After years of intense rumor and hypothesis, Nintendo lastly revealed the Change 2 in January of this yr. Whereas the corporate hasn’t but introduced every new characteristic the Change’s successor will sport, the corporate did affirm a lot of particulars leakers had been hinting for a lengthy time, together with a bigger show, redesigned magnetic Pleasure-Cons, a brand new kickstand, backwards compatibility, and, least consequentially, a big “2” embossed on the console and dock.
For the reason that preliminary announcement, we have discovered a bit extra in regards to the Change 2 upfront of its full unveiling later this yr. Nintendo introduced a worldwide tour, the place followers can check out the Change 2 early. It additionally seems that the brand new Pleasure-Cons can have a “mouse mode” that can allow you to drag a controller round on a desk…like a pc mouse. Apart from that, issues have been a tad quiet—till now.
Listed below are new Change 2 particulars, courtesy of FCC filings—and what they could trace for the way forward for the system.
The Change 2 will use NFC, which bodes nicely for Amiibo assist
As noticed by The Verge, Nintendo has submitted a lot of filings to the FCC. The outlet scanned by means of these paperwork, and found the Change 2 will assist NFC (close to area communication)—the expertise the permits merchandise like Amiibo to wirelessly talk with the console. (It is also the tech behind tap-to-pay options like Apple Pay and Google Play.) Should you’ve used Amiibo earlier than, you may bear in mind NFC communication occurs by means of the precise Pleasure-Con on the Change. That seems the be the case for the Change 2 as nicely.
A second USB-C port
One other fascinating affirmation in these filings issues the console’s second USB-C port. You may see this new port within the official Change 2 announcement video, however Nintendo did not elaborate on what it was meant for. Now we all know: You can cost your Change 2 through both USB-C port, which is nice information for moveable gamers. With the primary technology of Change, the USB-C port is on the underside, which means you possibly can’t cost the console whereas taking part in with the kickstand out (until you get very artistic). A second port on the facet will resolve for that situation. This is not a essentially purpose to improve to a Change 2, however it’s a perk—maybe one that ought to have been thought by means of a decade in the past with the primary Change.
Wi-Fi 6 assist
Lastly, the filings present that the Change 2 helps Wi-Fi 6 with as much as 80MHz of bandwidth. The OG Change helps Wi-Fi 5, as Wi-Fi 6 wasn’t even a factor when it got here out again in 2017. The improve ought to allow quicker web speeds for sport downloads and on-line play whereas doubtlessly rising battery life, as Wi-Fi 6 connections can flip off once you aren’t utilizing them. That mentioned, we cannot understand how a lot the Change 2’s velocity and battery life enhance over the unique Change till reviewers are in a position to put the console by means of its paces.
Mark you calendar for an April 2 Nintendo Direct
The Change 2 has no present launch date. Nevertheless, the corporate did say within the announcement video that there will likely be a Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, April 2 at 6 a.m. PDT, particularly meant to supply “a better take a look at Nintendo Change 2.” We’ll see how far more info is leaked earlier than that date.
