Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Need to Know About the Switch Successor

Nintendo developed the Nintendo Switch, a global video game console that was released on March 3, 2017. Arriving amidst the eighth generation of home consoles, it succeeded the Wii U and found itself competing with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One. It has also encountered rivalry from the ninth generation consoles, including Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S and Sony's PlayStation 5.

In that scenario, the anticipation for a successor to the Nintendo Switch has been escalating. Fortunately, there's some promising news. These tools will provide insights into the prospective Nintendo Switch successor - the Nintendo Switch 2. Let's delve in!

When is the Nintendo Switch 2 Being Released?

Previous rumors suggested that Nintendo planned to release a new console towards the end of 2024; however, the company has not officially commented on these reports until now. The situation has shifted, as Nintendo has confirmed that an announcement regarding the new console will be made within the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.

Based on the announcement and release timeline of the original Nintendo Switch, it seems reasonable to infer that the new iteration will launch sometime later in the year. This aligns with earlier rumors from the Japanese publication Nikkei, which suggested that the console is expected to debut in 2025.

What Are the Expected Specifications and Features of Switch 2?

Rumors suggest that the Switch 2 will feature an 8-inch LCD screen with 1080P resolution. The most recent speculation about potential Nintendo Switch 2 specifications stems from a spec sheet created by "RedGamingTech," also known as Paul Eccleston, a YouTube content creator.

According to this specification sheet, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature 64GB of internal eMMC storage, 8GB of RAM, and an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor. This would still represent a power upgrade over the current Nintendo Switch models, although not as substantial as the PS5 or Xbox Series X. It also suggests that the Switch 2 might boast enhanced battery life, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 7-inch OLED display, which goes against previous rumors that we might see a mini-LED display for the screen.

According to some manufacturers, Switch 2 continues to support the existing Joy-Con and Pro gamepads, still equipped with an ALPS two-axis linear motor, supporting HD vibration. It retains a Type-C interface at the base for charging and supports 4K picture output. The back of Switch 2 features a damping stand, allowing for a wider adjustment range.

How Much Will Switch 2 Cost? The cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 (or its official name, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model) varies depending on the region and retailer. As of my knowledge update in October 2021, the suggested retail price for the Nintendo Switch OLED Model was $349.99 in the United States, €349.99 in Europe, and £309.99 in the United Kingdom. Please note that prices may fluctuate due to currency exchange rates, local taxes, or special promotions. It's always a good idea to check with official retailers or online marketplaces for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Official pricing information for the Switch 2 or Switch Pro has not been announced yet. Rumors speculate that the standard model might be priced at $299, while the OLED variant could be priced at $349. Considering that the Switch 2 is expected to come with upgraded hardware, the actual asking price might be higher than these estimates.

Rumors speculate that the standard model might be priced at $449, while a digital-only variant could cost $400. If these rumors prove accurate, it would represent a substantial price hike; however, it would still be more affordable than certain competing handheld devices, such as the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck.

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Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Be Backward Compatible?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 will indeed be backward compatible, allowing you to play games from previous console generations. This is great news for those who aren't planning to upgrade to the Switch 2 right away. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa revealed in an interview with Nikkei (as reported by VGC) that the company intends to support the existing Nintendo Switch until at least 2025.

In a Nintendo financial results announcement at the end of FY22, however, Shuntaro Furukawa did provide a little more insight. He stated that the company is "focusing on building lasting relationships with our customers (through Nintendo Accounts)." The aim is to "preserve connections across hardware generations through services that utilise Nintendo Accounts, and by giving consumers opportunities to engage with our IP through non-gaming avenues, while also releasing new Nintendo Switch games for them to enjoy."

Although reports about the Nintendo Switch 2 specifications do suggest that the future console will keep the cartridge slot, you should be able to play your physical Switch games on the Switch 2 once it's released. This at least implies some form of digital backward compatibility.

What Are the Expected Nintendo Switch 2 Games Lineup?

While specific Switch games remain unconfirmed, several possibilities are looming on the horizon. Expected titles include Metroid Prime 4, Pokemon, Luigi's Mansion 4, Fallout 4, and Helldivers 2, which might launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 upon its release. Notably, the Switch 2 is expected to be backward compatible, enabling players to enjoy existing Switch games on the new console.

How to Backup Nintendo Switch Game Saves

If you're a member, you can upload your game saves to the Cloud to back them up on your Nintendo Switch. Here are the detailed steps: 1. Ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. 2. Go to the HOME Menu on your Switch. 3. Select 'System Settings' (the gear icon). 4. In the System Settings menu, scroll down and choose 'Data Management'. 5. From there, select 'Save Data Cloud'. 6. If you're not already logged in, sign in to your Nintendo Account. 7. Choose the game for which you want to backup the save data. 8. Press 'Upload Save Data' to start the uploading process. 9. Wait for the upload to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of your save file and your internet speed. 10. Once completed, your game save will be stored in the Cloud. You can download it later if needed. Please note that Save Data Cloud backup is a feature available with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

1️⃣ To back up game save data via the software menu:

1. Step 1. Open your game's software menu and choose Save Data Cloud Backup.
2. Step 2. Select the desired user, then choose Back Up Save Data.

2️⃣To back up game save data from System Settings: Go to your device's System Settings. Navigate to the 'Data Management' or 'Storage' section. Select 'Backup and Restore' or a similar option. Choose 'Backup' and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the backup process for your game save data. Ensure that your device is connected to the internet and has enough storage space for the backup. Wait for the backup to complete. Once finished, your game save data will be safely stored in the cloud or on your device's backup location, depending on your system's configuration.

Step 1: On the HOME Menu, select System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup. Step 2: Choose the desired user, then click on the software you wish to back up and select Back Up Save Data.

3️⃣To back up game save data using professional backup software: To ensure the safety and security of your game progress, using a dedicated backup tool can be highly beneficial. Here's a general process for backing up your game save data with professional software: 1️⃣ **Select a reliable backup software:** Choose a reputable backup application that supports game save backup, such as tools Todo Backup or GameSave Manager. 2️⃣ **Install and launch the software:** Download the chosen software from its official website and install it on your computer. Run the program. 3️⃣ **Connect your gaming device:** Connect your console or gaming device to your computer via USB, Wi-Fi, or any other supported method. 4️⃣ **Locate game save files:** The software should automatically detect your connected device and its saved games. If not, manually navigate to the folder where your game saves are stored. 5️⃣ **Select the game saves to backup:** Choose the specific game save data you want to backup. Some software may allow you to select multiple saves or entire game profiles. 6️⃣ **Choose a backup location:** Decide where you want to store your backed-up game saves. It could be an external hard drive, a network location, or cloud storage. 7️⃣ **Initiate the backup process:** Click on the 'Backup' or 'Start' button to begin the process. The software will copy your game save data to the designated location. 8️⃣ **Verify the backup:** Once the process is complete, check the backup location to ensure the game save files are there and intact. 9️⃣ **Regularly update backups:** To keep your progress safe, remember to create new backups periodically, especially after significant milestones or accomplishments in the game. ? **Restore backups when needed:** In case of data loss, simply use the backup software to restore your saved game data to your gaming device. Remember that the exact steps may vary depending on the backup software you choose. Always refer to the software's user manual or online support for detailed instructions.

However, some users reported that they couldn't upload to the cloud and weren't willing to pay for the membership. In such cases, you can try using a free backup software - like Todo Backup - to assist in backing up your Switch save data. To do this, you'll need to remove the SD card from the Switch, connect it to your computer, and then download and run the backup software.

Todo Backup is a complimentary, versatile backup and recovery tool designed for both Windows and Mac computers. It facilitates automatic backup of game saves to the Cloud, external drives, NAS devices, and secure zones. Moreover, it offers incremental backups, scheduled backups, and differential backups to cater to your diverse requirements. For more information on incremental backups, you can refer to this article.

Once you've created a backup using Todo Backup, you can restore it whenever necessary. It also enables you to easily perform disk cloning to upgrade your Switch's storage.

To conclude

Ever since the original release of the Nintendo Switch console in 2017, enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the next generation, whether it be referred to as the Switch 2, New Nintendo Switch, Switch Pro, or another name altogether. This article delves into details about the Nintendo Switch 2, including its anticipated release date, specifications, pricing, leaks, upcoming games, and more. There is a great deal of excitement surrounding what this new iteration will bring to the gaming world.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the latest upcoming Nintendo console?

It is rumored that Nintendo plans to release the successor to the Switch in 2025, although details about its name and specifications have not been disclosed yet.

2. Will the Nintendo Switch 2 support 4K resolution?

According to some reports, the Switch will feature 64 GB of internal eMMC storage, 8 GB of RAM, an octa-core Cortex-A78AE processor, enhanced battery life, a 120Hz refresh rate, a 7-inch OLED display, a Type-C interface, and 4K output resolution.

3. Can the Nintendo Switch 2 have VR support?

Nintendo has experimented with Virtual Reality (VR) technology through its Nintendo Labo platform, but delivering a genuinely immersive VR experience similar to Sony's PSVR 2 would necessitate more robust hardware. However, it's not entirely out of the question.