Nintendo Switch 2: Leaked Details on Specs and Release Date

Nintendo's upcoming next-generation console is gradually taking shape, set for release in the second half of 2024, according to an anonymous dev..

New Report Indicates Nintendo Switch 2 Set for Second Half of 2024

Nintendo's upcoming next-generation console is gradually taking shape, set for release in the second half of 2024, according to an anonymous development sources report by VGC. Some key partner studios already have their hands on development kits for the new device.

Though specific details on the next-gen hardware are limited, it is expected to retain the portability feature of the current Switch, supporting cartridge-based games. Interestingly, the system will reportedly feature an LCD screen, not an OLED one, which aligns with previous reports about Sharp manufacturing LCD screens for a "new gaming console."

This recent report corroborates Nikkei Asia's earlier information from May, suggesting a new Nintendo console is in the works and possibly ready by the following year. VGC's editor-in-chief, Andy Robinson, believes that more studios getting access to Nintendo's next-gen dev kits will likely lead to more information surfacing.

Nintendo has not officially announced the successor to the Switch, and any release before April 1, 2024, has been ruled out. The company's current focus is on enhancing Switch sales through new games and add-on content. Among the upcoming releases are new games and DLC for popular franchises like Super Mario Bros., Detective Pikachu, WarioWare, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with some scheduled for 2024, such as the Princess Peach game and a Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon remake.

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

Nintendo seems to be eyeing a late summer or fall launch for its next-generation console, which is quite different from the original Switch's release in March 2017. The company's main goal is to ensure there's enough supply of the new console to avoid any shortages, especially during the critical holiday shopping season. This approach is reportedly based on information from VGC's report.

For some historical perspective, Nintendo followed a similar strategy with the Wii U, announcing it at E3 in June 2011 but waiting 16 months before actually releasing the console. Similarly, with the Switch, they teased it under the code name "NX" in 2015, but it wasn't until October 2016 that they revealed the console's design and capabilities.

The actual release of the Switch came five months later. Considering this pattern, it's reasonable to assume that Nintendo may not officially announce detailed information about the next-gen console for several months, or perhaps even close to a year, if they plan to launch it after July 1.

VGC: Nintendo next-gen console planned for 2nd half 2024, dev-kits already in hands of key partner studios https://t.co/hYDrx2g88p

— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) July 31, 2023

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs Leaks

So, there's been this cool leak about the upcoming Nintendo Switch Wonder, and it's got some awesome features. Apparently, there will be two versions: one with 64 GB storage and another with a bigger 256 GB option, priced at $400 and $500, respectively.

The best part is, it's gonna have a sweet LCD screen with touch input, which means a better display quality. And get this, they're saying the upcoming Super Mario Wonder game will be the first from Nintendo to support native 4K resolution. How cool is that?

The Joycons are getting some upgrades too, with Hall effect thumbsticks and a magnetic mechanism to easily snap them onto the console's sides. Plus, there are two cameras on the Switch Wonder, one on the front and one on the back, which is a new thing for Nintendo.

Oh, and the dock is getting some love too. You can actually use it separately from the Switch Wonder for media stuff, like checking out the Nintendo eShop or watching Hulu. Pretty nifty, huh?

Now, here's the real kicker: they're coming up with a new Pro Controller that has a built-in touchscreen. That's gonna add some cool extra functionality to the gaming experience. And guess what? The Switch Wonder can even talk to the dock wirelessly. It's all just so exciting, right?

Of course, this is all based on leaks, so we can't be 100% sure yet. But if this stuff is true, we're in for a treat. The Nintendo Switch Wonder might just be the upgrade we've all been waiting for. Fingers crossed.