Nintendo fans are eagerly waiting for news of the next console, colloquially dubbed the Switch 2, and recent leaks and patents have only heightened the anticipation. A new patent surfaced recently, indicating Nintendo's efforts to integrate advanced image upscaling technology, potentially similar to NVIDIA's DLSS. This could mean optimized performance for games on the upcoming console, allowing images to upscale from 540p all the way to 4K resolution.
Filed back in July 2023, this patent hints at significant advancements over the original Switch. The potential of upscaling technology could allow for smaller game files, meaning developers could create experiences with rich visuals without the extensive storage requirements seen today. For example, rather than needing 60GB for native 4K, games could operate at approximately 20GB with upscaled resolution — aligning perfectly with Nintendo’s historical reliance on cartridge storage.
The success of the Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 146 million units, set high expectations for its successor. The hybrid console emerged as a gaming giant following the less favorable reception of the Wii U, and it has generated multiple critically acclaimed titles. Nevertheless, many gamers, including some long-time Nintendo fans, have begun calling for more powerful hardware to meet modern gaming standards.
One such fan, reflecting on the Switch's technical limitations, wrote of their experience with the console and lamented the performance issues seen with titles such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. "What should’ve been Game Freak’s magnum opus turned out to be a performance PR nightmare," they stated. This sentiment resonates with many users accustomed to high-definition gaming standards on other consoles, where smooth graphics and performance are now commonplace.
Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s president, confirmed earlier this month the upcoming console will support backward compatibility, though the specifics remain somewhat unclear. Whether backward compatibility involves only downloadable software or also accommodates physical cartridges is still up for debate. This feature could prove to be pivotal, particularly for players who have built expansive libraries of games on the current Switch.
With industry sources indicating the next console might be formally announced before April 2025, and rumors swirling about potential launch titles, enthusiasts are curious what other franchises will debut alongside the Switch 2. Speculations suggest the next Pokemon installment, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, may launch with the Switch 2, providing fans with something fresh right out of the gate.
And it’s not just Pokémon—rumors spot new Zelda games, potentially set to capitalize on the new hardware's capabilities as well. A fresh installment to the beloved Mario Kart series is also anticipated. Weighty offerings from franchises like Metroid Prime 4 are expected to coincide with the console's rollout.
Reports also detail how the Switch 2 will integrate enhanced features and refined design elements to meet consumer needs. Images of what fans speculate to be the console's motherboard suggest it may utilize NVIDIA’s latest technologies alongside upgraded RAM and storage systems—12GB of RAM paired with 256GB storage.
Even so, not all rumors paint the Switch 2 as flawless; some leaks indicate there are still discussions around the chip architecture stacked for the console, with models referencing some concerns over performance metrics attributed to the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, which may lag behind the most current tech being utilized by competitors.
With fans regularly sharing insights and analyses of potential hardware features and game compatibility across social platforms, the community's excitement continues to build. They speculate about everything from significant improvements to loading times with the potential adoption of microSD with higher transfer speeds to the ease of portability which continues to set this console apart from competitors.
Overall, the Switch 2 is being promoted as one of Nintendo's most important consoles yet—a possible game-changer following the incredibly successful run of its predecessor. With the confluence of technology advancements, beloved franchises, and player demand for higher performance hardware, the company finds itself at the precipice of another potentially monumental release. With every leak, rumor, and expectation, gamers are left to wonder: Will Nintendo live up to the hype?