Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date – What We Know So Far
(Image credit: Nintendo)
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Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 is coming in 2025. And yes, that means we’re finally on the verge of a brand-new Nintendo console—one that could take everything we love about the Switch and (hopefully) improve on it.
As someone who’s spent more hours on the original Switch than I care to admit (let’s just say my Animal Crossing island is still going strong), I couldn’t help but get excited when the rumors of a successor started gaining traction. And now that we have actual confirmation, it’s time to break down when exactly we might see the Switch 2 hit store shelves—and why you should probably start saving up.
When Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Coming?
To me, waiting for a new Nintendo console feels like waiting for a new GTA game—you know it’s coming, you just have no idea when. But unlike Rockstar, Nintendo actually communicates with us (sometimes).
Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch 2 will launch sometime in 2025, but they haven’t locked down a specific date yet. However, we do have one major milestone to look forward to:
➡️ Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025.
This event is where we’re expecting the real details to drop—final specs, launch titles, pricing, and, fingers crossed, an actual release date. Until then, we’re left to piece together information from leaks, insider reports, and some good ol’ speculation.
So, is the Switch 2 launching in the spring, summer, or closer to the holidays? Let’s have a closer look.
June 2025 Release
Multiple industry insiders, including former Nintendo employees, have hinted that the Switch 2 will drop in early summer—likely in June.
This would align with Nintendo’s strategy of launching major hardware before the holiday rush, giving them time to ramp up production and meet demand.
A major speculation (this guy has been right about Nintendo stuff before) suggested FoxConn has already begun mass production, making a mid-year launch plausible.
Remember the PS5 launch disaster? Scalpers grabbed up every available unit, and normal humans had to fight bots just to get one.
Nintendo probably doesn’t want that to happen again, so reports suggest they’re working hard to stockpile units before launch.
FoxConn ramping up manufacturing this early means Nintendo could be preparing for a massive initial stock to prevent shortages.
May 2025 Release
Another theory comes from a Spanish streamer, KOPU, who found that everything about Nintendo’s teaser was weirdly obsessed with the number 2.
Example? The announcement video aired at 22:02 in Japan, lasted 2 minutes and 22 seconds, and the Nintendo Direct is happening 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days after the teaser.
Coincidence? Maybe. But if this theory turns out to be true, expect the Switch 2 to launch on May 22, 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 Design
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Bigger, Better Display
Likely an 8-inch LCD, up from the current 7-inch OLED on the Switch OLED model (as seen in the reveal trailer).
Could be OLED, according to some leaks, but LCD seems more likely (Nintendo loves cutting costs).
Magnetic Joy-Cons (Finally!)
No more slide-rail attachment—these snap on magnetically instead.
Uses Hall-effect sensors, which means no more joystick drift (a huge relief for anyone who’s rage-quit because their character wouldn’t stop walking left).
Dual USB-C Ports
One on the top and one on the bottom for easier charging and docked play.
This should allow for better third-party accessory support.
Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatibility
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Nintendo has confirmed that most existing Switch games will work on the Switch 2.
Some older titles might need patches to take advantage of better hardware.
We don’t know the full Switch 2 launch lineup, but if it’s just ports and remasters, that would really suck.
Best-case scenario: We get a new 3D Mario game or an upgraded Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Worst-case scenario: They give us Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Again) – Now With Shadows!
For more details about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2’s backward compatibility, check out this article.
Nintendo Switch 2 Performance
Rumors suggest the Switch 2 will be roughly as powerful as a PS4. I can’t help the feeling that it will feel already outdated – I’m quite disappointed about this.
Uses a custom NVIDIA chip (Nvidia Tegra T239 chip), possibly with DLSS upscaling to reach 4K resolution in docked mode.
If true, this would at least improve performance on AAA third-party titles.
Some leaks suggest the dock might have its own processing power, allowing for boosted graphics when playing on a TV.
You can probably think of it like an eGPU for your console—more horsepower when plugged in, full portability when undocked.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price
(Image credit: Nintendo)
This one’s really up in the air, but most sources estimate the Switch 2 will land between $349 and $449.
If Nintendo sticks to $399, it would make the console a quite attractive option against competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.
If it hits $449 or higher, it better bring some serious performance gains, because otherwise, people are just going to grab a used Steam Deck for the same price.
From Switch to Switch 2: Why Now?
Let’s rewind to 2017. The original Nintendo Switch felt to me like a paradigm shift. The idea that you could start playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild on your TV and then instantly take it with you on the go? Absolute genius. It blurred the line between home and handheld gaming in a way that felt futuristic at the time.
And the numbers speak for themselves:
146 million+ units sold—making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
Exclusive, must-play titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid Dread, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
A form factor that inspired devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go.
Nintendo hit a home run, but let’s be honest—the hardware is starting to show its age. The Switch is struggling to keep up with modern game demands, and third-party developers are increasingly having to compromise performance just to make their games run on the system (looking at you, Hogwarts Legacy).
Fast-forward to 2025, and the competition has stepped up.
The Steam Deck and other PC handhelds have proven that portable gaming can be powerful.
PlayStation and Xbox are rumored to be working on their own handhelds.
Even mobile gaming has reached levels of performance that put the Switch’s dated hardware to shame.
Nintendo knows it’s time to upgrade. But will the Switch 2 be a small step forward or a major leap? I really hope for the latter (though it’s unlikely).
Expected Timeline: What to Watch For
To sum it all up, based on past releases, insider leaks, and Nintendo’s own patterns, here’s the most likely timeline:
| Event | Date/Window | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Direct | April 2, 2025 | Full Switch 2 reveal, price, exact launch date, and game lineup. |
| Pre-Orders Open | April–May 2025 | Major retailers start taking reservations. |
| Hands-On Events Begin | May–June 2025 | Demo stations at select locations worldwide. |
| Launch Date (Likely) | May–June 2025 | Switch 2 officially hits stores. |
This timeline mirrors the original Switch launch cycle—Nintendo loves to drop hardware a few months after an official reveal.
That being said, if manufacturing issues hit, expect delays into late summer or even fall.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for the Nintendo Switch 2?
If you already have a Switch, but thought about upgrading to the Switch OLED in the past, wait for the Switch 2—it’s so close, you’d regret buying hardware that’s about to be outdated.
If you don’t have a Switch at all and just want to play existing games? The Switch OLED is still a great choice, especially if you find it at a discount (it will be quite a bit cheaper compared to the brand-new Switch 2).
Overall, Nintendo is playing it safe with the Switch 2—keeping what works and refining the experience, rather than doing something totally different. In my opinion, that’s a good thing. The Switch is already a wild success, and this new version is looking to fix some of its biggest flaws:
✔ More power (With luck, no more struggling third-party ports)
✔ Better Joy-Cons (Drift? Hopefully a thing of the past)
✔ Dual USB-C ports (More flexibility for charging & docking)
✔ Enhanced dock performance (Maybe even 4K upscaling?)
The only real question is: How much will it cost, and when can we get it?
Mark your calendar for April 2, 2025. That’s when we’ll get the final answers.
Until then, what do you think? Will the Switch 2 actually launch in May–June? Or will Nintendo surprise us all with a holiday 2025 release? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
And if you want to stay ahead of all the latest Switch 2 updates, subscribe to my tech newsletter!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go prepare my bank account for whatever Nintendo’s about to charge me. It’s probably gonna hurt.
FAQ
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Nintendo has officially confirmed a 2025 release, but the exact date? Still a mystery. Based on leaks and production schedules, May–June 2025 seems the most likely window. We’ll get a confirmed date during the April 2, 2025 Nintendo Direct.
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Rumors suggest it’ll land somewhere between $349 and $449. That’s not official, but if it’s much higher than that, expect people to start reconsidering a used Steam Deck instead.
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Yes—at least, it better have. Leaks suggest it’ll run on a custom Nvidia chip with DLSS upscaling, meaning sharper visuals and smoother performance, especially in docked mode. It won’t be near PS5-level, but expect a big step up from the OG Switch.
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Yes! Nintendo has confirmed that most Switch games will work on the Switch 2. However, there’s a small chance that some older games might need patches for full compatibility.
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Unlikely. The Switch 2 is ditching the slide rails in favor of magnetic Joy-Cons. So unless Nintendo adds an adapter (which would be peak Nintendo), expect to grab new controllers. The upside? No more stick drift!
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Possibly! The dock is rumored to boost performance and may support 4K upscaling using Nvidia DLSS. But in handheld mode? Probably still 1080p.
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intendo hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but safe bets include:
• A new 3D Mario game
• A “Definitive Edition” of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (because Nintendo loves reselling Zelda)
• Mario Kart 9 (finally?!)
• Some kind of Pokémon game, because of course
Expect official reveals during the April 2 Nintendo Direct.
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Not yet. But pre-orders will likely go live shortly after the April 2 Nintendo Direct. Keep an eye on major retailers (and maybe get your browser refresh button ready).
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Given how previous console launches have gone (PS5 flashbacks intensify), probably. However, Nintendo has reportedly ramped up production early to avoid shortages. So, while scalpers will definitely be a problem, it should be easier to buy than the PS5 was at launch.
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If you love Nintendo games and portable gaming, absolutely. If you’re looking for a Switch Pro with way more power, maybe temper expectations. This will be an evolution, not a revolution.
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