Over the previous few weeks, gossip in regards to the subsequent Nintendo console has been continuous. Fortunately, the Japanese gaming big has lastly given us a primary take a look at the Swap 2.
The quick however candy teaser confirms a number of design rumours followers have lengthy suspected… but in addition presents many, many questions. Since Tech Advisor isn’t within the enterprise of publishing articles the size of a dissertation, I’ve chosen the important thing burning ones of mine that I’m hoping Nintendo will shed some mild on sooner or later.
What’s going to the graphics be like?
One of many key rumours in regards to the new console, which has been round for years at this level, is the truth that it may help 4K content material as soon as docked, in addition to different graphic enhancements resembling ray tracing. Latest patents appear to point that Nintendo has been experimenting with upscaling know-how.
If that is true, it could make it a severe contender for rival consoles such because the Xbox Sequence X/S and the PlayStation 5, as at the moment, the graphics leap between these and the OG Swap are fairly stark.
If AI upscaling tech is used, then there’s hope that this may very well be utilized to present Swap video games too. I, for one, would kill to see a graphically enhanced model of Breath of the Wild. Nonetheless, the graphics aren’t simply vital for docked gameplay.
Nintendo
Whereas the teaser revealed appeared to point out a much bigger show, there’s additionally a query mark over whether or not the Swap 2 will boast an OLED panel. Different rumours indicate that Nintendo is sticking with an LCD one, and I’m prone to take a punt on that.
Why? Nicely, Nintendo noticed success by holding again an OLED model of its first Swap, which leads me properly onto…
Will Nintendo launch different Swap 2 variations?
When Nintendo reveals extra in regards to the Swap 2 at its Direct on 2 April 2025, it would nearly definitely concentrate on the principle console, which is at the moment predicted to get each a spec and worth improve on the Swap 1. Nonetheless, it could not have all of the options followers need, or the associated fee may very well be too costly for some customers to contemplate.
So, does that imply we’re getting each a Nintendo Swap 2 (OLED) and a Nintendo Swap 2 Lite? Presumably. The previous can be extra probably if we get affirmation of an LCD panel on the Swap 2, which we should always hopefully be taught extra about within the coming weeks.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
As an proprietor of the Swap Lite and the spouse of an everyday Swap proprietor, I definitely see advantages to having the handheld-only console. The lighter and thinner construct makes it a lot simpler to journey, particularly on planes and trains, or whenever you solely have a backpack to stuff your issues in.
However extra importantly, it permits customers with a leaner funds entry to Swap 2 unique video games. Cosy titles resembling Animal Crossing are excellent on the Swap Lite, so if Nintendo have been to launch a successor to this console, it may look forward to the following recreation on this sequence to hit cabinets and time the releases.
What number of new video games are coming at launch?
If I’m shopping for a freshly launched video games console, the very first thing I need to know is what video games can be out there.
For those who caught round till the tip of the Swap 2 reveal, you’ll have seen some transient footage of Mario Kart. Take a more in-depth look and also you’ll see that Donkey Kong seems slightly completely different than traditional, being nearer to the film design (and admittedly, much more sleepless trying).
So, which will imply that Nintendo very cheekily added within the first footage of Mario Kart 9, which can nearly definitely be one of many key IPs for this subsequent console.
Nintendo
I’m in no way a Mario Kart 8 grasp, counting on scarily loud Toad impressions directed on the competitors to try to put them off. Nonetheless, I nonetheless get pleasure from it, so it is a large plus for the brand new console.
In fact, extra titles could be even higher. As I already talked about, I’m a loyal servant to the financial institution of Tom Nook, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons being one among my most-played video games on the console. The promise of a brand new instalment on this sequence could be massively thrilling, as would a launch date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Will my outdated Pleasure-Cons be ineffective?
As quickly because the Nintendo Swap 2 hits cabinets, we’ll nearly definitely see an uptick in present customers attempting to commerce of their outdated console or flog it on eBay – in spite of everything, occasions are robust in the course of the cozzie livs. However what about these beautiful colored additional controllers all of us purchased for multiplayer video games resembling Tremendous Mario Occasion Jamboree?
We all know that the brand new (tall, darkish and good-looking) Pleasure-Cons on the Swap 2 connect with the principle display screen otherwise than the outdated fashions, with the footage seemingly displaying some form of magnetic snap-on. Thus, the older and smaller clicky Pleasure-Cons received’t latch onto this new console… however what if they may work wirelessly?
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The charging grip means you’ll be able to juice the outdated Pleasure-Cons without having a Swap dock, and there’s the Swap Professional controller for individuals who choose a extra conventional gaming expertise. Customers may nonetheless commerce of their major console whereas protecting maintain of additional equipment which may be onerous to promote.
If Nintendo one way or the other discovered a technique to enable these to connect with the brand new console, it could definitely save on waste and sources – and make many purchasers completely satisfied that they don’t should pay additional. Backwards compatibility video games are a factor in spite of everything, so I’ve a teeny little bit of hope this might occur… although it’s very slim.
Okay, however does it are available in one other color?
Whereas I do benefit from the black console with the accented Pleasure-Cons, I’ll ceaselessly be a tech journalist who advocates for the daring, vibrant and delightful, and the Swap 2 isn’t any exception.
Nintendo
The unique Nintendo Swap launched in two color choices: one with gray Pleasure-Cons and one with the long-lasting crimson and blue set. Additional down the road, the corporate launched particular version variations to rejoice numerous recreation launches resembling Tears of the Kingdom and Splatoon 3.
I’m moderately assured that Nintendo will do the identical for the Swap 2, and I’m even prepared to guess that there’s a secret model of this console in a brand new shade we’ve not seen but that may get its dramatic unveiling in April.