The Nintendo Switch 2 could be just around the corner, according to a compelling set of recent leaks and rumors.

The Nintendo Switch released back in 2017 and many fans are yearning for a successor to Nintendo’s extraordinarily successful and beloved portable hybrid console.

It seems that fans may not have to wait too long to get their hands on Nintendo’s next-gen console, the name of which is currently unknown.

Below we’ve compiled the rumors and speculation about Nintendo’s upcoming console, possibly named the Nintendo Switch 2. We go over its potential release date, as well as some highly anticipated console features.

Fake mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2
This is an impressive fake mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2 – Source: Chito Gaming

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

The release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently unknown, but it will most likely release in the second half of 2024 based on the most recent rumors and leaks.

We will update this article when we know the official release date of the Nintendo Switch 2.

According to VGC and their sources, development kits for Nintendo’s next-gen console are now in the hands of “key partner studios”. It’s expected that the Nintendo Switch’s successor will release during the second half of 2024.

This is to ensure that there is enough stock available for launch, most likely as a response to the shortages seen with Xbox Series X and PS5.

This seems to support previous rumors regarding the Nintendo Switch 2’s release date. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa pointed out that no new hardware would release during the current fiscal year in an interview with Bloomberg in May 2023.

This means that the Nintendo next-gen console will not release before March 2024. The earliest it could release would be April 2024.

Three players playing on a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch 2 Features

Though little is currently known regarding the features of the Nintendo Switch 2, recent rumors and leaks give a pretty good idea of what to expect from Nintendo’s next-gen console.

Just as with the first Nintendo Switch, its successor will also be a hybrid home/portable console, according to VGC’s sources.

LCD Screen

Multiple sources that spoke to VGC said that the Nintendo Switch 2 will have an LCD screen instead of an OLED screen. This is likely to cut production costs to account for the higher storage demands of contemporary consoles.

Nintendo Switch OLED screen

Physical Game Cartridges

The same source from VGC claims that the Nintendo’s next console will utilize physical cartridges, similar to the original Nintendo Switch.

This would provide players with both physical and digital options for purchasing games on the system.

Mario Odyssey being played in tabletop mode on the Nintendo Switch OLED

Backwards Compatibility

There is no concrete confirmation of backwards compatibility for the Nintendo Switch 2, but there has been some indication that this could be the case.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa expressed Nintendo’s desire to ensure a smooth transition for the Nintendo Switch’s current player base.

This somewhat goes against Nintendo’s usual trend of starting each generation anew. It suggests a strong desire to make the transition to the next generation as smooth as possible for players.