Photo: Nintendo
Exciting developments in the gaming world suggest that a new iteration of Nintendo's popular Switch console is in the works, and it's poised to make a notable leap in size. According to a recent Bloomberg report, industry analyst Hiroshi Hayase has revealed that the rumoured Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to sport an eight-inch LCD display, surpassing the current Switch OLED model's seven-inch screen.
While the prospect of an enlarged display may be welcomed by many, it's not entirely sunshine and rainbows when it comes to the screen technology. A previous report from VGC hinted at Nintendo's decision to opt for an LCD display over OLED in an effort to streamline costs, potentially sacrificing the vibrancy of the gaming experience. However, this LCD model might just be the initial release, leaving room for Nintendo to introduce a more advanced OLED variant later.
The eight-inch LCD screen, even with its potential compromises, still represents a step up from the existing Switch OLED. Notably larger than the original Switch's 6.2-inch LCD display, the rumored Switch 2 would outsize other handheld gaming alternatives, such as the Steam Deck OLED or the Asus ROG Ally. Nevertheless, Nintendo appears to have struck a balance, avoiding the extremes of an 11-inch display.
Despite a scarcity of concrete information, speculation is rife that Nintendo aims to unveil the next-gen Switch console during the upcoming holiday season. While the company has remained tight-lipped about the Switch 2, industry insiders suggest a potential starting price of US$400 (around CA$538), a $100 (~US$135) increase from the original Switch. Additionally, there are murmurs of game titles for the Switch 2 possibly hitting the US$70 (~CA$94) mark. At least, with the projected price bump, enthusiasts can look forward to a more expansive display.