With the anticipated reveal of Nintendo’s next console, fans are buzzing with speculation about what the successor to the Nintendo Switch might offer. While no official details have been confirmed, rumors and leaks hint at a more powerful handheld system, possibly with backward compatibility, allowing players to enjoy their existing Switch game libraries. The so-called “Switch 2” (though the name remains unconfirmed) is expected to launch by the end of Nintendo’s fiscal year 2025.
Community discussions and leaks have suggested several key improvements and features that could define Nintendo’s next-generation console, including:
What fans expect from the Nintendo Switch 2
8. Higher performance
One of the top hopes for the Switch 2 is a significant boost in performance. The current Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, has started showing its age, especially when running more graphically demanding games. Titles like Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, Mortal Kombat, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have experienced frame rate drops and even crashes, underscoring the need for more powerful hardware.
Rumors about the Switch 2 suggest it could feature 12GB of RAM, a 1080p display for handheld mode, and the ability to play games in 4K when docked. This potential upgrade would align the Switch 2 more closely with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in terms of performance, offering a smoother gaming experience and addressing the technical limitations seen in recent Switch releases. Fans are eager for this leap forward, especially as modern games demand more robust processing power.
7. OLED screen
The OLED version of the Nintendo Switch, launched in 2021, was a big improvement in image quality, offering more vibrant colors and deeper contrast than the original model. Now, fans are hoping that Switch 2 will come standard with an OLED screen rather than follow the same path of releasing it as an upgrade later on.
There’s also speculation that Nintendo might release multiple versions of the Switch 2: a more budget-friendly model with an LED screen and a premium version featuring OLED. This approach could help Nintendo appeal to gamers across various price ranges, maintaining its reputation for affordability while offering a high-end option for those seeking a better visual experience from the start.
6. Internal storage
Storage has been a major pain point for Nintendo Switch users, with only 64GB of internal storage, often forcing players to rely on memory cards to expand capacity. The need for more built-in storage has become more apparent as games have grown.
Fans hope the Switch 2 will address this issue by offering at least 256GB of internal storage. This would allow users to store more games and data directly on the console without immediately needing a memory card, bringing the new device closer to competitors in terms of storage capacity. Such an upgrade would be a welcome improvement for players who want a more seamless experience right out of the box.
5. Backwards compatibility
Backward compatibility is one of the most eagerly awaited features for the Nintendo Switch 2, with fans hoping to carry their existing game libraries to the new console. Since the original Switch has built up a vast collection of popular games, from big franchise titles to exclusives, players are looking for a seamless transition without repurchasing their favorite titles.
Rumors about this feature have been circulating since news of the Switch 2 emerged, raising hopes that Nintendo will include backward compatibility. If the next console lacks this capability, it could result in significant disappointment, especially for those who have invested in digital and physical games. This feature is key to maintaining player loyalty and ensuring a smooth shift to the next generation of Nintendo hardware.
4. Big launch title
Every new generation console typically launches with a standout title, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is no exception. Fans are eagerly expecting a major release from one of Nintendo’s iconic franchises, such as Mario, Zelda, or Metroid, to debut alongside the new hardware.
A top contender among fan predictions is a new Mario Kart game, especially since Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a massive success on the original Switch. Another highly anticipated possibility is a brand-new 3D Super Mario game, which has often been a hallmark for the start of Nintendo’s new console generations. These blockbuster titles could provide the perfect boost to drive excitement and early sales for the Switch 2.
3. New titles from major Big N franchises
In addition to a major launch title, fans are eager for the Nintendo Switch 2 to introduce new entries from beloved franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, and Pokémon. These series are reliable hits, but there’s growing anticipation for the return of franchises that didn’t receive as much attention on the original Switch, such as F-Zero and Star Fox.
A new Super Smash Bros. game is also high on the wish list, especially if it comes with graphical upgrades and an expanded character roster. These iconic franchises have the potential to draw in both long-time Nintendo fans and new players, making the Switch 2 even more appealing as it builds on Nintendo’s rich legacy of gaming favorites.
2. Third party titles
The success of the original Nintendo Switch drew many developers to adapt their games to the platform, leading to impressive ports like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. With the upcoming release of the Switch 2 and its anticipated improvements in performance and graphics, there’s growing excitement that even more major third-party titles will make their way to the new console.
One of the most anticipated additions is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which, given the Switch 2’s expected specs similar to the PS4, seems like a natural fit. Diablo 4 is also a strong contender, especially considering the success of Diablo 3 on the original Switch in 2018.
Fans are also hopeful for the return of first-person shooter franchises like Call of Duty, with rumors pointing to the potential arrival of Black Ops 6. Other high-profile titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, are also on the wish list. With the Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities, these more demanding games could finally run smoothly, giving Nintendo’s next-gen console an even broader gaming library.
1. Improvements to Joy-Con controllers
While innovative, the original Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers have been criticized for their ergonomics, small buttons, and especially the ongoing issue of “Joy-Con drift,” which causes the joystick to register movement without being touched. For the Switch 2, many expect Nintendo to keep a similar design to the Joy-Cons but with key improvements that address these shortcomings.
Resolving the drift issue ensures a smoother user experience and avoids further public frustration. Enhanced ergonomics, durable joysticks, and button responsiveness would greatly benefit players, especially in handheld mode. Such upgrades could also justify a higher price point for the Switch 2 than its predecessors, offering users a more refined and reliable controller experience while maintaining the versatility that made the Joy-Cons popular.
