Technology
Nintendo Switch 2 release date, specs, features and price – everything we know so far
DESPERATE for a Nintendo Switch 2? The console sequel might arrive very soon.
Here’s our guide to the long-rumoured console.
A new Nintendo Switch might be on the way[/caption]
What is Nintendo Switch 2?
The original Nintendo Switch launched back in 2017, to phenomenal success.
Gamers were enamoured with the two-in-one console that worked as a handheld device – and plugged into the telly too.
The console is regularly sold out around Christmas, and is now one of the most recognisable gaming machines in the world.
So it’s no surprise that rumours of a Nintendo Switch 2 have been swirling for years.
The latest and possibly best evidence for a Nintendo Switch 2 is a recent Bloomberg report.
It claimed that a second, even better version of the Nintendo Switch is on the way.
You’ll be able to play exclusive Nintendo games on the console[/caption]
Nintendo Switch 2 specs and features
The console is expected to feature a larger OLED panel built by Samsung.
Unlike traditional LED-backlit LCD screens, an OLED display has pixels that illuminate themselves.
That means individual pixels can be turned on or off, allowing for deeper blacks, improved contrast and a wider range of colours.
And the lack of a large backlight creates energy savings too.
The screen is expected to come in at 7 inches from corner to corner, up from the current 6.2 inches.
Samsung is reportedly starting mass-production of the panels as early as June.
It’s reported that the new screen will offer a 720p HD resolution.
But the console will supposedly support 4K graphics when plugged into an Ultra HD TV.
“The OLED panel will consume less battery, offer higher contrast and possibly faster response time when compared to the Switch’s current liquid-crystal display,” said display expert Yoshio Tamura, speaking to Bloomberg.
It’s unclear if the new model will be branded as the Nintendo Switch 2, or land as more of a “quiet” upgrade.
Nintendo previously improved battery life on the Switch without introducing it as a separate model.
However, Nintendo did recently launch Switch Lite, which is a cheaper handheld-only version of the console.
The second-gen machine should dock to a TV just like the first[/caption]
Nintendo Switch 2 release date
We don’t know exactly when the console will be out – or even if it exists.
The best info comes from Bloomberg, which says Nintendo is aiming to launch in time for the holidays.
That likely means we’ll see something between September and December 2021.
It’s not too farfetched, given that Nintendo will want to better compete with the PS5 and Xbox this Christmas.
Nintendo Switch 2 price
We haven’t seen any high-grade leaks when it comes to the Nintendo Switch 2 price.
However, it’s easy to make some educated guesswork.
The current Nintendo Switch proper costs £279, while its cheaper Lite counterpart comes in at £199.
It’s unlikely that the Switch Lite is going away any time soon.
One option is that Nintendo simply swaps out the current Switch for the newer Switch, and keeps pricing the same.
However, parts for the new console won’t be cheap, especially if a new OLED screen is being added.
That could mean Nintendo brands the new model as “Switch Pro”, and aims for a price more akin to the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
That could see the Nintendo Switch 2/Pro costing between £400 and £500.
Of course, nothing is certain at this stage, so don’t panic about high pricing just yet.
Most read in Gaming
In other news, The Sun’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
Grab a VR headset and you’ll be able to play the legendary Beat Saber – like Guitar Hero, but with lightsabers.
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
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