Nintendo reportedly unveiled prototypes of the next-generation Switch console during the recent Gamescom event, sparking anticipation among fans. Although there are unconfirmed reports of an upcoming Nintendo Direct event next week, details remain scarce. Speculations suggest that Nintendo might unveil a lineup of exciting first-party titles, including anticipated titles like Super Mario RPG, Detective Pikachu Returns, and WarioWare: Move It.
One topic that is not expected to be addressed during this event is the rumored Switch 2, which serves as a follow-up to the immensely popular Nintendo Switch. However, behind the scenes, it seems that Nintendo is actively working on this sequel, as indications point towards the company showcasing a prototype of the new console to developers at Gamescom.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience a revamped version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, optimized for the potential new hardware. Unfortunately, specific details about this upgraded hardware remain shrouded in secrecy.
The original Nintendo Switch has undergone several iterations, all powered by the aging Nvidia Tegra X1 chip initially introduced in 2015. Some versions have featured the X1+ chip from 2019, which offers a marginal improvement in battery life while maintaining the same performance capabilities. This chip, equipped with four Cortex-A57 cores at 1.02GHz and four A53 cores, along with a Maxwell-based GPU from the GTX 900 series, is complemented by outdated LPDDR4 RAM, amounting to a mere 4GB. In comparison, modern smartphone chips vastly outperform this aging technology.
The choice of hardware for the Switch 2 remains a well-guarded secret. It remains uncertain whether Nintendo has continued its partnership with Nvidia or opted for a different collaborator, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information.
The anticipated release window for the Nintendo Switch 2 is late 2024, with an official reveal likely to precede that date. For reference, the original Nintendo Switch, initially codenamed “NX,” was first teased in March 2015, officially unveiled in October 2016, and subsequently released in March 2017. Nintendo enthusiasts can expect further updates and details as the release date draws nearer.
