Rumor: Nintendo Switch 2 Dock May Look Much Different Than its Predecessor

The Nintendo Switch 2 dock might be noticeably bulkier than its predecessor, according to a number of recent rumors. There are also some indications that the console itself won’t have any issues visually standing out from the Switch.

Back in May 2024, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said that it would be accurate to describe the company’s upcoming system as the “next” Switch model. The statement implied that the Switch 2 may look somewhat similar to its predecessor. It also gave more credence to widespread reports claiming that the much-anticipated device will retain the hybrid design of the Switch, allowing for both handheld and docked play.

With Nintendo still holding off on revealing its next console, the speculation surrounding the Switch 2 has now entered the era of doodling. Specifically, Resetera user Ninspider has recently authored a sketch of both the upcoming console and its dock, based on some recent rumors about the device. While this wouldn’t usually be considered newsworthy, it’s notable because it elicited a reaction from long-time Nintendo leaker Nate the Hate, also known as NateDrake. The insider said that the dock sketch is roughly similar to a design he was sent in September 2024.

A Bulkier Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Could Accommodate an Active Cooling System

Nate the Hate noted that he is still in the process of verifying the design he received, thus being unsure about its veracity. The sketch he was commenting on depicted a Switch 2 dock that is much bulkier than the one released with its predecessor, mostly because its curved back panel is nearly three times thicker than the front one. The setup seems large enough to accommodate an active cooling system, i.e., a fan or two, which is something that the Switch dock lacks.

Alternatively, a thicker stand could fit the rotating input/output panel that Nintendo patented back in early April 2024. Making the console’s hub bulkier would also have some secondary advantages, like improving its structural stability and durability. Such a design would also help it visually stand out from the Switch dock, which is something that Nintendo’s marketing team would most likely consider to be a big plus, if not a requirement. Nate the Hate didn’t say anything about the other half of the sketch, which depicts the Switch 2 with a much-improved kickstand that runs the length of the console, in accordance with recent rumors on the matter.

Nintendo has five more months to announce its Switch successor during the window it previously committed to. Specifically, the company last said that it plans to unveil its next console during its ongoing fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The Switch 2 is not expected to hit the market until Q2 2025 at the earliest.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite was released in 2019 as a low-cost, handheld-only game system. It’s designed specifically for handheld play, offering a lightweight design as part of its portable offerings. The controllers are built into the system for handheld play, unlike the larger Switch models. The console itself retains full functionality as a standard Switch, but it does not support docked mode.

4K Capabilities

No

Power Source

AC Power and Battery

Brand

Nintendo

Screen

5.5” Touch Screen

Processing Power

0.

Storage

32GB

CPU

Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 processor

Battery

Li-on battery (3570mAh)

Dimensions

2.76 x 7.8 x 7.09 in

Weight

0.61 lb

RAM

4GB DDR4

Screen Resolution

1280 x 720 (720P)

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