Nintendo is gearing up to unveil its next-generation console, currently dubbed the Nintendo Switch 2, according to mounting rumors from industry insiders. While Nintendo has yet to officially confirm the new hardware, leaks suggest the Switch 2 will deliver backward compatibility along with major performance upgrades.
Hardware specifications for the Switch 2 remain unconfirmed, but the console is said to feature a custom system-on-a-chip (SoC) designed in partnership with Nvidia. The chip will likely be based on Nvidia’s latest architectures to enable a significant boost over the original Switch’s Nvidia Tegra processor.
Rumors via Universo Nintendo:
– Switch 2 is gonna have backwards compatibility with OG Switch titles
– Both for physical and digital games
– Devs can enhance their Switch 1 games to take advantage of the added processing power
– Reiterates a Direct is coming next week, and the…— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) February 11, 2024
Display improvements are also rumored for the Switch 2, with murmurs of a 8-inch LCD panel replacing the current Switch’s 6.2-inch screen. The display boost paired with Nvidia’s custom silicon could enable graphics up to 4K resolution when docked to a TV.
Backward compatibility has been given significant attention in rumors, with the Switch 2 tipped to play physical and digital copies of all existing Switch software. Moreover, the Switch 2’s upgraded internals would allow developers to release patches enhancing Switch ports with features like improved resolutions and frame rates.
While Nintendo has yet to announce the Switch successor, release timing suggestions indicate an unveiling is imminent. Rumors point to a potential March Nintendo Direct showcasing the Switch 2, followed by a release later this fiscal year.
After selling over 140 million Switch units since 2017, Nintendo looks poised to continue its hot streak by fulfilling gamer dreams of 4K quality on-the-go experiences. With full backwards compatibility, Nvidia power, and (hopefully) a Pokemon Scarlet and Violet enhanced patch, the Switch 2 is set to dominate wishlists when it drops this year.
