It’s been more than seven years since the original Nintendo Switch hit the scene. Back then, no one could’ve guessed just how much it would shake things up. A hybrid console that let you play Zelda on your couch or a bus? Sounds cool now, but in 2017, it felt almost futuristic.
Fast forward to today, and the Switch is still kicking, but the wear is starting to show. Performance is lagging, third-party ports are getting rough around the edges, and gamers? Well, we’re ready for something new. That “something” is likely going to be the Switch 2 — or whatever Nintendo ends up calling it. And honestly, it’s about time.
But let’s not get caught up in hype for hype’s sake. What exactly is this new system going to offer? What needs to change? And what do we not want them to mess with?
The Original Switch Did a Lot Right — That’s the Bar
First off, respect where it’s due. The Switch changed the rules. It wasn’t trying to out-muscle PlayStation or Xbox. It didn’t have the most power, but it had the most flexibility. You could go from TV to handheld in seconds, play big games like Breath of the Wild or Mario Odyssey on the go, and even hand a Joy-Con to a friend for some Smash Bros. on a park bench. Wild.
Nintendo also crushed it with first-party games. Even if their online system felt stuck in 2008 and voice chat was weirdly awkward (remember the smartphone app?), the games delivered. And the sales reflected that — over 140 million units moved worldwide. That’s not just successful; that’s legendary.
But the tech is old now. The system launched with a chip that was already dated. You can feel it when you load newer titles or try to multitask. It’s time.
So What Should the Switch 2 Actually Be?
Let’s get one thing out of the way — Nintendo isn’t going to chase raw power. They never have. So if you’re hoping for a console that rivals a PS5 or high-end gaming PC, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
But that doesn’t mean the Switch 2 can’t be a serious step up. Here’s what it needs to really stick the landing.
1. Backward Compatibility Is Non-Negotiable
People have built entire libraries of Switch games — both digital and physical. If they can’t bring those to the new console, it’s going to sting. Losing progress, save data, or purchases in 2025? That’s not acceptable anymore.
Nintendo’s been tight-lipped, but the smart money says backward compatibility is on the table. If they mess this up, expect some serious backlash.
2. Better Performance — But Not Overkill
The current Switch can barely hold 30fps in some newer games. That’s not great. We don’t need it to push native 4K or ray tracing, but it needs smoother frame rates, faster load times, and overall more stability.
Rumors say Nintendo’s working with NVIDIA again, and DLSS upscaling might be part of the package. That’s a big deal — it means games could look sharper without burning through battery life.
3. A Nicer Screen — Especially in Handheld Mode
The OLED model was already a solid upgrade. But we’re hoping the new console comes standard with something similar — maybe even better. Slightly larger size, thinner bezels, higher resolution… it doesn’t need to be iPhone-tier, just sharper and easier on the eyes.
Since so many people primarily play handheld, it deserves the attention.
4. Stick With the Hybrid Design
This one’s obvious. Don’t mess with the formula. The magic of the Switch is in its versatility. People love that they can use it anywhere, anytime. Whatever Nintendo adds or changes, the hybrid design has to stay.
The Price Is Going to Matter
Let’s be honest — everything costs more now. If Nintendo tries to push the new Switch past $400, it’s going to face some resistance. Especially if it doesn’t launch with a killer title.
That said, people will pay more if the value is there. If it launches with a major first-party title, offers backward compatibility, and shows a real improvement in performance? That’s a strong pitch.
Games Will Make or Break the Launch
Nintendo has always had the edge here. When other consoles launch with tech demos, Nintendo comes in with something like Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If the new system drops with a major Mario, a follow-up to Odyssey, or even a brand-new IP, that’ll push units.
There’s also the possibility of enhanced ports — like an upgraded Tears of the Kingdom, or Metroid Prime 4, which has been floating in development limbo for years. Nintendo knows how to make a splash. They just have to deliver it at the right time.
Online Needs an Overhaul
This is the one area where Nintendo’s always been behind. Their online setup still feels like a work-in-progress. Friend codes, clunky apps, limited chat options — it doesn’t feel like a system built for modern online gaming.
If they want to keep pace, the Switch 2 needs better online features out of the box. Not just more servers — smoother matchmaking, smarter friends lists, and seamless updates.
Will It Be Called Switch 2?
Probably not. Nintendo has a history of playing it loose with names. Remember when people thought the Wii U was just an accessory? Branding matters, and Nintendo will need to make it crystal clear that this is a new system — not just a minor upgrade.
Whatever it’s called, they’ll need to communicate it better than they did with the Wii U. That confusion cost them dearly.
Timing the Launch Right
Most insiders expect the new console to drop in early to mid-2025. That gives Nintendo time to phase out the original model, build up a solid launch lineup, and avoid clashing with Sony or Microsoft’s next big moves.
There’s already talk of dev kits being sent to studios. That means games are in the works. The real question is when Nintendo will show their hand. A surprise reveal? A big E3-style event? They like to do things their own way, so don’t expect a traditional rollout.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 has the potential to be a true generational leap — not just in performance, but in how Nintendo thinks about gaming in 2025 and beyond. They’ve got the legacy, the fan base, and the innovation chops. What they need now is to avoid overcomplicating the formula.
Keep it simple. Make it faster. Let players bring their old games with them. Launch it with something huge. That’s it. That’s the move.
If Nintendo nails even half of that, they’ve got another runaway hit on their hands.