Nintendo Finally Sets A Date. Sort Of.
On January 16th, Nintendo released their video, unveiling their next console generation. The Nintendo Switch 2 has been rumored for years, with not much information about it besides how it looks compared to the original Switch and that it would have backward compatibility with classic Switch games. Well, now we can lay the rumors to rest…mostly.
In Nintendo’s latest announcement video, we were given the date for their official Nintendo Direct, which will showcase the Switch 2 specifically. Those interested should tune in on April 2nd, 2025, for the full breakdown of the anticipated system.
Will It Be Better Than The Original?
I have a few hopes for Nintendo’s latest console. What games will launch with it? Will it have cloud gaming similar to the PS Portal? But most importantly, how much will it cost??
Nintendo is in the perfect position to announce a game like Metroid Prime 4 as a launch title. Something I know many of us have been wanting but is wishful thinking at best. While I would love a full Metroid Prime Trilogy remake or Metroid Dread sequel, we know how Nintendo likes to operate. Most likely, we will see an updated Splatoon 3, a new Mario game, and more details on the upcoming Pokemon Z-A.
The Switch 2 being a portable console, has very little competition, with only the PS Portal as its main contender. While being different in what each handheld is focused on, the portal is steadily expanding into being a stand-alone handheld focused on cloud gaming with the capability of being able to play games in 1080p at 60fps and an 8” LCD screen. The Switch 2 most likely exceeds the PS Portal in some realms, with the former having launched in March of 2017.
The original Switch specs did leave us begging for more as the console aged, getting left behind by the Xbox Series X and PS5. While Nintendo did release the Switch OLED, it did little to satisfy players. The Switch playing games in 720p at 30fps is no longer seen as acceptable among the more hardcore gamers despite how fun the games are. It was not the best we could get. Hopefully, it can be a great challenger to the PS Portal and the future rumored PS Vita 2 console.
How Much Will The Switch 2 Cost?
Honestly, no one knows
The Switch launched with a price tag of 299.99 USD. Being the cheapest console of the last generation and has held its value throughout the years thanks to the amazing library that has been released over the years. Now, with an increased size and possibly better specs than we saw in the PS4 Pro, the Switch 2 might come at a slightly higher price, with rumors predicting a $399 price point.
The lack of information on the price also saw Nintendo stocks take a hit as well as the constant lack of transparency from Nintendo about the Switch 2 has put investors on edge. It, however, could be argued that this is intentional on Nintendo’s part to help combat scalpers by limiting their ability to prepare beforehand and buying up the stock in attempts to resell it above market price.
Nintendo knows they have a dedicated fan base in the market, and I doubt the price will reach anywhere the PS5 or Xbox Series S/X did. But we will need to wait until April 2nd for all of our questions to be answered during the Nintendo Direct. For more topics like this be sure to check out the GZ Chop Shop Gaming Podcast
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