Nintendo fans wait with bated breath as the time we have long been waiting for finally arrives, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
A trailer showcasing the new Nintendo Switch 2 was released last Thursday and, while the exact date has yet to be released, Nintendo fans can be sure that it will come before the end of this year.
The likelihood of a Switch 2 was fueled by rumors and leaks with the worst being the mega leak that besieged the Nintendo affiliated company Gamefreak, the company that publishes the Pokémon franchise, that released massive data on past Pokémon games and included data on future Pokémon games on the Switch 2.
Gamefreak apologized and acknowledged the leak in a news release on their website.
While visually similar to the original Nintendo Switch, the new console will have additional physical attributes. These include an additional USB-C port and connectors that click into place for the system’s controllers, otherwise known as Joy-Cons, which were previously held in place by slide-in groves on the side of the game system and new buttons.
The original Nintendo Switch was first released in 2017, which makes the longest gap between counsel generations at eight years. This is just over the previous longest generation gap at six years between the Wii and the Wii U series of game consoles.
These long gaps can be frustrating for long time fans as other gaming companies such Xbox and PlayStation have shorter time gaps between console releases that allow for fresher gaming experiences rather than just playing re-released games and ports of older games.
In a first look video, the system will have limited backward compatibility with the Nintendo Switch in both physical and digital games.
Essentially, this means that while some Switch games will be playable on the new game console, others will not. Nintendo will release specifics on its website on a later date.
The company also confirmed that Nintendo Direct, a showcase by Nintendo that highlights their latest products and games, will be held on April 2 and will focus on more details of the Switch 2.
In addition, Nintendo will host several first look play demos of the new system that will be open to the public through a free randomized drawing in select locations. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
While registration is free it does require a Nintendo account, rules on how to make one can found on their website.
The first game to be announced for the new system is Mario Kart 9, a continuation of the company’s popular go-kart racing game.
