
Nintendo Switch 2: Key Rumored Upgrades and Features | Image Source: www.tomsguide.com
NEW YORK, June 16, 2024 — According to Tom’s Guide, speculation surrounding the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has been building for months. With Nintendo promising to reveal its next-generation console by the end of its fiscal year in March 2025, leakers and reports have begun painting a clear picture of what to expect. From a larger design and improved specifications to enhanced storage and backward compatibility, the Switch 2 appears set to address some of the original Switch’s biggest shortcomings.
While official details remain scarce, the rumors highlight significant upgrades in design, performance, and functionality that could make the Switch 2 a compelling upgrade for current owners. As Tom’s Guide noted, these reports should be taken with caution until Nintendo confirms the features. However, the current leaks offer intriguing insights into what the next-generation hybrid console could bring to the gaming world.
Design Overhaul
Rumors about the Switch 2’s design overhaul suggest it will be both larger and taller than the existing Nintendo Switch OLED. Based on leaked images, including a 360-degree mockup published by device skin maker Dbrand, the Switch 2 reportedly measures 270 x 116 x 14mm. Compared to the Switch OLED’s 242 x 102 x 13.9mm, the new console is a bit chunkier but still notably smaller than handheld PCs like Valve’s Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally. A 3D-printed mockup by the SwitchUp YouTube channel, based on similar leaks, further demonstrates these changes.
One notable upgrade includes an 8-inch display, up from the 6.2-inch and 7-inch screens on the original and OLED models, respectively. This larger screen is expected to improve the gaming experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a second USB-C port at the top of the console has sparked speculation about new features such as dual-screen support or improved tabletop charging, which was previously hindered by the bottom-placed port on earlier Switch models.
More Powerful Specifications
The Switch 2 is expected to deliver a significant performance boost over its predecessor. According to leaks from May, the console could feature 12GB of RAM — triple that of the original Switch — and an NVIDIA Tegra 239 SoC. Support for NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction is also rumored, which could lead to sharper graphics and smoother visuals.
However, more recent leaks have suggested slightly less ambitious specs. A report from VGC claims the Switch 2 could feature an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 10 streaming multiprocessors (SMs), 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of onboard eMMC storage. While this would still mark a clear improvement over the current Switch’s hardware, it falls short of competing with current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. To cut costs, reports also indicate that the Switch 2 may stick with an LCD panel instead of the superior OLED technology featured on the Switch OLED.
Earlier rumors hinted at a co-processor housed in the console’s dock to boost performance while docked, potentially enabling 4K gaming. However, these claims have not been corroborated by more recent leaks, leaving questions about the docked performance capabilities of the Switch 2.
Upgraded Storage
Storage has long been a point of contention for Nintendo Switch users. The original model launched with just 32GB of storage, which was doubled to 64GB in the Switch OLED. However, given the growing size of modern games, even 64GB feels insufficient for many gamers.
According to Tom’s Guide, the Switch 2 is expected to address this limitation by including 512GB of onboard storage. This substantial upgrade will allow players to store more games and content without relying heavily on external microSD cards or cloud-based storage. Such a move would bring Nintendo’s console more in line with its competitors while enhancing user convenience.
Backward Compatibility and Joy-Con Redesign
Backward compatibility is another feature Nintendo has reportedly confirmed for the Switch 2. At its November investor briefing, Nintendo stated that the console would be compatible with existing Switch software. This ensures that players who have invested in a library of games over the past eight years will be able to enjoy their titles on the new system. Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, further noted that existing Nintendo Accounts could be transferred to the Switch 2, simplifying the transition for users.
The Switch 2 is also expected to feature redesigned Joy-Con controllers. Leaked mockups suggest the new Joy-Cons will be larger and rounder, making them more comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the SR and SL buttons appear to be redesigned, and a new auxiliary button has been spotted on the right controller. One of the most notable changes is a magnetic connection system that replaces the original rail-based mechanism for attaching Joy-Cons. While this could improve durability, it raises concerns about backward compatibility with existing Joy-Cons and accessories, including Ring Fit Adventure and third-party controllers.
Mario Kart 9: A Potential Launch Title
Rumors surrounding the Switch 2’s software lineup suggest that it could launch with a new installment in the beloved Mario Kart franchise. According to a Reddit user who claims to have seen the final version of the Switch 2, Mario Kart 9 will be a launch title for the console. If true, this would mark the first mainline Mario Kart game in over a decade, as Mario Kart 8 originally launched on the Wii U in 2014, followed by a Deluxe version for the Switch in 2017.
A new Mario Kart game would undoubtedly give the Switch 2 a strong start, offering fresh courses and gameplay mechanics to entice both long-time fans and new players. Given the franchise’s enduring popularity, Mario Kart 9 could serve as a key driver of sales for the console during its launch window.
According to Tom’s Guide, Nintendo’s approach to hardware and software integration has always set it apart from its competitors. By combining a redesigned console with an appealing launch lineup, the Switch 2 has the potential to continue Nintendo’s success in the hybrid gaming market.
As the March 2025 deadline for Nintendo’s official hardware reveal approaches, excitement and speculation around the Switch 2 are likely to intensify. While many details remain unconfirmed, the rumored upgrades to design, performance, and features indicate that Nintendo is preparing to deliver a worthy successor to its iconic Switch console.