Nintendo's Next Move: Everything We Know About the 'Switch 2'

The Nintendo Switch has enjoyed a massive, record-breaking lifecycle, but the aging hardware is finally showing its limits. With competitors pushing high-end graphics and mobile tech advancing rapidly, all eyes are on Nintendo for the highly anticipated successor, colloquially dubbed the "Switch 2".

Hybrid Functionality Returns

According to the latest industry murmurs, Nintendo has zero intention of abandoning the hybrid console concept. The Switch 2 will remain a device you can seamlessly transition from the living room television to handheld mode on the go.

However, the screen is rumored to be receiving a massive upgrade. Expect an 8-inch LCD at launch (with an OLED model likely to follow later), offering brighter colors, thinner bezels, and potentially a 1080p native resolution in handheld mode.

Backwards Compatibility

One of the biggest concerns for current Switch owners is their massive library of digital and physical games. Fortunately, developers who have seen the hardware behind closed doors suggest that the new system is fully backwards compatible. Not only will your old games play on the new system, but many will receive automatic performance boosts thanks to the upgraded NVIDIA Tegra chip under the hood.

The Blockbuster Software Lineup

Nintendo rarely launches hardware without a stellar first-party lineup. Based on the latest developer whispers, here are the heavy hitters expected to anchor the system's first year:

• A Next-Gen 3D Mario: Speculation strongly suggests the launch window will feature a massive new 3D Mario adventure. Unlike Odyssey, rumors point to a fully open-world structure built from the ground up to showcase the system's enhanced draw distances and processing power.
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Originally teased for the base Switch, Beyond is now widely expected to be a cross-generation title. The Switch 2 version will reportedly run at a locked 60 FPS with significantly higher resolution textures.
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Returning to the Kalos region, Game Freak's next ambitious project is timed perfectly to take advantage of the Switch 2's hardware, promising a much smoother open-city experience than previous entries.

We expect an official reveal Direct later this year, with a projected launch in early spring. Stay tuned to Saints Gaming for all the latest updates!