Nintendo Switch 2 release: what we know so far

In short, Nintendo has said nothing yet about the Switch 2. That's not going to stop us dissecting the rumours on this speculative trip on the hype train — all aboard!

It's a bit baffling to think that Nintendo's latest console launched nearly seven years ago in March 2017. Even the 2021 Switch OLED still uses a lot of the same, somewhat outdated, hardware.

Luckily, leaks have been circulating online for months about a new Nintendo console — thought to be a successor to the wildly popular Switch, which fan communities have aptly named the Switch 2. We've only now got some leads including release dates, predicted costs, and what the performance might be like. 

While the buzz around the Switch 2 is very real, nothing about the console — even its existence — has been revealed by Nintendo. It may not even be called the Switch 2. We've tried to answer some FAQs as best as we can, although we are still speculating. 

We'll be updating this page as we find out more about this cryptic console.

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When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?

Nintendo hasn't set an official release date yet, but the month that's been flying around the online rumour mill  —  September 2024  — might not be completely correct. 

The information comes from an Altec Lansing press release at CES 2024, announcing a new line of gaming accessories, Ai Shark. The now-edited press release stated that "the innovative gaming software is set to mark a significant leap forward in the gaming experience, bringing enhanced gameplay for beginner-level users. The official launch is planned to coincide with the Nintendo Switch 2 in September 2024."

Altec Lansing has since backtracked, saying that the Switch 2 will release in "fall 2024" before backtracking further to highlight how Nintendo hasn't confirmed any release dates.

Ironically, Ai Shark is built off the former GameShark brand — the makers of cheat engine accessories like the Action Replay that were used to hack Nintendo consoles and games.

Publications such as EuroGamer and the Video Games Chronicle claim to have sources that also confirm a 2024 release of a new Nintendo console, most likely in the second half of the year.

Some rumours claim that pre-orders could open around August 2024, but the only thing to back this up is a Nintendo job listing from late 2023 for a retail marketing and strategy internship in America centred around a big advertising campaign this summer. This doesn't necessarily point to the Switch 2, though, and could be for game releases.

How much will the Switch 2 cost?

Like most of the details surrounding the console, hints at the final cost are sparse. Dr Serkan Toto, a games industry consultant and analyst focused on the Japanese market, predicted that the Switch 2 will cost $400 USD. Nintendo has yet to confirm or deny anything regarding console costs.

If Dr Toto is correct, in the UK a Switch 2 might cost somewhere in the ballpark of £375 once you factor in VAT. We're hoping that's wrong, as that's £65 more than the price a Switch OLED normally goes for.

Thinking about getting an Xbox instead? You can pick one up for under the price of a Switch, especially when you keep an eye on our best Xbox deals.

Where can I get a new Switch?

Once the console is released, you can expect to find it from Nintendo and at most major retailers. We'll keep this page updated with where you can get a Switch 2 once we find out more information.

What games will be released on the Switch 2?

We can expect to see the usual suspects: Mario games, the Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and releases for many Nintendo franchises. This hardware refresh likely means there will be more graphically demanding games available on the Switch 2.

A rumour from Nintendo community leaker 'Zippo' – someone who has a track record of making correct predictions about Nintendo games like Metroid Dread – says that the Switch 2 will be launching with a brand new Mario Kart. Apparently it'll also have the biggest budget a Mario Kart game has ever had. 

Like any other details about the Switch 2, we have heard nothing from Nintendo yet.

Will I be able to play my current Switch games on the Switch 2?

Backwards compatibility — when a game console can play previous-generation games on the most recent console — is a staple of most modern games consoles.

We can't say for sure, and the details remain unclear. What we can say is that we'd be extremely disappointed if the Switch 2 didn't have backwards compatibility. 

Nintendo has a pretty good track record of maintaining backwards compatibility on its consoles. The WiiU could play Wii games, most models of the Wii would accept GameCube games, you could stuff most DS games into your 3DS, and the DS has a slot for Gameboy Advance games. 

That said, the Switch is only able to play games made for — or ported over to — the Switch. However, since thousands of Switch games are only available digitally, there aren't many good excuses to get rid of backwards compatibility. 

If Nintendo axes backwards compatibility on the Switch 2, they'll need to have a pretty great line-up of games available at launch to justify people buying a new console. 

What kind of specs will the Nintendo Switch 2 have?

Sadly, we don't know right now. Some leaks say that the Switch 2 will stick with an LCD screen over OLED to save costs; other leaks say Nintendo is sticking with NVIDIA for hardware. Meanwhile, "insiders" argue that Nintendo is switching to AMD, due to advances in handhelds such as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. 

Sources close to Eurogamer report that the Switch 2 will have similar graphics to the PlayStation 5, have ray-tracing support, and be capable of running Unreal Engine 5 after developers were shown a closed-door demo at Gamescom 2023.

Somewhat on the contrary, emails released during the FTC v Microsoft case showed that then Activision CEO Bobby Kotick was in contact with Nintendo and was apparently briefed on a new Switch in December 2022. 

Although the internal emails and documents, first reported by the Verge, are heavily redacted, a summary of the Switch 2 from head of Activision's platform strategy and partner relations Chris Schnakenberg reads:

"Given the closer alignment to Gen8 platforms in terms of performance and our previous offerings on PS4/Xbox One, it is reasonable to assume we could make something compelling for the NG Switch as well. 

"It would be helpful to secure early access to development hardware prototypes and prove that out nice and early."

While Nintendo denies these briefings and demos — dismissing them as "rumours" — these leaks show that the Switch 2/NG Switch could have similar performance to an Xbox One or PlayStation 4. 

So while, yes, the Switch 2 may have ray-tracing support and can run Unreal Engine 5, that doesn't mean it'll be able to utilise them with the best performance. Graphics will probably still look good, especially on Nintendo exclusives.

This all lines up when you consider Nintendo's approach to some of its past consoles like the Wii — instead of focusing on raw computational power, it tends to make the consoles cheaper and more family-friendly, with a focus on great experiences with their exclusive titles. We expect Nintendo to continue this trend, while upping the power slightly to accommodate more graphic-intense third-party games. 

Remember, this is most likely going to be another hybrid console that can perform as a handheld. Nintendo is essentially cramming the gaming performance of a PS4 into a self-contained package smaller than some tablets.

Looking for more gaming performance? A PlayStation 5 might be a better choice for you. Read our guide on how to buy a PlayStation to find out what to know before buying.

What would we like to see?

We have high standards here at Which?, but we also realise the limitations a form factor like the Switch can have. Here's what we're wishing for from the Switch 2:

• An OLED screen: it's already proved to be a good concept with the Switch OLED, so we feel Nintendo could (and should) make it the standard.
• 4K support for TV gaming: quite a few of the 4K TVs we've tested lose their picture quality slightly when displaying in 1,080p or lower – we'd like to see this avoided by having the Switch 2 support 4K gaming.
• Backwards compatibility for old Switch cartridges: it's the standard with competing consoles, and a consumer-friendly practice not to have to buy the same games twice.
• Fixed controller stick drift: we called on Nintendo years ago to fix this, and we're hoping we won't have to again.

Of course, we're looking for good gaming performance. We think that's a given for everyone looking to buy one.

The Switch is a great little console, but it's in need of some hardware upgrades to keep up with modern third-party games — which is what we're expecting to see.

Take a look at our picks for the best 4K gaming TVs to get the most out of your console.

When will we learn more about the Switch 2?

Nintendo's fiscal year starts in April, so hopefully we'll see more information about a new console during Nintendo Direct events towards the end of March. 

We'll keep this page updated with any additional information that we get.

Will the old Switch get a price drop?

We'd hope so! Depending on how this Switch-uation develops, it might be worth just sticking with the old Switch 1 while Nintendo fills out the catalogue of games for the new console.

In the meantime, there are some savings to be had right now. Check out our breakdown of the best Nintendo Switch deals to save money on games and consoles.

Our favourite deal at the moment is a Switch OLED bundle that comes with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for £310. You can still pick up this bundle from Nintendo below:

Read our best Lego deals to find discounts on popular sets.