Nintendo enthusiasts have fresh reason to get hyped. Thanks to recently uncovered FCC filings, new details about the long-rumored Nintendo Switch 2 are surfacing—offering insight into the next generation of Nintendo’s hybrid console. While Nintendo remains tight-lipped on an official release date or reveal event, these technical disclosures point to a significant leap forward from the original 2017 model.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
The Nintendo Switch 2 release date has not been officially confirmed by Nintendo, but reports and industry insiders suggest the console is expected to launch around June 2025 or July 2025. Nintendo has already announced a worldwide tour to introduce the Switch 2 console called the Switch 2 Experience. The first public dates start on April 4-April 6 in New York, NY (USA), then April 11 – April 13 in Los Angeles, CA (USA), and finally April 25 – April 27 in Dallas, TX (USA).
You can join the waitlist for the Switch 2 Experience and be the first to try out the Switch 2 here:
https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-switch-2-experience/
New Features
The Switch 2 is anticipated to feature major hardware upgrades, including a larger OLED display, Wi-Fi 6 support, dual USB-C ports, and enhanced performance for both handheld and docked play. These improvements aim to deliver a more powerful and versatile gaming experience while maintaining the hybrid appeal of the original Switch.
Wi-Fi 6: Faster, Smoother Online Play
One of the standout upgrades mentioned in the FCC documentation is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Compared to the original Switch’s Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 brings faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded networks—perfect for households juggling multiple connected devices.
For gamers, this means more stable connections during online matches in games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3, and faster downloads for large digital titles (think The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which weighs in at over 18 GB). Plus, Wi-Fi 6’s improved efficiency could open the door for Nintendo to explore cloud gaming options in the future—a space where competitors like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW are already making waves.
NFC Support: Amiibo Lives On
The filing also confirms NFC (Near Field Communication) support via the Switch 2’s right Joy-Con controller. That’s a clear nod to Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to its Amiibo ecosystem. These collectible figurines, which can unlock in-game content, bonus items, and special features, have been a staple of Nintendo hardware since their debut on the Wii U and 3DS.
From exclusive costumes in Super Smash Bros. to hidden weapons in Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Amiibo continue to be a beloved feature for Nintendo’s loyal fanbase. Confirmed NFC support ensures backward compatibility and signals Nintendo’s intent to keep Amiibo relevant well into the Switch 2 era.
Dual USB-C Ports: More Flexibility, More Options
Perhaps the most surprising revelation is that the Switch 2 will sport two USB-C ports—one at the bottom (like the original Switch) and an additional port at the top of the device. This design shift provides players with greater flexibility when charging or docking the system, particularly useful for handheld or tabletop modes. It also hints at potential support for additional accessories, external storage, or advanced peripherals.
This dual-port setup follows a trend seen in other portable gaming systems, like the Steam Deck, which also uses USB-C for charging and data transfer. By adopting similar features, Nintendo seems poised to modernize its hardware to compete with a new wave of hybrid gaming devices.
What’s Still Under Wraps?
While these filings give fans plenty to be excited about, there’s still much we don’t know. Rumors suggest the Switch 2 will feature a larger, OLED display, an NVIDIA custom processor capable of DLSS upscaling, and a target output of 4K resolution when docked. However, none of these details have been confirmed by Nintendo or surfaced in official filings—yet.
Speculation also swirls around backward compatibility. Will the Switch 2 support the extensive library of Switch games that players have spent years building? Industry insiders believe backward compatibility will be a major focus, though Nintendo has yet to confirm.
When Will We Hear More?
Analysts predict that Nintendo could reveal the Switch 2 sometime in 2024, with a potential release window aimed at late 2024 or early 2025. The original Switch launched in March 2017 and became one of Nintendo’s best-selling consoles of all time, moving over 139 million units to date. The stakes are high for its successor, but these early signs suggest Nintendo is aiming to deliver a powerful and modernized experience while retaining the core appeal that made the Switch a hit.
Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support for improved connectivity and Amiibo compatibility.
- Both USB-C ports on the new console will function as charging ports, offering more convenience than the original Switch.
- These technical upgrades suggest Nintendo is focusing on enhancing both performance and user experience in their next generation hardware.
Enhancements and Features
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings several major upgrades over its predecessor based on recent FCC filings. These improvements focus on better connectivity, enhanced hardware capabilities, and user-friendly design changes.
Connectivity Upgrades
The most significant connectivity enhancement revealed in FCC filings is Wi-Fi 6 support. This modern wireless standard offers faster speeds and improved performance in congested networks compared to the original Switch’s Wi-Fi 5.
For gamers, Wi-Fi 6 means quicker downloads of digital games and smoother online multiplayer experiences. It also provides better support for game streaming services, which require stable, high-bandwidth connections.
The FCC documents also confirm that NFC capabilities will continue to be included. This ensures compatibility with Nintendo’s Amiibo figurines and cards, which unlock special features in many games.
These connectivity improvements address common complaints about the original Switch’s sometimes unreliable online performance.
Improved Hardware Specs
While complete technical specifications remain unconfirmed, the FCC filings provide some insights into the Switch 2’s hardware improvements.
The device will feature USB-C connectivity, with filings indicating multiple USB-C ports. The top USB-C port will handle device charging, while additional ports likely support accessories and external displays.
Battery specifications weren’t detailed in the filings, but the improved power efficiency of newer components should extend playtime between charges.
Backwards compatibility appears to be a priority for Nintendo, with the hardware likely supporting existing Switch games. This commitment to preserving access to the current library adds significant value for existing Switch owners considering an upgrade.
Design and Usability
The Switch 2 appears to maintain the hybrid console concept that made the original so popular, functioning as both a handheld device and home console.
Multiple USB-C ports suggest improved docking options and potentially more versatile connection options for peripherals. This addresses limitations of the original model, which relied heavily on a single port for multiple functions.
The FCC filings don’t specifically mention Joy-Con controllers, but Nintendo likely maintains the detachable controller concept while potentially addressing the drift issues that plagued the original model.
The continuation of NFC support suggests the physical design will accommodate Amiibo scanning, likely through a dedicated reader area similar to the current model’s right Joy-Con.
Content and Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 is designed with both forward-thinking technology and backward compatibility in mind. According to recent FCC filings, several key features will enhance the console’s functionality while maintaining connections to existing Nintendo ecosystems.
Gaming Library and Backwards Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to maintain some level of backwards compatibility with the original Switch library. This means players who have invested in games for their Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED models may not need to rebuy their favorite titles.
Nintendo has historically valued its gaming legacy, allowing players to bring their collections forward. While exact details remain unconfirmed, industry experts anticipate that physical cartridges from the original Switch will be playable on the new system.
Digital libraries might transfer through Nintendo accounts, similar to how the company handled transitions in previous console generations. This approach would protect players’ investments in their game collections.
The improved processing power will likely enhance performance of backward compatible titles, potentially with faster load times and more stable framerates.
Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature multiple USB-C ports, according to FCC filings. This suggests improved connectivity options for various accessories and peripherals.
Both USB-C ports can be used for charging, offering more flexibility than the original Switch. This dual-port design could allow players to charge while using accessories simultaneously.
Current Joy-Cons may be compatible with the new system, though Nintendo might introduce enhanced controllers with new features. This would give players options between using existing controllers or upgrading.
Other accessories like cases, stands, and screen protectors will likely need redesigns to accommodate any changes in the console’s physical dimensions or feature set.
The dock system is expected to receive upgrades as well, potentially supporting the improved Wi-Fi 6 capabilities for better online gaming performance.
Amiibo Support and NFC Functionality
The FCC filings confirm that the Nintendo Switch 2 will maintain NFC support, ensuring continued compatibility with Nintendo’s popular Amiibo figurines. This RFID-based technology allows physical toys to interact with games.
Amiibo functionality has been a signature feature since the Wii U era. Players can tap these figurines to the console to unlock special content, characters, or features in compatible games.
The improved NFC reader might offer faster response times or greater read distance compared to the original Switch. This could enhance the user experience when scanning Amiibo collections.
Nintendo’s commitment to NFC technology suggests continued support for the Amiibo ecosystem with new figurines likely to launch alongside major first-party titles for the Switch 2.
The NFC capability might also expand to support other functions beyond just Amiibo, potentially including contactless payment systems or other interactive accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings several technical improvements over the original model. These upgrades include better connectivity options and charging capabilities that many gamers have been requesting.
What are the specifications for the New Nintendo Switch 2?
Based on FCC filings, the Nintendo Switch 2 will support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks with up to 80MHz of bandwidth. This is an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on the original Switch.
The console will also maintain NFC support, likely for Amiibo functionality. Additionally, it will feature multiple USB-C ports for charging and connectivity.
Full technical specifications regarding processor, RAM, and graphics capabilities haven’t been officially confirmed yet.
When is the New Nintendo Switch 2 expected to be released?
Nintendo hasn’t announced an official release date for the Switch 2. However, the appearance of FCC filings suggests the console is progressing through regulatory approval processes.
Industry analysts speculate a late 2025 or early 2026 release window. Nintendo typically announces new hardware several months before launch.
How much will the New Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
Nintendo has not revealed pricing information for the Switch 2. The original Switch launched at $299.99 USD, which could provide a baseline.
Given hardware improvements and inflation since the original’s 2017 release, analysts expect the Switch 2 might be priced between $349.99 and $399.99. Official pricing will likely be announced closer to launch.
Can the New Nintendo Switch 2 connect to Wi-Fi 6 networks?
Yes, FCC filings confirm the Nintendo Switch 2 will support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks with up to 80MHz of bandwidth. This is an upgrade from the original Switch’s Wi-Fi 5 capabilities.
Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, improved performance in crowded network environments, and better battery efficiency. This will be particularly beneficial for online gaming and digital downloads.
The upgrade may also improve game streaming capabilities.
Is the New Nintendo Switch 2 compatible with USB-C chargers and accessories?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature USB-C connectivity. According to filings, the console will include multiple USB-C ports.
Having multiple USB-C ports suggests improved peripheral support and charging options. This standardization should make it easier to find compatible accessories and chargers.
Users may be able to use existing USB-C chargers rather than proprietary connectors.
What storage capacity options are available for the New Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo hasn’t officially announced storage options for the Switch 2. The original Switch launched with 32GB of internal storage, which proved limited for many users.
Industry experts anticipate the base model will offer at least 64GB of storage, with possible higher-tier options at 128GB or 256GB. The console will likely maintain MicroSD card support for storage expansion.
Digital game libraries continue to grow in size, making increased storage a priority for many gamers.
