it comes with detachable controllers called Joy-Con. It's been more successful than its disappointing predecessor, the Wii U, with 143.42 million units sold as of this June, leading to a surge in Switch sales. The third best-selling video game console of all timetrailing only the Nintendo DS and the reigning champion, the PlayStation 2. But despite the success, the next console is always on the horizon, and fans have been waiting for the Switch 2 for some time now. Today, alleged leaked images of the Switch 2 arrived online, first on Chinese social media site Reddit, then on X, courtesy of Video Games Chronicle journalist Andy Robinson:
Summary of today's alleged Switch 2 images 'leaked'. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Z4rfSGz4WQ
— Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) September 18, 2024
(2/3) pic.twitter.com/kca68h6WMF
— Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) September 18, 2024
(3/3) pic.twitter.com/uHApHsgxeW
— Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) September 18, 2024
Its design is the same as the original Switch, which makes sense; Nintendo gamers seem to love the Switch's layout and functionality, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The main differences in the pictures of the Switch 2, according to Robinson's report on Video Games Chronicle (because I'd be too bad if I knew it just by looking at it), these are: a bigger screen; 8 inches, compared to the original Switch's 6.2; 12 gigs of RAM instead of the original's 4 gigs; 256 gigs of internal storage, an upgrade from the old Switch's 32 gigs; magnetic Joy-Con controllers to replace the old rail attachment; and USB-C ports on the top and bottom of the machine. There are also some minor cosmetic differences in the images, including the SL/SR buttons and status LEDs on the front.
According to Robinson, these details complement what sources have been telling Video Games Chronicle for some time, such as a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Con controllers. This also applies to things that aren't, as Video Games Chronicle was told the screen would be LCD at launch, not OLED, as the latter would require the Switch 2 to sell at a higher cost due to the need for more storage for “high fidelity games.” However, the Switch 2 will support 1080p resolution, and the new dock will support 4K, according to Mobapadis a Chinese peripheral company that makes hardware and software for the Switch, such as controllers.
As far as an official statement goes, Nintendo has not responded to Video Games Chronicle’s request for comment, and they haven’t been too forthcoming with details about the Switch 2 (including the name), but they have said that they plan to announce the Switch’s successor during the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2025. Last month, developers Chris Dring of GamesIndustry.biz reported They were told the Switch 2 will launch in April 2025, just after the fiscal year ends. Another issue Nintendo hasn't discussed is backward compatibility, but an X user commenting on Andy Robinson's post said he thinks he can see it in the images:
It seems that the bottom right of the motherboard will have backward compatibility and the top right will have new cartridges inserted. Just like the Nintendo DS originally had two ports. This would be incredible, especially if the game is able to read both ports
— mason (@pindermason) September 19, 2024
I'm not tech savvy enough to agree or disagree with this, but take it as you will. It looks like we're in the season of new console rollouts, with the PlayStation 5 Pro coming out around Christmas time and the Switch 2 launching next year. I doubt I'll buy the Switch 2, as I'm not really a Nintendo fan anymore – although my favourite system is probably still the Nintendo 64 – and lean more towards the PlayStation. (I'd be devastated if I paid the money $700 for PS5 Pro(Although.) I was really tempted to buy a Switch just for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3; I've been waiting for that game for years, and it turned out to be a Switch exclusive. Still, people love the Switch, and unless it's a complete failure, I think Switch 2, or whatever name they give it, will be the same.
Let us know in the comments what you think of these alleged leaked Switch 2 images!
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