Last Friday, we brought you Leaked dimensions of the next Nintendo Switch From the most likely source so far: a “3D scan of the actual hardware” obtained by case maker Dbrand. But case makers are not like that Only Source of leak.
A Redditor named “nexthandheld” claim to see and touch An actual final retail unit of the Nintendo Switch 2. I talked to them, and I've heard and seen enough now that I think they may be legit.
Specifically, I've seen two photos of a potential Nintendo Switch 2 dock and a photo Inside A possible Switch 2 controller rail, covered with certification logos and with exposed copper contacts, showing its metal kickstand hinge open at an angle. In particular, the dock was No Included in the 3D scans being circulated among case manufacturers.
If NextHandheld is telling the truth, we now know a lot more about Nintendo's next console. For example: As much as we'd love to call it the “Super Nintendo Switch,” it'll probably be introduced as nintendo switch 2,
name and date
Officially, Nintendo is simply calling it “the successor to the Nintendo Switch”, and has promised to formally announce the new console soon. By 31 March 2025and revealed that it would be backward compatible With original Switch games.
Unofficially, NextHandheld's source has heard it could be announced in January – and has shared what they claim is direct evidence. The Verge That it's the Nintendo Switch 2. I saw a picture of a dock that had the same logo as the original Nintendo Switch, only with 2 attached.
it wasn't far According to this Redditor,
And while NextHandheld says they're “disappointed” that the dock doesn't have more ports than the original — two USB-A, one HDMI, one Ethernet, and one USB-C presumably used for its power brick — it could be the one apart Roll up its sleeves.
Magnetic controller – finally with drift-resistant joystick
In April, spanish pub vandal (which was correctly reported Small details of Switch OLED ahead of launch) reported that, incredibly, Nintendo could replace the Switch's controller rails magnets So that your Joy-Cons magically fall into place.
Today, this no longer seems incredible, because the picture I saw of the joystick rail area shows no rail at all: it's just a long, circular, hollow area with a 13-pin connector that fits into the Joy-Con. It is possible , NextHandheld says there's a physical magnetic click when you pair them, and you'll press a very large button on the controller, which is physically attached to a magnet, to release. (You can see mockups of such buttons In our dbrand story,
More importantly, the Nintendo Switch 2 may finally be getting rid of it The infamous “Joy-Con drift” that haunts its controllers to this dayNextHandheld claims the controllers will have magnetic Hall effect joysticks, which don't have the same deteriorating sensor materials and can be easily recalibrated.
a U-shaped kickstand
The original Nintendo Switch had a small, easily dislodged gumstick on the kickstand, and the Switch OLED had a wide, flat plate. But according to a photo shared with me by NextHandheld, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a U-shaped rail of a kickstand.
I understand that the 3D CAD file also shows a U-shape – and case manufacturers have started sharing images of similar U-shaped kickstands as well. But it looks like it might be stronger than some of the mockups floating around:
Extra power when docked?
Once upon a time, there was Nintendo Reportedly planning to release a Nintendo Switch Prowhich will output 4K graphics when docked to your TV, At least partially thanks to Nvidia's DLSS AI upscalingThat didn't happen, but the Nintendo Switch 2's dock may be designed to make the handheld run a little faster.
On Reddit, NextHandheld cryptically teased that asking if the dock has a fan was “the right question” and in a photo shared with The VergeI can see that the alleged dock has big legs go back, These are positioned in such a way that they can lie horizontally without blocking a set of vents.
Although I don't think you would have intentionally placed it on its back, as the handheld could fall out of the fully open slot on top, I can imagine Nintendo wanting to make sure it wouldn't fall out if you accidentally dropped it. The console should not overheat.
Interestingly, NextHandheld says the dock is rated for 60W, while the Switch 2 is rated for 45W, which if true would both be significantly more than the original. The original Switch had an unusual 39W charger for both docked and handheld modes, providing only up to 18W for handheld.
a lot of things we still don't know
you can dig NextHandheld's Reddit comments or read This initial summary For more possible details about the new console. But the Redditor clearly states that he never needed to turn on the handheld or play any games. They don't know if the Switch 2 can play original Switch cartridges or only digital Switch 1 games. They don't know whether it has a microphone, or a camera, or how much storage space it has, or its display, or its alleged 8-inch screen, or anything about its launch titles.
They do say it will launch in dark gray, though, like the original Nintendo Switch, and will be followed by a white model, and themed with a Nintendo game that hasn't gotten a themed Switch yet. And, they are the latest to possibly confirm a new second USB-C port on the top, although this was apparently revealed in a 3D scan.
If it's true that Nintendo will announce the Switch 2 in January, you won't have to wait long for more answers – or to find out if these are true at all.