Nintendo Likely To Announce Switch 2 Sooner Than Expected Amid Leak Surge, Analyst Predicts
The leaks suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a design similar to the current Switch, albeit slightly larger.
Nintendo is reportedly feeling the pressure to announce its upcoming Switch 2 console sooner than anticipated, following a flood of design leaks, according to industry analyst Serkan Toto, as reported by Eurogamer. Recent weeks have seen an increasing number of leaks related to the next-generation console, including detailed images from accessory manufacturers now accepting pre-orders for Switch 2-compatible products.
BREAKING: Nintendo Switch 2 Massive Leaks ⚠️
— Deck Wizard (@deckwizardyt) December 15, 2024
✅️ 3 Models at Launch: Gray, White, MK9
✅️ January 2025 Reveal
✅️ Mario Kart 9 Launch Title
✅️ Magnetic Joycons/Hall Effect Sticks
✅️ Curved Dock
✅️ LCD Screen, Larger Buttons
✅️ Game Carts same as Switch 1 pic.twitter.com/yxcHkyTTBE
These images have revealed what is likely the final design of the new hardware, with key features becoming more apparent.
The leaks suggest that the Switch 2 will feature a design similar to the current Switch, albeit slightly larger.
Notably, it is expected to include magnetic Joy-Con attachments and a new button positioned below the Home button on the right Joy-Con. This follows the earlier release of a prototype shell and internal components in late September, which gave fans and analysts a preliminary look at the potential design. With further leaks surfacing, it’s now widely expected that Nintendo’s next console will closely resemble its predecessor, albeit with these subtle but noticeable upgrades.
When Might Nintendo Launch Switch 2?
Industry analyst Serkan Toto, CEO of Japanese consultancy firm Kantan Games, commented that Nintendo may no longer have the luxury of waiting until 2025 to unveil the Switch 2. In an interview with Eurogamer earlier this month, Toto explained that the leaks, combined with the slowing sales of the original Switch, could push Nintendo to release details about the Switch 2 sooner than initially planned.
While Nintendo has set March 2025 as the deadline for unveiling the new console, Toto believes an announcement as early as January 2025 would make sense, given the mounting leaks.
The mounting pressure comes as excitement around the new console continues to grow. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, with many hoping that Nintendo will launch the much-anticipated Metroid Prime 4 alongside the Switch 2.
Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with existing Switch games, offering seamless continuity for existing owners of the console.