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Nintendo had an instant hit when it launched the Nintendo Switch. Gamers took to the hybrid console setup, making the Switch the best-selling console of this generation. Nintendo is now looking to build on that success. The Nintendo Switch 2 could be revealed in just a few months, and the device could have more cooling and faster charging than the current model.
Nintendo has yet to confirm anything about the new console’s hardware. These details come from the Nintendo fan forum Famiboards, where gamers have perused shipping manifests to infer what Nintendo is planning. The console sleuths have discovered that Nintendo is purchasing a second cooling fan, which does not appear to be for the console itself.
Like the original, the Switch 2 is expected to have a cooling fan inside to keep the next-generation Tegra chip cool. This second fan is smaller than the one inside even the current Switch, leading to speculation that the fan is destined for the dock. The current Switch dock is little more than a glorified HDMI mount, but the addition of a cooling fan to the sequel could suggest a higher power mode with better performance.
Nvidia is expected to produce a new Tegra Arm chip for the Switch 2, which would be its first consumer-level Tegra in years. The Tegra X1 inside the Switch dates to 2015—newer Arm cores run hotter and require better cooling solutions. If Nintendo wants to take full advantage of its power in docked mode, a second cooling fan might help.
The current Nintendo Switch charger.
Credit: Nintendo
Shipping data also shows Nintendo ordering large numbers of 60W USB-C chargers from Delta, the supplier of its original Switch chargers. The current console ships with a 39W USB-C charger, but the console itself can only accept a maximum of 18W with USB Power Delivery. The move to a 60W charger suggests Nintendo will raise the Switch 2’s charging spec at least somewhat. Otherwise, there’d be no reason to source a more expensive, higher-wattage charger.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be much more capable than the current one. Reports have claimed that the console will have major AAA ports available at launch and could even support 4K gaming when docked. However, the console may rely on Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology to reach that resolution while maintaining high frame rates. This is all speculation until Nintendo finally reveals what may be its most anticipated console yet.