The Nintendo Switch 2 is official: Here’s when we can expect it to launch in the Philippines
We definitely can't wait to know more about the Switch 2.
Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2, the successor to its best-selling console, and it’s essentially set to launch in the Philippines in 2025.
The Nintendo Switch successor was confirmed to be in the works way back in May 2024. At the time, Nintendo revealed that its next console will be revealed in Q1 2025 at the latest. As such, it’s not too surprising that Nintendo finally shared the official reveal video for the Switch 2, revealing not only what it looks like, but also its biggest differences from the original Switch.
All You Need to Know About the Nintendo Switch 2
Since the Wii, Nintendo’s console releases have varied widely. For instance, the Wii U was a major departure from the Wii given its focus on its unique GamePad. This was then followed by the Switch which was wildly different given its home/handheld hybrid design (likely in response to the Wii U’s less-than-stellar reception).
Given the Switch’s success (it’s Nintendo’s best-selling home console), it’s not a surprise that Nintendo didn’t change much for the Switch 2. Aside from the thankfully straightforward name, the Switch 2 has a mostly similar design to the Switch as it also comes with Joy-Cons and a dock for playing on a TV or monitor.
Even though it looks just like an updated Switch, the Switch 2 does seem to have some improvements. Instead of the sliding mechanism for the controllers, the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons now seem to attach magnetically. This should make it much easier to remove and attach them when playing co-op with friends, or when playing games that use the Joy-Con’s motion controls.
Also revealed in the announcement video is a new Mario Kart game that’s in the works. Plus, the great news for existing Switch owners is the fact that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with previous generation games. Yes, physical cartridges should work.
Note that compatibility isn’t guaranteed for all titles, though we expect the Switch 2 to support the vast majority of the OG Switch’s library, as is the case with the PS5 and PS4.
Nintendo is Likely Going to Launch the Switch 2 in the Philippines This Year
For now, there’s no word yet on a release date for the Switch, though Nintendo did confirm that it will be released in 2025. And while there’s no info on a release in the Philippines, chances are that the Switch 2 will be released in the country this year as well.
That’s because the official Nintendo Switch Southeast Asia Facebook page also shared the Switch 2 announcement. Given that the said page features promotions for the PH market, it’s likely that the Philippines will get the console too, though maybe not as early as other regions. After all, the Philippines is not officially supported in Nintendo’s online system.
More Switch 2 Details to Come in April
While the reveal is exciting, we have to wait a bit longer for more details. That’s because Nintendo revealed that more Switch 2 details will be shared on April 2, 2025, via an upcoming Nintendo Direct.
Given that this Direct is happening in April, chances are that we’ll have to wait until the latter half of 2025 before the console is released. This makes sense given that most new consoles are released in or around the holiday season.