Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch – 3 Rumored Upgrades That Will Make Me Buy On Day One

On December 25, 2024By Littum

Nintendo Switch 2 rumors have been popping up all year long, but in recent weeks online speculation has gone into overdrive. Right now, we’re getting new (unverified) leaks and alleged insiders commenting on the currently unannounced console almost every single day. It feels like we’re getting very close to an official reveal of the Switch 2, which could come as early as January.

If the Nintendo Switch 2’s confirmation is indeed imminent then we’ll soon know exactly what Nintendo has been up to and it’s been a long time coming, I love the Nintendo Switch but after eight years (and after recently getting my hands on a Steam Deck) , I’m ready for a new console. The current Switch is showing its age and can’t keep up with the PS5 or Xbox Series X or even the Xbox Series S.

As mentioned there is very of Switch 2 rumors out there right now, so look at what the console could be according to these unsubstantiated whispers, these are the three rumored upgrades that excite me the most. And if these rumors turn out to be accurate, I’ll be joining the throngs of Nintendo fans trying to lock down a Switch 2 pre-order (probably) sometime in early 2025.

An improved design

Nintendo Switch 2 rendering design

(Image credit: Deck Wizard on X)

My colleague Scott Younker recently expressed disappointment with rumors that Nintendo doesn’t want to shake up the Nintendo Switch’s design philosophy with its follow-up hardware. But for me it was exactly what I wanted to hear.

I have previously written about my concerns that Nintendo could “Wii U Everything” with the Switch 2 and make unnecessary changes to a very appealing core design, but based on various console models floating around the web, it looks like Nintendo’s approach may be a refresh rather than a revolution.

In recent weeks, a slew of Switch 2 renders and mock-ups have surfaced online, including from accessory maker Dbrand, which revealed its not-so-subtly named “Killswitch 2” case it might be our first proper tease of what the console will look like. And well, if these rumors are accurate, the Switch 2 looks a lot like the first generation Nintendo Switch. The only major addition at first glance appears to be a new button on the right Joy-Con. Exactly what this button is for is a mystery, but some renderings have it marked with a “C”.

One area of the console that could be more significantly tweaked is the Switch’s docking station. An online render (see image above) shows a slimmer dock that allows part of the Switch’s screen to be visible even when the device is docked. Perhaps this could enable dual-screen capabilities that let the Switch 2 display key information even when connected to a television.

Expect a significant Switch 2 performance boost

A reported mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: SwitchUp)

It goes without saying, but Nintendo’s next console will almost certainly be more powerful than the current Nintendo Switch. So while a performance boost is somewhat of a given, I personally hope it will be a significant upgrade. I recently got my hands on a Steam Deck, and after being able to play blockbuster titles like Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2 on the go, it’s hard to go back to the Switch, which can occasionally struggle to run much less demanding titles at a reasonable resolution and a reliable framerate.

There’s little chance that the Nintendo Switch 2 will match the raw graphical power of the recently released PS5 Pro, but a rumor back in May claimed that Switch 2 will be three times stronger than its predecessor. According to the source, the Switch 2 will pack 12GB of RAM, a big increase from the 4GB on the current Switch models. It runs on an NVIDIA Tegra 239 CPU and supports NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction. This extra power would be a very welcome upgrade over the current Switch.

One area where the Switch 2 could be downgraded from the current Switch lineup is its display. VGC claims that The Switch 2 does not include an OLED screen like the Nintendo Switch OLED and will instead stick to an LCD found on the regular Switch (and Nintendo Switch Lite). This would probably keep production costs down, but I’d be disappointed as OLED is simply better.

Switch 2 can revamp the Joy-Con controllers

Joy-Cons

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A persistent Switch 2 rumor has been the claim that Nintendo’s next console will make a major change to the Joy-Con controllers, specifically how they connect to the console’s head unit. I’ve always felt the connection points on the current Switch console feel flimsy, and let’s not forget that users accidentally attaching the Joy-Con strap backwards was such a problem at launch that Nintendo had to create a dedicated support page for the question.

Various rumors have suggested that the Nintendo Switch 2 will use a magnetic system for its Joy-Con controllers (and a recent YouTube video perhaps even given us a first look at the system in operation). Like the current rail system, there will be a trigger button on the back of each Joy-Con. This certainly seems like an upgrade to me, and hopefully an electromagnetic connection will feel more robust and secure when you grip the switch.

Another change reportedly coming to the Joy-Cons will be a slight increase in size and a more rounded design. I don’t have particularly large hands, but even I have found the current Switch controllers somewhat uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. If this rumor is correct, it would be another small but potentially impactful change and make the console feel more premium.