The Nintendo Switch 2 is something of an open secret, and many expect an official reveal relatively soon. While there is no news on that front, a recent report sheds some light on the system itself. Unfortunately, the new console probably won’t be coming this year.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is bigger, has magnetic Joy-Cons, and likely releases in 2025
Spanish language gaming publication Vandal recently shared some info courtesy of industry insiders. Vanda’s sources, who work for gaming peripheral manufacturers, didn’t get to see the new console. However, they did get to touch the Nintendo Switch 2 by placing their hands in a box.
From this, the sources learned that the new handheld is larger than its predecessor but still smaller than Valve’s Steam Deck. At first glance, this seems to contradict an earlier report that the Nintendo Switch 2 would feature an 8-inch screen. However, since Vandal’s sources didn’t provide exact dimensions, and the Steam Deck is noticeably bulkier than the Switch, that isn’t necessarily the case.
The Switch 2’s Joy-Cons also reportedly attach to the screen and each other with magnets instead of the current rail system. However, the new console appears to still be compatible with the existing Switch Pro Controller. Vandal’s sources also didn’t describe any other significant changes to the new Joy-Con’s overall design.
They did, however, comment on the new console’s release date. According to the peripheral manufacturers, the Switch 2 is technically ready to go right now. However, Nintendo is waiting until it has a more impressive game lineup. This corroborates an earlier report that Nintendo was holding off until 2025 for precisely that reason. So, while fans still might see the Nintendo Switch 2 before the end of 2024, they probably wouldn’t be using it until next year at the earliest.