Since the release of the first Switch in 2017, there have been rumors that a new, more powerful Switch, Super Switch, or Switch 2 will appear. The idea is that this console can handle a 4K screen, offers higher processing power, has more storage capacity, and comes with many other improvements.
Frankly, something like this is unlikely to be released so late in the Switch’s lifecycle. It is very likely that Nintendo will release a next generation console within the next three years to replace the Switch that may have some of these features. But that doesn’t stop fans from being optimistic about the Switch 2 nor does it stop rumors from circulating around it.
If you want the latest Switch technology, you should really use the Switch OLED, which was referred to as the Switch Pro before it was officially announced. The improved display makes visuals pop and look sharper despite offering the same resolution as previous Switch consoles. However, if you’re interested in Switch 2 rumors, we’ve collected them all here for you to enjoy.
Nintendo Switch 2 specifications
When it comes to rumored console specs, the sky seems to be the limit because Nintendo has never confirmed its existence. But the most frequent ideas are that the Switch 2 will offer a display that can handle 4K, Joy-Cons with knobs, longer battery life, improved storage, higher processing power for faster load times, and an improved user interface experience.
Now, it’s hard to say what Nintendo will do because the company doesn’t seem to be doing what it expects. In fact, he often does the opposite or is completely out of left field with his thoughts.
Curb Expectations
Nintendo occupies an interesting place in the gaming industry. Rather than competing with the latest technologies like Sony and Microsoft, they tend to focus on a unique family-oriented gaming experience that doesn’t cost much. This is partly why it has sold more than any other console in the past two years and is one of the five best selling consoles of all time.
Nintendo’s style has always been working with older (less expensive) technology to create unique gaming experiences. This has been happening for years as it was the day Nintendo decided the N64 would use cartridges while Sony decided to use CDs. This was one of the reasons why the N64 failed commercially despite leaving a strong and influential legacy. Recently, we saw another example of old technology being used with the original Switch that launched with a maximum resolution of 1080p in TV mode despite the popularity of 4K. Not to mention it used an Nvidia X1 Tegra Chip, which was already outdated at the time.
So, unless Nintendo suddenly decides to change its usual course and follow the latest technology, we can assume that any potential Switch 2 will technically be behind the curve. But as we’ve seen with the hybrid console, that doesn’t mean it can’t be innovative in other ways.
Anyway, it appears that Nvidia is no longer producing the Tegra chip used in the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED (thanks to PCMag). However, NintendoLife reports that Nintendo doubled its 2019 spending on raw materials. This probably means that it has stockpiled many of its last Tegra chips for its own use. Because if not, this could force the Japanese gaming company to upgrade, even if only slightly.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?
Nintendo has never said anything about a Switch that will have more processing power, offer 4K, and have all the other rumored improvements. Right now, the New Switch 2 is just a rumor and a fan desire. We will update if this changes.
However, if Nintendo does end up releasing another Switch iteration, it won’t be until next year. As Takashi Mochizuke tweeted, Nintendo said in the Nikkei Report that “there will be no new Nintendo consoles this fiscal year, which ends in March 2023” (thanks to GamesRadar).
Nikki: There will be no new Nintendo hardware this fiscal year, which ends in March 2023. It’s not immediately clear if this part of the article was taken from Nikkei’s own reporting or what the Nintendo chief said, who interviewed Nikkei for the story. https://t.co/HJVqk9KbefAugust 4, 2022
Even then, “New Switches” could refer to an iteration of another OLED Switch like the Splatoon 3 OLED rather than an upgraded switch. Given that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is slated for a “spring 2023” release, it’s also possible that the new hardware will be just another OLED iteration but with a Zelda theme to celebrate the release of the sequel.
What makes the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it?
While we’re pessimistic about the Switch 2, we’d still love to get one if it offered these features:
Improved Joy-Con Grips: It’s no secret that the Switch controls are incredibly uncomfortable in adult hands because they are small and do not provide a comfortable grip. The following console will work fine to fix this. It would probably help prevent people from having to buy any of the best third-party switch controllers.
No more drifting: Nintendo has been brought to court several times over Joy-Con drift, an issue in which consoles detect input without anything touching it. This can make your characters move on their own or drift to one side, which can be very frustrating.
Flexible screen: Many people have noticed that the Switch screen is easy to damage because there is nothing to protect it. One solution is for the console to feature a clamshell design similar to the 3DS. A flexible screen can make this happen, but departing from Nintendo’s previous decisions, it’s probably too recent technology to use at this time. Maybe sometime down the road.
At least 4K resolution for TV mode: It would be nice if manual switching mode and TV mode could handle higher graphics, but it makes a bigger difference on larger screens. We’d love to see more detail in our favorite games as in the massive world of Breath of the Wild 2. If the manual mode could at least upgrade to 1080p, that would be a huge improvement over what we have right now.
Storage increase: The original Switch and Switch Lite only offer 32GB of internal storage (roughly enough for three big games) while the Switch OLED isn’t much better at 64GB (roughly enough for six big games). Rather than requiring everyone to get a microSD card to increase storage capacity, it would be better if the new adapter offered more space to start with. At least it’s up to the 128GB average that most phones offer these days.
Should I wait for the Nintendo Switch 2?
No way. There is absolutely no guarantee that Nintendo will release the Switch 2 before the release of the next generation Nintendo console. If you want the latest and greatest that Nintendo has to offer, you’ll want to get the Switch OLED, which offers a larger OLED display that makes colors look sharper and details look sharper than previous Switch iterations.
The average life of most consoles is three to five years, although some of the more common ones can run for seven years. The Switch launched in March 2017, which means we’re already more than five years into its lifecycle. As such, Nintendo should prepare itself for the next generation console and likely release it in the next two or three years. So if you really want to wait for the next big thing, you’ll need to keep waiting.
Nintendo Switch 2 concepts made by a fan
Of course, everyone has different ideas about what the next Switch iteration should look like, and there are people out there who have come up with great ideas for its concept. Here are some of the most impressive of them.
Olivier Raymond’s concept art is a bit dated as it was made before the Switch Lite and Switch OLED came along. However, it’s still pretty cool and offers a look at what a next-level Switch could look like. My favorite feature is the flat base that allows the switch to lie horizontally in the TV position.
CURVED Labs gives us a taste of the Switch 2 that offers a touchpad instead of a D-Pad, Joy-Cons that slide down to get taller, and a USB-C port sticking out from the back of the unit instead of under it. Probably my favorite thing is the integrated screen cover that wraps around the screen.
The Red Phoenix concept focuses on many of the improvements we’d love to see on the Switch. These ideas include having a smaller berth, being able to play in tabletop mode while on the berth, front speakers, and more.
One of people’s complaints about the Switch is that the screen remains unprotected when not in use. The solution that Katarzyna Penar shows us would be to get a 3DS-like dual screen clamshell.
While I’m not a huge fan of the massive design of this concept, I find the DZ Migo pop-up screen idea very interesting. We’ve already seen some ideas for a flexible switch screen that turns into a clamshell cover like the 3DS’s cover, but that’s another matter.
switch things
Like I said before, Nintendo isn’t likely to release a more powerful Switch with 4K and higher processing power late in the system lifecycle. If anything, it’s more likely that these kinds of improvements will appear on Nintendo’s next-generation console. This is it if Nintendo decides to use another hybrid console design.
The best gaming experience Nintendo has to offer right now comes with Switch OLED. It has a stunning OLED display that is larger than previous Switch displays and improves visuals in an amazing way.
Nintendo Switch OLED – White Model
Great screen for handheld mode
The Nintendo Switch OLED offers a larger 7.1-inch OLED display that displays clearer, more vibrant visuals than any Switch before it. It also has an internal storage of 64GB which is twice the size of the original console. It’s a great visual upgrade for anyone who likes to play in manual mode.