Paragraph 1: The Impending Arrival of the Nintendo Switch Successor and Case Manufacturer Leaks
Nintendo is steadily approaching its self-imposed deadline of revealing the Switch’s successor before April 2025. Recent leaks, originating from case manufacturers, offer tantalizing glimpses into the potential design and upgrades of Nintendo’s next console. These leaks have fueled speculation and excitement within the gaming community, providing a possible preview of what awaits. The most prominent leak comes from Dbrand, a company known for its custom device skins and cases, with its announcement of the "Killswitch 2" case. The promotional material for this case showcases a rendered mockup of the purported new hardware, highlighting several key differences from the current Switch models.
Paragraph 2: Dbrand’s Claims and the "Killswitch 2" Case
Dbrand’s "Killswitch 2" case renders suggest a larger console compared to the Switch and Switch OLED, along with a mysterious second button on the right Joy-Con controller located below the Home button. Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz asserts that the dimensions used for the Killswitch 2 are derived from a 3D scan of the actual hardware, not mere speculation. He claims the Switch 2 will measure approximately 270mm wide, 116mm tall, and 14mm thick, making it larger and taller than the Switch OLED while maintaining a similar thickness. The console portion is estimated to occupy 200mm of the overall width. The kickstand’s height is projected to be around 55mm, roughly half the console’s height. A diagonal measurement of the cover glass supports rumors of an 8-inch screen. Ijaz also suggests magnetically attached Joy-Cons with an ejection button located on their back. The Killswitch 2 case design accommodates these detachable controllers, allowing them to be removed while encased.
Paragraph 3: Uncertainties and Further Details about the "Switch 2"
The function of the second square button, marked with a "C," on the right Joy-Con remains unknown. While the presence of a capture button on the left Joy-Con persists, it is unclear whether the "C" button represents a new capture function or if both buttons serve different purposes. Ijaz provides additional measurements, stating the joysticks stand 6.27mm tall, the D-pad and ABXY buttons protrude by 1.57mm, the kickstand measures 180mm wide, and the back triggers extend 9.1mm. Despite Dbrand’s apparent insights, the release date of the Switch 2 remains uncertain, though Dbrand aims to launch the Killswitch 2 case in late March or early April. While the design of the TV dock is also unknown, Dbrand assumes a form factor similar to the current generation. Whether the screen will be LCD or OLED is also unconfirmed.
Paragraph 4: Dbrand’s History and Corroborating Evidence
Dbrand’s bold move to reveal these details, despite potential legal ramifications from Nintendo, aligns with the company’s marketing strategy. Dbrand has a history of playfully antagonizing console manufacturers, including Nintendo, often using their legal warnings as fodder for promotional campaigns. This approach, while risky, generates significant attention and reinforces the company’s rebellious image. Furthermore, elements of Dbrand’s revelations are corroborated by a video from SwitchUp, showcasing a supposed Switch 2 mockup received from a case manufacturer. This mockup exhibits a larger size than the current Switch OLED, larger Joy-Cons, the secondary button beneath the Home button, a larger trigger ejection button, and a wide kickstand similar to the Switch OLED.
Paragraph 5: Additional Features and Nintendo’s Official Statements
The SwitchUp mockup also features a second USB-C port on the top, potentially enabling charging while in tabletop mode, addressing a limitation of the current Switch. While these leaks offer compelling insights into the potential design and features of the Switch 2, they remain unofficial. Concrete details and confirmation are still pending from Nintendo. However, Nintendo has officially confirmed backward compatibility with existing Switch games and continued support for Nintendo Switch Online on the new console. This suggests a degree of continuity and a commitment to maintaining its existing player base.
Paragraph 6: Conclusion: Anticipation and Speculation
The combination of Dbrand’s assertive claims, leaks from case manufacturers, and Nintendo’s official statements has generated considerable anticipation and speculation regarding the Switch 2. While the leaks offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Nintendo’s handheld console gaming, it’s crucial to remember that these are unofficial sources. Until Nintendo officially unveils the new hardware, these details should be treated as speculation. However, the convergence of multiple sources lending credence to these rumors creates a palpable sense of excitement for Nintendo’s next gaming innovation. The coming months promise to be filled with anticipation as the gaming community awaits Nintendo’s official reveal.
