Various rumors and theories about the Nintendo Switch’s successor have been swirling for the past few years. However, with new console generations usually arriving every 5 to 7 years and the Switch launching in 2017, late 2024 to early 2025 would make sense for the next-gen release that’s tentatively being called the Switch 2. Additionally, the recent announcement of the first game for the Switch 2 gives more credibility to the various claims that an official announcement is imminent.
In recent days, the rumors have intensified following image and spec leaks on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). Conjecture suggests that Nintendo’s next console will closely resemble the original Switch but come with upgraded features and enhanced performance. Not only does this fuel anticipation of what the next evolution of the popular hybrid system could look like but some have gone so far as to claim that the Switch 2 will be equipped with two screens.
Rumors Suggest Dual-Screen Feature for Upcoming Switch 2 Debut
Nintendo May Be Repeating History With the Switch 2
The launch of the first Nintendo DS in 2004 stunned the gaming world with its innovative dual-screen design, a major departure from the single-screen Game Boy. The top screen served as the main display, while the bottom featured a touchscreen that could be used with either a finger or a stylus. This groundbreaking feature represented a significant leap in handheld gaming, helping the DS sell over 154 million units worldwide. It became the second best-selling gaming platform of all time, behind only the PlayStation 2, and remains one of Nintendo’s best handheld consoles. Now, history might be repeating itself.
This speculation is supported by Nintendo’s patent for a dual-screen device filed in 2023, though there were leaks as far back as 2020 that Nintendo was working on preliminary support for a new unannounced dual-screen model. However, it’s important to take both these bits of information with a grain of salt, as the Japanese multinational video game company frequently patents concepts that may never be released.
Switch 2 Rumors and Leaks Have Been Abundant
Regardless, if this theory proves genuine, the Switch 2 could become the equivalent of the DS to the original Switch’s Game Boy. On the other hand, it could be questionable whether such an addition is needed at this stage, aside from potentially enabling backward compatibility with DS and 3DS libraries. Given how the 2017 Switch was both simple and intuitive, adding another screen along with detachable Joy-Con controllers might end up feeling cumbersome.
Currently, the most credible Switch 2 rumors from X focus on its specs. These include, but may not necessarily encompass, the following features:
- Support for HDMI 2.1
- NVIDIA GMLX30-R-A1
- 12 GB of RAM (compared to 4 GB in the original Switch)
- 256 GB of internal storage (up from 32 GB in the original Switch)
- Two cooling fans
These specs may not be entirely accurate, but the highly detailed information regarding the PCB (printed circuit board) lends significant weight to this particular rumor.
With NVIDIA seemingly powering the device with its cutting-edge graphics technology and an 8-inch display, the console could feature impressive specs. Strikingly, if these details are accurate, the Switch 2 might offer performance comparable to a PlayStation 4 Pro. As expectations for the successor continue to grow, this would likely allow the Switch 2 to deliver a more immersive experience for its playerbase.
Interestingly, recent leaks of potential Switch 2 images suggest that the dual-screen format may have been abandoned or never seriously considered. After claims from a gaming accessories manufacturer alleging the authenticity of these images, it may be time for Nintendo to address the rumors. After all, an official announcement would help manage expectations and provide a clearer picture of what the next-generation console is intended to be.
