Leaker Nate the Hate reported on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, detailing potential games set for release alongside the console, expected in April 2025 at the earliest. Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games.
Reported game releases for Switch 2
Nate the Hate speculated that a new Mario Kart will launch alongside the Switch 2 in May or June, with a 3D Mario game scheduled for holiday 2025. Square Enix plans to release Final Fantasy 7 Remake in 2025 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in 2026 for the new console.
Additionally, Ubisoft reportedly has several titles in development for Switch 2, including a port of Assassin’s Creed Mirage to be available during the console’s launch window. The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, currently set for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, is also expected on Switch 2 at a later date. Other Ubisoft titles likely to be ported include games from The Division series and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as Mario + Rabbids titles, potentially available in a single package.
Furthermore, Konami is preparing a Switch 2 port of Metal Gear Solid Delta, which is scheduled to launch at some point this year, possibly coinciding with the release of Switch 2.
Nate the Hate also mentioned that Xbox games are expected on Switch 2, including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. This was corroborated by Windows Central’s Jez Corden, who stated that it is likely most, if not all, Xbox games will be available on Switch 2 if performance allows.
Anticipated features and specifications
Speculation suggests that Nintendo may bring games announced for the original Switch to Switch 2, including Metroid Prime 4, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.
Recent leaks surrounding Switch 2 included a high-profile mockup from accessories maker Genki, which reportedly drew Nintendo’s legal attention. Images of the console’s internals surfaced alongside new Joy-Con designs, believed to feature larger SL and SR buttons and utilize electromagnetic suction for attachment instead of the current railed lock method.
Unverified images from September depicted a device similar to the original Switch but with a larger screen, magnetic Joy-Con, and USB-C ports located on the top and bottom. An alleged specifications list mentioned 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, compared to the original Switch’s 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. A new “C” button was also mentioned, although its purpose remains unclear.
A patent filed in July 2023, published recently, outlines AI image upscaling technology that aims to reduce video game file sizes while maintaining up to 4K textures.
Officially, Nintendo confirmed that Switch 2 will support backward compatibility for original Switch games and feature Nintendo Switch Online. The console is anticipated to launch no earlier than April 2025, following the current financial year.
Some developers have indicated plans to release upcoming titles for Switch 2, with an expectation of sufficient stock upon launch to combat potential scalping issues.
Featured image credit: Erik Mclean/Unsplash
