Nintendo Switch 2 Hype Builds: Design, 'C Button', and Release Rumors
Hype for Nintendo's impending console, officially referred to as the Nintendo Switch 2, is at fever pitch. Nintendo has not officially revealed much. Recent rumors, design registrations, and insider whispers are outlining an intriguing glimpse of what to expect. Here's a peek at the most recent buzz.
A Glimpse of the Design
A freshly surfaced design registration potentially gives us our best look yet at the real console. Drawings in the registration, captured by sharp-eyed fans, provide views of the system from several angles. These images seem to reveal ports positioned along the top and bottom edges. They also show where the microSD card slot, that is, storage expansion key, lies, and what the console looks like with the kickstand up. A rumored screen size of 7.9 inches leads to calculations placing the console's size approximately at 201 x 115 x 14 mm. It appears familiar, but sleeker.
The Hype around the New 'C Button'
New Joy-Con controllers feature an additional button, confirmed through the Nintendo Today app to be named the 'C button'. Its official purpose is still unknown. Speculation is running rampant with intriguing possibilities. One intriguing rumor, from insider source eXstas1s, suggests the C button could unlock a curious feature: connecting the Switch 2 to an original Nintendo Switch. The hypothesis is that the original Switch would be used as a second screen or extra controller, like the dual-screen magic of the Wii U GamePad. Consider the opportunities for DS or 3DS emulation games, or new ideas altogether.
This is still hearsay. Another patent mentioning dual-screen features did occur in the past, adding minor timber to this rumor flame. We shall have to await Nintendo's statement.
Release Window and Pre-Order Frenzy
The rumour mill suggests a June 2025 release period. This window was apparently cited by developers at GDC. Nintendo has not officially stated this yet. Pre-orders are also a point of contention. Leaked documents and emails from a major US retailer, identified by Insider Gaming, show that demand will be sky-high. The retailer is anticipating selling out the first batch of their likely limited stock on the opening day of pre-orders.
Confusion exists regarding when pre-orders could become available. A suspected leak from Best Buy Canada suggested April 2nd, the day of the Switch 2 Direct special, but this was removed posthaste. Files revealed by Insider Gaming indicate pre-orders could actually open up a week later, on April 9th. They also included prospective marketing strategies such as a countdown timer and special pre-order collector's coin. Take these retailer leaks with a grain of salt until officially announced. Things can change quickly.
The Wait is Almost Over
Fortunately, we won't have to guess much longer. Nintendo has scheduled a special Nintendo Direct presentation all about the Switch 2 for April 2nd. This is where we'll get the official word, catch a glimpse of the console itself, learn about launch games, find out why the C button exists, and hopefully get concrete release date and pre-order information. The future of Nintendo gaming is only just around the corner.
