After months of anticipation and numerous leaks, Nintendo has finally unveiled its next home console, the Nintendo Switch 2. Officially named the successor to the company’s current console, Nintendo has shared a trailer revealing it. The trailer shows how the console will differ from the original system and hints at some brand-new features and a possible launch title.
NINTENDO SWITCH 2: TRAILER
The trailer, uploaded to Nintendo’s YouTube account, begins with the original Switch in all its glory. The Joy-Con controllers detach from the screen, and the system transforms into the Switch 2. First, the screen increases significantly in size, and the materials used for the system have a much more robust matte finish. A USB-C port remains on the bottom of the system, but a second port is on the top; Reddit users noted this detail during recent leaks of the console’s design. The volume buttons are still at the top of the console, as is the headphone jack. The Switch 2 also has a brand new stand for playing the game portably with the Joy-Cons detached. This stand is a massive improvement to the one on the original Switch, which is much smaller and has limited angles for adjustment. In the trailer, I did not notice a microSD Card slot anywhere on the system.
At this point in the trailer, all attention shifts to the Joy-Cons. Like the screen, they are larger than the originals, and the launch model of the Switch 2 will have the controllers in black. Instead of two different coloured Joy-Cons, the controllers are given a subtle but vibrant splash of colour around the circumference of the analogue sticks and in the connecting points of each controller. One Joy-Con has the same Neon Blue apparent on the original, but the second Joy-Con has Rose Gold. Both Joy-Cons will come with a redesigned grip so you can play games with a controller in each hand and use motion controls in games that include them.
The trailer shows off a possible new feature for the controllers, using the Joy-Cons like a computer mouse. In the trailer, the redesigned Joy-Con grips are flat so they can stand flush on a surface. In comparison to the original Switch, the grips have rounded edges to give more comfort to the hands. If the Joy-Cons allow for this, it could open more avenues for gameplay, such as using the Joy-Cons to play first-person shooters like on a PC, a better way to play point-and-click games like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and opening the doors for more gameplay ideas in first-party exclusives. I like the idea of this feature.
The next feature to dissect about the Switch 2 from this trailer is the altered way of connecting the Joy-Cons. The Joy-Cons slide on and off by pressing a button on the back of the original Switch, but the Switch 2 has abandoned this idea. Instead, the Switch 2 uses magnets to attach and detach the Joy-Cons. I am curious about how this feature will work on the new system. Will the Joy-Cons stay attached, and will the controller feel flimsy without the slide-locking mechanism?
The Switch 2 also features a redesigned dock and a charging controller grip. It is backward compatible with Nintendo Switch games. The trailer mentioned that certain games may not be compatible with Switch 2, but Nintendo will confirm details about this later.
We did not see any live gameplay of the Switch 2 during the trailer, but we got a brief teaser of a new Mario Kart. From the brief gameplay shown, the characters have all gotten a slight redesign, aside from Donkey Kong, who has had a huge remodel to better resemble the Super Mario Bros. Movie version of the character. Another thing to note is the possible inclusion of 24 racers at one time, both in single-player and multiplayer. Is this game Mario Kart 9?
NINTENDO SWITCH 2: APRIL 2ND 2025
There is no confirmed release date for the Nintendo Switch 2, nor is there a price for it. However, the company has announced a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd, 2025. During the event, the company will give more information about the console. The company has also announced a ‘series of hands-on events held around the world,’ which will provide gamers with an opportunity to trial the Nintendo Switch 2 before its release.
For Australian gamers, Nintendo is holding one of these events in Melbourne on May 10th-11th, 2025, at Centrepiece at Melbourne Park on Olympic Boulevard. "Nintendo Switch 2 Revealed"Tickets are available to members of Nintendo Switch Online, and they go on sale tomorrow, January 18th, at 11:00 a.m. AEDT. They will be on sale until January 26th, 11:59 p.m. AEDT.
Comments