Rumors of a Nintendo Swap 2 console have been circulating for a while now. Issues have been heated ever because the launch of the Nintendo Swap OLED mannequin, which wasn’t precisely the Nintendo Swap Professional that we had been ready for. Because the console is now in its sixth yr of market availability, this is every thing we’re hoping for from the sequel system.
For as a lot as we love the improvements introduced by the Nintendo Swap OLED, similar to a vastly brighter and extra vivid display screen and double the interior storage, it did not repair the console’s greatest drawback. The Nintendo Swap is a good system, there’s little debate on that, however now so a few years after its authentic 2017 launch, it is actually beginning to present its age. That is why the Nintendo Swap 2 is required in order that Nintendo Swap video games can run higher with enhanced longevity.
Now, Nintendo has been a step behind the opposite console producers when it comes to {hardware} energy, and it has been this fashion because the days of the Nintendo 64. In 2023, it is nonetheless simply as true because the Nintendo Swap pales compared to what’s potential from the PS5 and Xbox Collection X. These consoles are able to pumping out 4K visuals, so it stands to cause that we may see the Nintendo Swap 2 embrace the upper decision, even when the likes of ray tracing is off the desk.
Nintendo Swap 2: lower to the chase
- What’s it? The successor to the Nintendo Swap console
- How a lot will it value? TBA
- When will it launch? TBA
Nintendo Swap 2: launch date
The Nintendo Swap 2 has but to be introduced, but when we had been to take an informed guess, it is wanting just like the successor to the Nintendo Swap might be introduced someday this yr. That is as a result of the Swap was launched in 2017 after being introduced in October 2016. Because the Nintendo Swap is pushing six years previous now, it might make sense given previous developments to launch a follow-up now.
Initially it was closely rumored that the Nintendo Swap Professional was scheduled for launch someday in 2021. What resulted was the Nintendo Swap OLED mannequin, which whereas sporting a flashier display screen and minor enhancements, contained the identical {hardware} (the Tegra X1 chip) from the 2017 authentic mannequin. This chip was really first produced and launched all the best way again in 2015, that means it is now near eight years previous.
Nintendo Swap Professional: value
We will estimate the worth of the Nintendo Swap 2 by casting our minds again to the unique console {hardware} launches as a reference. The Nintendo Swap carries an MSRP of $259.99 / £259.99 / AUD$435, with the newer Nintendo Swap OLED having a sticker value of $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539.95. On condition that the Nintendo Swap 2 ought to function considerably improved {hardware}, in addition to a greater greater decision display screen, the asking value is prone to be greater, too.
We will have a look at the present market costs for the PS5 and Xbox Collection X to work out a median. These consoles promote for $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95 and $499 / £449 / AU$749 respectively. Traditionally, Nintendo sells weaker however cheaper gaming {hardware} when in comparison with the competitors, which might put the asking value for the Nintendo Swap 2 round $399.99 / £399.99 / AU$699.95 to maintain the aggressive edge. We’ll be updating you with the official pricing data when a successor system is introduced, which hopefully will not be too lengthy.
Nintendo Swap 2: rumored specs
There’s been no finish of rumors about what a Nintendo Swap 2 may supply, and most recommend it’s going to help 4K resolutions. A report by Bloomberg alleged that Nintendo is asking builders to make their Nintendo Swap video games 4K-ready, including weight to earlier rumors that Nintendo has a decision improve up its sleeve with a 4K-ready upgraded Swap console.
Bloomberg additionally claimed that 11 recreation studios had entry to an official growth equipment that featured 4K help. Reportedly, the console was apparently shelved as a consequence of provide points brought on by the continuing world semiconductor scarcity, although it may nonetheless be launched.
Nintendo, nevertheless, moved swiftly to disclaim these claims. In a post on Twitter, Nintendo stated that Bloomberg’s report “falsely claims that Nintendo is provide instruments to drive recreation builders for a Nintendo Swap with 4K help” the corporate went on to say, “we have now no plans for any new mannequin apart from Nintendo Swap OLED Mannequin.”
It is value noting, although, that Bloomberg’s report most notably corresponds with a current report from the Economic Daily News (opens in new tab), which cited numerous {hardware} producers liable for the Swap’s flash storage and Pleasure-Con controllers and claimed {that a} extra highly effective Nintendo Swap console with upgraded interactivity and improved show high quality may go into manufacturing.
Some rumors urged we might even see a mini-LED show exchange the present LCD display screen. In keeping with a report from Taiwan’s Economic Daily News (opens in new tab), the still-rumored Swap Professional mannequin may sport mini-LED screens provided by Innolux, a well known producer within the area. The unique Swap and Swap Lite consoles use an HD (720p) LCD display screen, although the Swap OLED naturally makes use of an OLED choice. If a brand new Swap console did have 4K functionality, we think about it would be in docked mode, with handheld mode providing a slightly-boosted Full HD (1080p) show.
Elsewhere, a knowledge miner referred to as SciresM has claimed (through Wccftech (opens in new tab)) that they’ve discovered a reference to a brand new Nintendo Swap mannequin inside the Swap’s newest firmware replace, codenamed ‘Aula’. Reportedly, this {hardware} makes use of the identical chip because the Nintendo Swap Lite and 2019 Swap mannequin, the Mariko (Tegra X1+) SoC. Nevertheless, SciresM additionally claims that there are references to help a Realtek chip, a “4K UHD multimedia SoC”.
Quite than being inside the Swap pill, they assume it “could be inside a brand new dock and never contained in the pill, although there’s no approach to inform from the firmware code but.” In addition they say that the pill could have an improved OLED display screen, although its decision remains to be unclear. The claims of some 4K help do line up with the numerous different reviews from the previous yr, which declare that an upgraded Swap able to 4K is on the horizon.
Extra lately, we have seen additional Nintendo Swap Professional rumors because of Nvidia. A leak posted to the r/GamingLeaksandRumours (opens in new tab) subreddit “confirms” the existence of the Tegra239 SoC (system on a chip). Reportedly, that is being designed particularly for an upcoming Nintendo Swap mannequin, which might be for the Nintendo Swap 2.
After all, there’s been no affirmation from Nintendo itself {that a} new Swap is on the playing cards, and, actually, Doug Bowser has made feedback very lately that recommend there won’t be for a while. Seeing that we’re now to date faraway from the unique launch date of the Nintendo Swap, we’re hoping that successor {hardware} within the Nintendo Swap 2 comes sooner somewhat than later.
Nintendo Swap Professional: information and rumors
Do not count on new Nintendo {hardware} this fiscal yr
Japanese monetary newspaper Nikkei has reported that Nintendo is not going to launch any new {hardware} this fiscal yr. Noticed by Bloomberg journalist Takashi Mochizuki on Twitter (opens in new tab), he suggested that it is unclear if Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa was being interviewed or Nikkei’s personal reporting. If true, meaning we should not count on a Nintendo Swap 2, or Nintendo Swap Professional mannequin earlier than March 2023.
Nintendo Swap OLED holds 4K secrets and techniques
With the Swap OLED’s launch, a few of the earlier consoles’ modifications have began hypothesis that 4K functionality might be hidden underneath our noses. For one, the console ships with an HDMI 2.0 cable – as a substitute of the 1.4 commonplace utilized by the common Swap – which ought to allow 4K passthrough from the dock and even HDR.
The Swap OLED dock comprises a Realtek chip that might be 4K succesful, which is new to this console – although it might be tied to different options like improved audio or Ethernet functionality as a substitute. Whereas this is not a 4K console simply but, it is potential that the dock might be utilized in some minimal upscaling capability down the road or for a 4K Swap Professional when it will definitely launches.
Standalone Pleasure-Con patent
A newly found patent (through VGC) means that Nintendo has thought-about some standalone Pleasure-Con controllers.
A newly-discovered Nintendo patent means that the corporate could also be planning to launch a brand new type of Pleasure-Con type controller.
Initially filed in Could 2018 and registered in April 2020, the patent reveals a extremely related controller form, and format to the present Pleasure-Con discovered on the unique Swap. Nevertheless, it’s barely up to date, and somewhat than being designed to slip onto a display screen like the present Pleasure-Con, this controller seems to be a standalone gadget with no rails for sliding in sight.
Whereas there isn’t a lot want for a standalone Pleasure-Con on the unique Swap, they might be useful with the more moderen Nintendo Swap Lite, which has its controls completely hooked up, as it might permit for extra accessible multiplayer gaming. Given the current rumors across the Nintendo Swap Professional, it’s additionally value contemplating that the standalone Pleasure-Con has been designed with this new console in thoughts.
Codenames
Dataminers have been coursing via Nintendo’s firmware model 10.0.0 for data on new Swap consoles and have apparently recognized codenames for the upcoming units.
In keeping with JershJopstin on Resetera (opens in new tab), there are 5 recognized codenames for Nintendo Swap fashions: Icosa, Copper, Hoag, Iowa, and Calcio. This is a breakdown of what we learn about their codenames to date (thanks, TweakTown (opens in new tab)):
- Icosa – Swap launched at launch – nx-abca2 – 20nm Tegra X1 –
- Iowa – revised Swap – nx-abca2 – 16nm Tegra X1 and ‘Mariko’ chip
- Hoag – the Swap Lite – nx-abcc – 16nm Tegra X1 and Mariko chip
- Copper – unconfirmed- nx-abcb
- Calcio – unconfirmed – nx-abcb – 16nm Tegra X1 and Mariko chip
Whereas Iow, Hoag and Icosa have already launched, Copper and Calcio haven’t been confirmed to be in growth.
In keeping with JershJopstin, Copper seems to be a non-mobile gadget as a consequence of its lack of battery and charging providers and the HDMI providers it appears to have, which might usually be dealt with by a Swap docking station. In the meantime, based on one other rumor, Calcio will apparently be a docked-only, extra conventional console.
Nah, and official devs don’t know something but (no less than indies). Nintendo has these archives that include a bunch of settings for particular {hardware} sorts + there’s some configuration in numerous sysmodules. Nintendo typically provides some or all of that earlier than the {hardware} releases heh.March 2, 2020
As well as, JershJopstin has urged that this Calcio console might be digital-only as a consequence of its obvious lack of help for recreation playing cards and the brand new naming type issue. Nevertheless, these rumors needs to be handled with a wholesome dose of skepticism till we get affirmation from Nintendo.
Nintendo is not frightened in regards to the subsequent console era
2020 wasn’t the yr of a brand new Nintendo Swap console, nevertheless it was the yr that Sony and Microsoft launched the following era of consoles: the PS5 and Xbox Collection X. Nintendo, nevertheless, is not frightened about catching up.
Speaking to traders throughout a Japanese Q&A (through VGC), Nintendo’s president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that whereas the gaming panorama will change, the corporate would not assume the discharge of those next-gen consoles could have a big influence by itself fortunes.
“We don’t imagine that the enterprise developments of different firms could have a big influence on our enterprise,” Furukawa informed traders, explaining that the explanation Nintendo is so assured that the PS5 and Xbox Collection X will not pose large competitors is that the Nintendo Swap targets a special viewers.
Whereas this does not inform us a lot about any particular new console plans Nintendo has, it does recommend that the corporate is not feeling any hurry or stress from its supposed opponents to launch, and even announce, a Nintendo Swap Professional within the fast future.
AR and VR help
VR and AR help for the Swap by no means seemed doubtless, with the MD of Nintendo France (opens in new tab) citing an absence of mainstream attraction for the know-how again in 2018, however the Labo VR Package reveals Nintendo has modified its thoughts in regards to the viability of VR.
The Swap would not have the excessive decision of most VR gaming rigs, so we may see a complicated mannequin with 2K or 4K decision to enhance these close-up VR experiences. Nevertheless, given the VR Package remains to be targeted primarily on kids, we might be shocked to see a visible overhaul merely for this one peripheral.
May it help 4K?
Whereas Sony and Microsoft push on the 4K market, there isn’t actually any massive cause for Nintendo, the corporate that staunchly units itself aside from different {hardware} producers, to comply with swimsuit.
In the identical interview (opens in new tab) the place he dismissed VR, Nintendo France Normal Supervisor Philippe Lavoué additionally disregarded 4K saying that the know-how has “not been adopted by the bulk” and it might, due to this fact, be too early for Nintendo to leap in.
Nintendo didn’t enter the HD console market till 2012 when it launched the Wii U. This was round 4 years after Sony and Microsoft and when greater than 75% of US households had HD shows of their residence. Nevertheless, Miyamoto (opens in new tab) had stated he wished Nintendo had jumped to HD earlier than this, saying that the show know-how turned fashionable round three years earlier than Nintendo anticipated it to.