Right now, there are two things that are certain right now. One is, the Nintendo Switch is about to turn eight years old this year, and secondly, this year, Nintendo has officially Revealed the Switch 2 on its near eighth anniversary. The truth is, the development and the eventual reveal of the switch 2 has been in the making for some years now by Nintendo, with constant rumors an leaks about the Switch 2 going on for quite some time now. Finally, on January 16, 2025, the Switch has been officially revealed at long last. Interestingly, though, the reveal for the Switch 2 by Nintendo was notably moderate and more quiet compared to last time when the first Switch was revealed back in 2016.

One of the notable things I have noticed about the Switch 2 is how generational jump from the earlier generation to the next one is modest. In fact, I’ll argue that the Switch 2 has probably been Nintendo’s least big leap from its old gen to new gen. First, I will start with the design. As you can see, the design of the Switch 2 looks basically akin to the first switch. The entire shape and design is the same, with only some notable differences. First, you can see that the once colored blue and red Switch joy cons are now colored completely colored in carbon black. The blue and red, they are now instead colored around the analog sticks of the Switch 2. It seems like the design is trying to emulate the OLED aesthetic.

Secondly, The Switch 2 is obviously bigger than the original switch and as well as the newer Switch model that was released back in 2021. Judging from the trailer, it seems like Nintendo has added some new hardware features to the Switch 2 model. Unlike the earlier first Switch, the Switch 2 now officially has two USB-C ports now. One is located at the top and the other at the boom.

Earlier features that the Switch had has continued onto the Switch 2, like a headphone jack, and importantly accepting physical cartridges. Also, that’s not all. More details show that the Switch 2 has backwards compatibility, making it a HUGE win for Switch veterans like myself, and for an overwhelming amount of others that own a Nintendo Switch. Last time, when the original Switch was released, it lacked backwards compatibility with the Wii U, and the virtual console system featured for the Wii and Wii U was basically nonexistent for the Switch. Although their shape is basically the same as the original switch, it now has a different docking pin connector and magnetically snap onto the console or controller accessory. (R.I.P. Sliding Switch joy cons.)

Also, from what it seems like, it looks like a new Mario Kart game is in the works. Mario Kart 9. With this, it would be the first time in a decade that a new Mario Kart game would be release, as the last time a brand new Mario Kart installment was released for a Nintendo system, was way back in 2014. Except for Mario Kart 8 deluxe in 2017, and Mario Kart Tour in 2019.

According to the info at the end of the video, Nintendo will be hosting a Nintendo direct for more details specifically about the Switch 2. Hopefully we will know more about it. With the upcoming games, more hardware and software information, and the price of the Switch 2. I expect flagship franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon will soon show up.

What do you guys think? Are you excited about the Nintendo Switch 2? Are you looking ahead to it? Will you buy it? How hyped are you for it? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more content!

Sources: CNET, Nintendo of America