Following a number of leaks in recent weeks, Nintendo has decided to just unveil the Switch 2 in an official capacity, way ahead of the previously set 31 March deadline. The company has put up what it calls a first look trailer on its official YouTube channel, showing off the many ways it is different from the previous generation.
The most obvious difference between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the first Switch, as the trailer implies, is the size difference. No specific measurements, but the trailer makes a pretty big deal of it from the animations, as well as a direct comparison near the end. Another major improvement can be found at the back, specifically with the much wider and more robust-looking kickstand that goes almost along the frame of the device. The dock, on the other hand, seems to have gotten the top corners rounded off.
Moving on to the Joy-Con controllers, these are shown to snap on and off, though it’s unclear if it really does so magnetically as previously rumoured. There’s also a proprietary connector of some kind on each side that allows them to interface with the main device. Their colours have also mostly moved to the connector bits and below the analogue sticks, leaving the Nintendo Switch 2 being coloured mostly in black. Of course, these also get the new generation controller grip.
Also mentioned in the trailer is backwards compatibility for most Nintendo Switch games. Most being the operative word, but while the disclaimer mentions that some “games may not be supported on or fully compatible” with the Switch 2, exact details will only be shared at a later date.
Which brings us to its still vague release window of 2025. Nintendo says that there will be a Direct stream for the Switch 2 happening on 2 April. There will also be a “series of hands-on events held around the world”, though it remains to be seen if we are ever so lucky.
(Source: Nintendo / YouTube)
