Will the Switch 2 be Handheld?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to maintain the handheld/home console hybrid design of its predecessor, according to recent patents and reports, suggesting that portability will remain a key feature of the new console. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the Switch 2 is likely to prioritize both power and portability to compete with other major consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox.

Related FAQs

General Information

1. Will Nintendo make a new handheld?: While an upgrade is long due, there needs to be concrete information about the launch or specifications, with the most current information indicating that Nintendo does not plan to release a new handheld before Spring 2024.
2. How many more years will Switch last?: The Switch seems due for some sort of upgrade, but according to Nintendo, the Switch’s life cycle could be as long as 10 years.
3. Will there be a new Switch in 2024?: The next Nintendo console has been sent to developers ahead of a public release in 2024, indicating a potential launch of the Switch 2 within the year.

Technical Specifications

4. How will Switch 2 be different?: The upgraded Nintendo hardware might have features including 4K output, improved processing power offering improved frame rates for existing titles, and more.
5. Will Switch 2 be 4K?: The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to be capable of running The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild at 4K 60FPS and supports Nvidia DLSS upscaling technology.
6. What chip will the Switch 2 use?: The current rumor is that the Nintendo Switch 2 could employ a customized version of Nvidia’s Jetson Orin, specifically the T239, a custom-made version of the vanilla T234.

Market and Release

7. Will there be a new Nintendo console in 2025?: The shift from “focus” to “support” for the Switch implies that a new console will launch in Nintendo’s next fiscal year, so between April 2024 and March 2025.
8. Is the Switch dying out?: Unless Nintendo has serious plans hidden away, there is no way the Switch is dead pre-2030, with potential releases like Switch Lite 2.0 and/or Switch Pro extending its lifespan until at least 2026-2028.
9. How much will Switch 2 cost?: The digital-only model of the Switch 2 is expected to retail at $400, while the standard edition will be $50 more expensive.

Handheld Gaming

10. Is handheld gaming the future?: The industry is seeing a new chapter in console wars with renewed development of the handheld gaming access ecosystem, with companies like Nintendo, PlayStation, Valve, Microsoft, ASUS, Lenovo, and Qualcomm bringing new dedicated and companion handheld devices to market.
11. What is the oldest Nintendo handheld?: Nintendo is credited with popularizing the handheld console concept with the release of the Game Boy in 1989 and continues to dominate the handheld console market.

Current Switch Models

12. Is OLED Switch worth it?: The slightly larger screen and vibrant colors make playing in handheld mode even better, but if you already have a Switch, it may be hard to justify the upgrade unless you plan on playing in handheld mode frequently.
13. Is Switch Lite worth it?: The Switch Lite costs two-thirds the price of the Switch and is an amazing deal if all you want is to play Nintendo’s latest games on a handheld, but it isn’t for you if you want to play those games on your TV.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

14. Why is Nintendo Switch dying?: As with most lithium-ion batteries, the console battery life will gradually decrease over time, but this is normal and does not represent an issue with the console or with the battery.
15. Will Nintendo Switch freeze?: If your console has frozen and is unresponsive, press and hold the POWER Button for at least 12 seconds to turn the console completely off, then press the POWER Button again to turn the console on, resolving the issue.