Possible Switch 2 Leak Reveals Prototype Images & Hardware Specs

Given the overwhelming success of Nintendo‘s original Switch console, and given how long it’s been sitting on people’s shelves, fans have been hungry for details about the supposed Nintendo Switch 2.

Today, new leaks attempt to fill that void – and they’re pretty extensive! If these leaks are true, we know what the Switch 2 will look like, and what its hardware can do.

According to the leaks, the Switch 2 will include:

• An 8-inch screen
• 12 GB of RAM
• 256 GB of storage
• B uilt-in stereo audio
• A microphone
• Magnetic Joy-Cons

So, while it’s certainly no PlayStation 5, it’s a definite upgrade from the Nintendo Switch’s hardware. This is what many were expecting from a console like this, and the rest of the changes follow a similar trend of lacking major surprises. We have, in no particular order:

Familiar Button Layout

Visually, the Switch 2’s prototype images are not too different from the original Nintendo Switch. It has a very familiar button/stick layout, and only the small buttons used to unlatch the Joy-Cons from the main body have changed. They’re much larger.

Altered Dock Connection

While the console’s charging port looks similar to that of the first Switch, the openings for the dock’s prongs are in different spots. If these leaks are correct, your existing Switch dock might not be backwards compatible with the Switch 2.

Something New on the Back

One small detail may be of note if you remember people making fun of the Switch’s tiny kickstand when the console was first released. Nintendo seems to have listened to its fans, but it’s unclear which direction it has taken.

There’s a large panel on the back of the supposed Switch 2. It could be a far larger kickstand (almost comically large), but it could easily be something unrelated. We don’t even know which way it opens. Either Nintendo buffed up the kickstand, or removed it entirely.

It’s also worth noting that, even if these leaks are true, the Switch 2 is still an unfinished console. Nintendo still has plenty of time to make changes before release.

You can see the leaks in full, including the images, on the original Reddit post.

The Long Wait

Nintendo seems to have taken the Skyrim approach of re-releasing familiar content, rather than the sequel people have been hyped for since launch day.

The Nintendo Wii launched in 2006, the Wii U dropped six years later, in 2012, and the Switch came out in 2017. Seven years later, we still lack official news from Nintendo, and they’re still expecting people to buy their old console.

The Nintendo Switch was massively popular on launch, and has maintained its popularity through the years. People have come to expect things from Nintendo; as with the DS and the Wii, popular consoles are ‘supposed’ to get sequels.

People have a strong, unified vision in their minds for what Nintendo’s next console will look like. And official statements are long overdue.

So when people see leaks, and they find the information they expected at the time they anticipated, they’re inclined to believe it. Whether they should is another question entirely, but that’s what often happens in this situation.