New rumors Is the Nintendo Switch 2 coming sooner than expected? Everything we know

The Nintendo Switch is getting on in years. A new console is on the horizon. But what do we know about it so far? The most important questions and answers about the possible successor.

Since the release of the Nintendo Switch in March 2017, the hybrid console has become a huge success. Thanks to its innovative design and despite its comparatively low performance, the Switch has become one of the best-selling gaming devices worldwide. Top titles such as "Mario Kart 8", "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" and the two "Zelda" games contributed significantly to its success.

However, interest in a possible successor has also been growing, especially since the beginning of this year. Quite simply because the competition has now clearly pulled away.

Rumors and speculation about the Nintendo Switch 2 are increasing and Nintendo has now also confirmed that there will be a successor. In a statement on X, Shuntarō Furukawa, President of Nintendo, wrote that the company intends to present more information in the current financial year. But what is known so far? The most important questions and answers.

In 2021, Shuntaro Furukawa announced that the Switch had only reached the halfway point of its lifespan, suggesting a successor in 2026 at the earliest. However, there are now increasing signs that the successor could be launched earlier after all.

Recently, it was even expected to be released this year. However, this seems very optimistic. In particular, the completion of important exclusive titles is likely to delay the launch somewhat. And since Nintendo also wants to prevent a supply bottleneck at the launch with around ten million units, a release towards the end of 2025 is currently the most likely.

Things could move a little faster in this regard. The Youtuber "PH Brazil", which has already provided reliable information from the Nintendo empire in the past, expects a presentation in the next few weeks. One of the reasons given for this is the announcement of the Playstation 5 Pro, where Nintendo does not want to give up any possible pre-orders in the console battle with Sony.

There is no official information on the Switch 2's appearance yet. However, there are already pictures circulating on the net that allegedly show the packaging of the new console. Whether these are authentic is questionable. However, if the design turns out to be true, the Switch 2 could have a significantly different appearance to its predecessor.

Reports about new Joy-Cons, which are no longer to be connected to the console via the classic rail system, but instead rely on magnets, are also particularly interesting. This would allow for greater flexibility, but could also limit compatibility with older Switch controllers.

Although it is often referred to as a "Switch 2" for the sake of simplicity, the official name is still a well-kept secret. Nintendo is known for being creative when it comes to naming, in contrast to the straightforward numbering of Sony's PlayStation series.

Various codenames and possible names are already circulating in the gaming community. "Switch Attach" appeared in a leak, but met with mixed reactions. "Switch Pro" is also being discussed, but could correspond more to a fully-fledged successor generation due to expected performance increases.

Internally, the project is said to run under the abbreviation "NG". Another interesting discovery is the term "Muji" in the developer kit code, which indicates the simplicity of the new console.

The price of the new console is expected to be higher than its predecessor. Experts assume that the Switch 2 could cost around 400 US dollars. There is speculation that there could be two variants: a standard model for 449 US dollars and a digital version without a card slot for 399 US dollars. This would keep Nintendo below the price level of the competition from Sony and Microsoft, which has been a success factor in the past.