Fans have been anticipating the release of Nintendo’s next-gen console, and now new alleged leaks have revealed some of the specs for the upcoming handheld. According to a recent report by VGC, the Switch 2 will be shipping with 512GB of internal storage.
The original Switch comes with just 32GB of internal memory, which fills up real fast. The internal storage on the new unit will be comparable to what is available in handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. However, the handheld console will still accept physical games via a cartridge slot according to sources.
During a recent podcast by YouTuber Nate the Hate, he speculated that the upcoming Switch 2 will have a 3D NAND flash card format. It should be significantly faster than what gamers currently have on the current-gen Switch.
Nate the Hate also shared that the upcoming Switch will feature an 8-inch LCD screen. It will also be comparable with rival handheld consoles. However, there is no word yet on the resolution or refresh rate of the display. For comparison, the Asus ROG Ally has a 1080p 120Hz screen while the Steam Deck has a 1280 × 800 60Hz touchscreen.
It is interesting that Nintendo would opt for an LCD screen compared to the more premium OLED found on the higher-end Switch. It may be a cost-cutting measure to make the upcoming console more appealing to fans. Higher fidelity games would also require increased storage capacity.
It is unclear if the Switch 2 will feature backward compatibility support for the original Switch games. However, Nintendo has made it clear that it wants to convert as many of its 100 million users to the next system. The new console may feature backward compatibility and upscaled graphics to win over fans.
The rumors suggest that the Switch 2 will be released in 2024. Nate shared that the console could potentially launch in September or October next year. Nintendo has reportedly already sent out devkits to partner studios. Console makers typically release devkits years ahead of the release of consoles in order to have launch day titles available for gamers.
Nintendo has so far refused to confirm the development of a next-generation console. However, during the recent FTC lawsuit hearing, Microsoft said that it plans to bring Call of Duty to the next-generation Nintendo platform. It was mentioned that the next generation console would be as powerful as a PlayStation 4.
Do you think the specs for the next-generation Nintendo Switch would entice gamers to upgrade? Let us know your thoughts on the rumored new console from Nintendo.
