Nintendo fans have been eagerly awaiting news about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and a recent report suggests that the new console will feature an 8-inch LCD screen. The report, from Bloomberg, cites Omdia analyst Hiroshi Hayase, who specializes in the display market. According to Hayase, the Switch 2 is set to launch in 2024.
For those unfamiliar with the current Nintendo Switch, it features a 6.2-inch screen on the diagonal, while the OLED version has a slightly larger 7-inch screen. The decision to stick with an LCD screen for the Switch 2 is said to be a cost-saving measure. This news may disappoint some fans who were hoping for an OLED screen, especially considering that Nintendo released an OLED version of the original Switch console.
Last year, VGC reported that Nintendo was planning to release its next-gen console in the second half of 2024, with development kits already in the hands of partner studios. VGC has a strong track record of reporting unannounced information, so this news adds credibility to the rumors surrounding the Switch 2. According to VGC, the new console will be portable, like the current Switch, and will also feature a cartridge slot for physical games.
One burning question on fans’ minds is whether the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with original Switch games. Will players be able to enjoy their favorite titles on the new console? Nintendo of America boss Doug Bowser has remained tight-lipped about the rumors surrounding the Switch 2 but did mention that the Nintendo Account will play a significant role during the transition to a new platform. Bowser stated, “Our goal is to minimize the dip you typically see in the last year of one cycle and the beginning of another.”
As for when we can expect an official announcement from Nintendo, it’s still unclear. However, fans are hopeful that some hints may be dropped during the company’s customary February Direct, which is typically used to set the stage for the new year. In the meantime, Nintendo continues to release exciting games for the current Switch, including a Paper Mario Thousand-Year Door HD remaster and a new Princess Peach game.
While we eagerly await Nintendo’s official announcement, it’s worth checking out everything we currently know about the Switch 2. There’s no doubt that Nintendo fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the next generation of gaming from this beloved company. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
Wesley Yin-Poole is the UK News Editor for IGN, and you can find him on Twitter at @wyp100. For any inquiries, you can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.