Nintendo has finally announced the launch of its latest console, the Switch 2 on Thursday, following a frenzy of leaks and speculation.

For weeks, the gaming community was abuzz with rumours and photographs reportedly divulging details about the successor to the extremely successful Nintendo Switch. Now, with an official unveiling, Nintendo has verified some of the expected features while keeping many specifics under wraps.

The newly introduced Switch 2 retains the classic style of its predecessor, incorporating detachable controllers, but provides a bigger screen for a greater gaming experience.

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The news came via a brief video, which also teased exciting new components including a potential new Mario Kart game, magnetic Joy-Con attachments, and enhanced joysticks. However, critical information such as pricing and an exact release date remain hidden.

Nintendo has scheduled a more in-depth display, termed a “Nintendo Direct,” for April 2, where these specifics will be unveiled.

One confirmed feature is backward compatibility; the Switch 2 will support games from the original Switch, although not all titles will be guaranteed compatibility.

By remaining hybrid and serving as a portable device in addition to a home console when connected to a TV, the Switch 2 carries on the tradition of adaptability that made the original Switch so popular.

Sales of 143 million units of original Nintendo Switch 

Sales of the original Nintendo Switch reached 143 million units by September 2024, solidifying its status as one of the most successful consoles ever.

Following the Wii U’s poor sales, which raised questions about Nintendo’s hardware future, this success followed. But thanks to critically acclaimed in-house games like the breakout hit “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and new Mario and Zelda titles, the Switch helped the company regain its market share during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

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The industry saw a surge in portable gaming innovation as a result of Nintendo’s strategy with the Switch, with rivals like Valve following suit with their Steam Deck and Sony and Microsoft reportedly following suit.

The Switch 2 is highly anticipated, and Nintendo has made sure to learn from previous console launch problems, such as those experienced by the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 during the worldwide microchip shortage.

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stressed the value of having enough launch units to avoid scalping, a tactic meant to satisfy the anticipated demand.

The gaming community is now anxiously anticipating Nintendo’s April Direct to learn more about what might be yet another revolutionary development in the console market.