The Nintendo Switch has been a dominant force in the gaming industry for nearly a decade, coming close to a staggering 150 million units sold globally. Eight years is a significant lifespan for a gaming console, leading us to predict that a new release is imminent.

Indeed, we suspect that the announcement of the successor to the Nintendo Switch could be just around the corner. This prediction is fueled by a recent surge in insider leaks and reliable news reports hinting at an imminent reveal of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While there’s always a chance that these rumors could be unfounded, we’re betting on the likelihood of a big reveal soon.

Assuming we’re on the cusp of a major announcement, here’s a rundown of what you need to know about the potential unveiling of the Switch 2, as well as some expectations for the new console.

Unveiling the Nintendo Switch 2: When and what can we expect?

Let’s start with the less exciting news: The exact date for the reveal of the Switch 2 remains elusive. Furthermore, “Switch 2” is currently a placeholder name based on speculation. Nonetheless, we are confident in its existence and that we’ll be seeing it sooner rather than later. Nintendo confirmed back in May 2024 that a “successor to Nintendo Switch” will be announced before the end of the fiscal year.

If you’re wondering why we haven’t heard anything yet given that it’s 2025, remember that Nintendo’s fiscal year ends on March 31, 2025. This is the deadline for the unveiling of Nintendo Switch 2.

However, we expect an announcement from Nintendo about the Switch 2 much sooner. Credible sources, including reputable media outlets like VGC and The Verge as well as established podcast Nate the Hate, are indicating that we may see the Switch 2 as early as Thursday, Jan. 16. These reports suggest a hardware-focused reveal that emphasizes the existence of the Switch 2, rather than its gaming capabilities.

The same sources indicate a second event in February or March to showcase the system’s software. This approach mirrors the original launch of the Switch, which was announced with a concise trailer in Oct. 2016, followed by a detailed software-focused event in Jan. 2017, and finally hitting store shelves in March 2017.

What sets the Nintendo Switch 2 apart from its predecessor?

Without an official announcement from Nintendo, it’s challenging to provide a concrete description of the Switch 2. However, based on numerous leaks and reports, we can sketch a reasonable picture of what to expect.

Most are predicting that the Switch 2 will be a more potent version of the Nintendo Switch. This implies that the Switch 2 will maintain the popular hybrid design of its predecessor, with detachable Joy-Con controllers and a dock for TV output. This expectation was recently fueled by accessory company Genki, who showcased a theoretical model of the device at CES earlier this month.

According to this model, the Switch 2 will be larger than the original Switch, featuring a more substantial display to match its increased size. The Joy-Cons are expected to attach magnetically this time, as opposed to the previous rail-based system. Leaked internal specifications suggest the new console will boast 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch’s 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

Potential game lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2

The game lineup for the Switch 2 is even more speculative at this point. Reports suggest potential launch games may include Mario Kart 9, Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, Final Fantasy VII: Remake, and possibly Red Dead Redemption 2 as per a separate leak.

If these titles don’t excite you, remember that they are only rumors and likely represent just a fraction of the games that will be available for the Switch 2. The focus on visually impressive AAA games is likely Nintendo’s attempt to demonstrate the hardware capabilities of the new console. Keep in mind, the first third-party game demonstrated on the original Switch was Skyrim, a title that was six years old at the time.