Nintendo’s Switch successor console, referred to by many as the “Switch 2,” will feature magnetic Joy-Con controllers, backward compatibility, and a host of other new features, according to the latest batch of rumors.
These alleged details about the yet-to-be-revealed device first showed up from Spanish outlet Vandal and were later cooperated by third-party Switch accessory manufacturer Mobapad. They say that the console will swap away from the railed lock method used by the current Switch and its Joy-Cons in favor of larger, electromagnetic suction controllers. If the rumors are accurate, players can also expect metal SL and SR buttons as well as one additional new button on the side of each controller. Mobapad adds that the new controllers will still feature HD rumble.
Nintendo hasn’t officially pulled back the curtain on the Switch 2, much less confirmed what kind of controllers it will support. If the rumors are to be believed, it sounds like players will at least be able to continue using their old Joy-Cons and Pro-Controllers as well as their original physical and digital Switch games. It would no doubt be nice to head into another Nintendo generation with some degree of backward compatibility, though its unclear how or if the old Joy-Cons would be able to pair with the magnetic new console.
Mobapad claims that the Switch 2 will continue to support USB-C, with its dock said to feature minor changes to its appearance while delivering 4K resolution. The site also references the new dock’s adjustable “damping bracket on the back,” though it is possible they are talking about the Switch 2’s kickstand. The device’s screen is said to be an eight-inch display that supports 1080p resolution.
Nintendo’s Switch successor hasn’t been revealed, but numerous reports have stated that the console is just on the horizon. VGC reported last year that Nintendo was targeting a 2024 launch for its new gaming tech. However, a Nikkei report from February said that Nintendo was planning to launch in March 2025 instead in order to combat potential scalpers.
Again, it’s unclear if today’s rumors are accurate, so it’s best to take everything with a grain of salt until Nintendo gives us something official to chew on. For more on the Switch 2, be sure to check out everything else we know about Nintendo’s hardware before we (hopefully) learn more about it soon. You can also check out what we’re hoping to see from the device when it’s eventually revealed.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
