Exciting news for Nintendo fans: word on the street suggests that the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 could be significantly larger than its predecessor. This speculation arises following the appearance of listings for potential Switch 2 accessories, like a carrying case and a tempered glass screen protector, on various online platforms. These hints are adding fuel to the fire of rumors about the next generation console possibly entering mass production.
Previously, hints from Weltrend Electronics, a Taiwanese components supplier, suggested that mass production of the Switch 2 might kick off by late September 2024. While official confirmation is absent, Nintendo’s recent financial disclosures show an unexpected hike in raw materials inventory. This spike might indicate that Nintendo has begun assembling something new. The complexities of today’s global tech supply chains mean leaks often occur when new products are manufactured on a large scale. We regularly see such leaks in smartphone dimensions through third-party accessory listings before official announcements.
In a similar fashion, accessories apparently crafted for the Switch 2 have popped up on 1688.com, an e-commerce site under Alibaba Group. Notably, Famiboards user lanamoon found a protective carrying case designed for the Switch 2 with dimensions listed as 290 x 135 x 45mm. For context, the original Switch from 2017 measures 239 x 102 x 13.9mm. Although the new case seems to allocate much of its thickness for cushioning, it’s improbable that the Switch 2 itself is as thick as 45mm.
The implication here is clear: the next Nintendo console may indeed be larger than the current Switch generation. This aligns with suggestions from an early 2024 analyst report predicting that the Switch 2 will sport an 8-inch screen, a 15% increase over the 7-inch Switch OLED Model.
Also adding to the buzz, a supposed tempered glass screen protector for the Switch 2 has surfaced online. Imagery comparing it with what seems like a similar protector for an existing Switch model again points to a larger console size. While there’s uncertainty about whether the comparison is with the original Switch or the OLED Model, the latter seems more probable given the reports of a 15% larger screen. Additionally, rumors circulating suggest that the dock for the Switch 2 might be bulkier than its predecessor to accommodate a bigger unit.
Nintendo has indicated twice now that it plans to officially unveil the Switch successor before the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Therefore, we might not see the Switch 2 released until at least mid-2025, with the actual launch possibly occurring even later.
Source: lanamoon / Famiboards
