New Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have revealed the company’s next console will be considerably bigger than the original device.
Listings for China’s wholesale platform Alibaba have indicated the Switch 2 will sport a larger frame than its 2017 predecessor, with a case listed for the new device on the website being 290mm in length, 135mm in height and 50mm deep compared to the first console’s 173mm x 102mm x 13.9mm. These dimensions suggest a significant upgrade in the console’s form factor, potentially allowing for more powerful internal components.
As well as the dimensions of the Switch 2, screen protectors for the console indicate the device will have an eight-inch display – making it bigger than the 6.2-inch and seven-inch screens on the first Switch and the OLED models respectively. The larger screen size could enhance gaming experiences, particularly for multiplayer games and detailed graphics.
“This is Furukawa. At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch,” On X (formally known as Twitter), the corporations’ president Shuntaro Furukawa said. The announcement addresses a key concern among Nintendo’s extensive user base, who have invested in the current Switch ecosystem.
While Nintendo is yet to officially confirm the Switch 2, the company announced at its recent Corporate Management Policy Briefing in November that the console would include backwards compatibility, allowing customers to play their current games on the new device. This feature has been highly requested by the Nintendo community, which has amassed a substantial game library since the original Switch’s launch.
“Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date,” Furukawa continued in his statement. This confirmation suggests a seamless transition for existing Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
The leaked accessory dimensions align with previous industry rumors about Nintendo’s plans for a more powerful gaming device. Market analysts suggest that the larger form factor could accommodate enhanced processing capabilities and improved thermal management systems, addressing some of the limitations of the current Switch model.
The gaming industry has seen significant technological advancements since the original Switch’s release in 2017. The potential increase in size for the Switch 2 suggests Nintendo is positioning its new console to better compete with modern gaming hardware while maintaining its unique hybrid gaming approach.
The original Nintendo Switch has sold over 130 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful gaming consoles in history. Industry experts predict that backward compatibility and enhanced features could help the Switch 2 build upon this success.
Accessory manufacturers often receive device specifications months ahead of official announcements to ensure products are ready for launch. The appearance of these listings on Alibaba, a major global wholesale platform, lends credibility to the leaked dimensions.
The gaming community has responded positively to the possibility of a larger display, with many noting that the increased screen size could improve the portable gaming experience while maintaining the console’s mobility. The original Switch’s success was partly due to its versatility as both a handheld and docked gaming device.
Recent market analysis suggests that the demand for hybrid gaming devices continues to grow, with the portable gaming sector experiencing a 15% year-over-year increase. Nintendo’s strategy with the Switch 2 appears to be capitalizing on this trend while addressing user feedback about screen size and performance.
The timing of these leaks coincides with industry expectations for a new Nintendo console announcement in 2024. Historical patterns suggest that Nintendo typically releases new hardware every 5-7 years, placing the Switch 2’s potential release within the expected timeframe for a console refresh.
