Summary
New details onNintendo’s next console, often referred to as the Switch 2, have leaked. According to Spanish news outletVandal, the Switch 2 is dropping the original Joy-Con design, with the controllers attaching to the screen with magnets.
This report, translated into English byResetEra user –R, also claims that the Switch 2 is bigger than the original Switch, but isn’t as large as theSteam Deck. In addition, it backs up claims that the console isn’t likely to be released this year, following reports that it has beeninternally delayed into early 2025.
Vandal’s source for this information apparently works in manufacturing, and claims to have been given a preview of the Switch 2 ahead of its public reveal. However, to avoid images leaking out, the source claims they were only allowed to “touch” the console, rather than actually see it. This is reportedly in keeping with how Nintendo previews its products to manufacturers.
“The information we’ve managed to get says the console is a bit bigger than the current Switch models, but still smaller than a Steam Deck,” reports Vandal. “Another change is on the joy-con side, which will trade their current attachment system using rails for a magnetic system.”
What Does This Mean For Out Switch Controllers?
Vandal claims that current Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers will still work on the Switch 2, so you shouldn’t have to replace them for the next console. This is never a guarantee with the jump to a new console, with the PS5 only letting you use a last-gen controller when you’re playing PS4 games. It remains to be seen if our old Joy-Cons work on the Switch 2, as this isn’t mentioned in this latest report.
One thing fans will be eager to find out is if the new console avoids the issue of its predecessor:Joy-Con drift. This design flaw saw the analogue sticks on Joy-Cons register inputs without the player touching them, referred to as “drifting”. This has likely been a costly issue for Nintendo, as it has led to mass complaints from fans,requests for repair workand replacements, and evenseveral lawsuits.
Of course, Nintendo hasn’t even announced its next console yet, so this is all speculation at this stage. However, if it is aiming for an early 2025 launch as the manufacturers believe, then we might get the official announcement this summer, when gaming showcases kick into gear.
