According to recent reports, Nintendo may be gearing up to launch their next generation console, tentatively being called the Nintendo Switch 2, sometime in 2024. Sources claim development kits are already in the hands of key partner studios, allowing them to start making and testing games for the new hardware well in advance of launch. Now without any further due let us dive into the latest leaks from August 2023 about Nintendo Switch 2 along with the release date and specs.
Nintendo Switch 2: Latest leaks August 2023
While nothing is confirmed, the timeline of a 2024 release adds up. Platform holders usually provide select studios with dev kits 12 to 18 months before a new system debuts. And 2024 would mark a natural transition point, as the original Switch will be 7 years old at that point.
The Portable Hybrid Design May Continue
Details on the Switch 2 itself are scarce, but it seems Nintendo may continue the hybrid portable/home console approach that made the original so successful. Insiders suggest the new system will again have a built-in screen for mobile play and compatibility with cartridge-based games.
However, cost considerations mean the screen technology may not be as advanced. Rather than using more expensive OLED displays like the latest Switch OLED model, the Switch 2 may opt for less costly LCD screens.
OLED vs LCD: Does It Matter?
The potential move to LCD is disappointing for fans hoping the Switch 2 would sport the best display tech. OLED screens offer better contrast, deeper blacks, and livelier colors. For a system where visuals really pop on the handheld screen, OLED makes a big difference.
However, LCD keeps costs down while still being perfectly functional. And if Nintendo passes those savings to the consumer with a more affordable price point, it may be a worthwhile trade-off.
The other benefit of LCD? Lower costs can allow for more budget left over for a higher-capacity solid-state drive. The original Switch’s measly 32GB of storage pales in comparison to modern AAA game install sizes. A roomier SSD could help the Switch 2 feel truly “next-gen”.
Backward Compatibility Remains a Mystery
While the Switch 2 is still shrouded in mystery, one major question looms large: will it be backward compatible with original Switch games? Xbox and PlayStation have championed backward compatibility recently. Nintendo also has a solid track record in this area for its handhelds.
Losing access to the stellar Switch game library would be a tough pill to swallow for loyal fans. But reports of publishers being reluctant to suggest there’s reason to temper expectations. Like with the LCD screen, increased internal storage may come with a cost. We’ll have to wait and see where Nintendo’s priorities lie.
Until official word comes from Nintendo, leaks around the Switch 2 should be taken with a grain of salt. But based on the timeline outlined by insiders, more concrete details could start leaking out in 2023. For now, savor what’s left of the original Switch’s lifespan. The next chapter in Nintendo’s handheld legacy is inching closer.
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