**Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know Up to This Point About the Upcoming Console**
The gaming community is filled with buzz and anticipation as Nintendo seems ready to reveal its much-awaited successor to the Nintendo Switch. Multiple sources, including information from *Eurogamer* and *The Verge’s* Tom Warren, indicate that the “Switch 2” could be officially announced this week, with a reveal expected on Thursday, January 16. Although specifics remain confidential, industry chatter hints that the focus of the announcement will be on the console’s hardware, with game-related updates to be disclosed later. Here’s what we know about the next-gen console so far.
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### **An Upgraded Yet Familiar Aesthetic**
Leaked information and models from accessory manufacturers like Genki have provided insights into the Switch 2’s design. The upcoming console is likely to maintain the hybrid handheld-and-dockable format that propelled the original Switch to success. However, it is said to have a larger body and a button configuration akin to its predecessor.
Accessory makers displayed 3D-printed models of the console at CES 2025, suggesting a device that is both recognizable and refreshed. This consistent design should entice current Switch owners while supporting the improved hardware abilities of the new system.
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### **The Core: A Significant Hardware Upgrade**
The most noticeable enhancements to the Switch 2 are found internally. Reports indicate that the console will be equipped with a custom Nvidia-designed Arm processor, codenamed “T239.” This chip is expected to include 1,536 CUDA cores based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture, the same technology utilized in the GeForce RTX 30-series graphics cards released in 2020. Although it may not compete with the latest PC gaming equipment, it signifies a considerable upgrade from the original Switch, which had only 256 CUDA cores based on the older Maxwell architecture.
The improved GPU will support advanced capabilities like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) upscaling technology. These improvements promise enhanced graphical quality, smoother gameplay, and higher resolutions, even for portable use. Notably, DLSS could allow the Switch 2 to offer high-quality visuals without sacrificing performance, a vital aspect for a hybrid console.
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### **Game Compatibility and Support for Older Titles**
A major point of interest surrounding the Switch 2 is its compatibility with current Switch games and accessories. While it has been verified that the new console will support titles from the original Switch, it’s still uncertain if this compatibility includes physical game cartridges or will be restricted to digital versions. The status of current Joy-Con controllers and additional peripherals remains ambiguous as well.
Nintendo’s past indicates a strong possibility of backward compatibility, as the company often emphasizes maintaining its game library across generational shifts. However, fans will have to await the official announcement to find out how the Switch 2 will approach legacy games and hardware.
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### **Expected Release Schedule and Strategy**
If the rumored announcement on January 16 holds true, the Switch 2 might follow a launch timeline similar to that of its predecessor. The original Nintendo Switch was revealed in January 2017 and became available just two months later in March. Reports suggest that the Switch 2 may not launch until April, allowing Nintendo to create anticipation and ensure a seamless rollout.
This staggered strategy—differentiating hardware announcements from game updates—reflects Nintendo’s approach with the original Switch. By initially concentrating on the console’s design and features, the company can generate enthusiasm while reserving game-related surprises for a future date, likely close to the console’s launch.
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### **Why Is This Happening Now? The Need for a New Console**
The original Nintendo Switch is approaching its eighth anniversary, and its hardware has remained relatively static since its 2017 launch. Although a mid-cycle refresh in 2019 enhanced battery life and the 2021 OLED model offered an improved display, the console’s performance has not kept pace with contemporary gaming standards. The anticipated “Switch Pro” upgrade was reportedly abandoned due to supply chain challenges during the pandemic, leaving fans eager for a more capable successor.
The Switch 2 provides an opportunity for Nintendo to tackle these shortcomings while leveraging the hybrid console’s lasting popularity. With competitors such as Sony and Microsoft continuously advancing console performance, the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2 could help Nintendo retain its distinct role in the gaming landscape.
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### **What’s Next on the Horizon**
As the gaming community waits for Nintendo’s official announcement, speculation continues to circulate regarding the Switch 2’s features, pricing, and launch titles. Will it bring fresh innovations to the hybrid gaming format? How will it manage the balance between portability and raw power? And what unexpected surprises might Nintendo unveil for its dedicated fanbase?
While numerous questions remain, one truth stands out: the Switch 2 has the potential to once again transform portable gaming. Stay
