As “Switch-tember” unfolds, speculation about Nintendo’s next gaming console, tentatively dubbed the Switch 2, has intensified. The latest buzz comes from purportedly leaked manufacturing details originating from China, which are sparking considerable interest and debate within the gaming community.
The leaked images, posted on a Chinese site and later shared on the GamingLeaksAndRumors subreddit, allegedly depict a prototype of the Switch 2. These renders suggest a device that closely resembles the current Switch model but with notable enhancements. The most striking differences include a larger screen and a sleeker profile. A significant change is observed in the Joy-Con controllers, which appear to feature additional grooves designed for magnetic strips—a feature that had been previously speculated. The prototype also displays a USB-C port on the top of the console and a reduced bezel around the screen.
While the authenticity of these renders remains unconfirmed, VGC reports that a source, who has not seen the official Switch 2 but is familiar with the development, believes that these images align with the expectations set for development partners. Nintendo has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Alongside the images, the leaked information purportedly includes hardware specifications such as 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which correspond with earlier rumors. The reports also suggest an 8-inch display for the new Switch. Analysts have speculated that the console could be priced around $400, with games possibly retailing at $70, reflecting the current high-end gaming market trends seen with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
If these leaks are accurate, they suggest that the Switch 2 might offer a more incremental upgrade rather than a complete overhaul, diverging from Nintendo’s typical approach of introducing unique design elements and gameplay innovations with new hardware. Instead, it appears that the Switch 2 could position Nintendo more squarely within the burgeoning handheld PC gaming sector, joining the ranks of devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.
The true nature of the Switch 2 will remain a mystery until Nintendo officially unveils it, which is anticipated to occur during a forthcoming Nintendo Direct presentation later this month or next. In the meantime, the speculation and leaks are likely to continue.
Update 9/18/2024 12:50 p.m. ET: Further analysis of the leaked information has emerged. While some suggest that the renders may be enthusiast reconstructions based on actual components, Digital Foundry’s tech analysts have noted that the battery compartment in the Switch 2 shell appears convincingly realistic. They caution, however, to manage expectations regarding handheld performance based on the current evidence.
