Recent filings for the Nintendo Switch 2 have confirmed the inclusion of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, hinting at continued support for Amiibo figures. As reported by The Verge, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) documents indicate that the NFC feature will be housed in the right Joy-Con of the Switch 2, similar to the original Switch. This raises an intriguing question: will the Switch 2 be compatible with the existing library of Amiibo figures that unlock special in-game content?
The FCC filings also reveal that the Switch 2 can be charged using either the bottom USB-C port or a new top USB-C port, aligning with expectations set by the console's official reveal. Additionally, the Switch 2 will support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks with up to 80MHz bandwidth, marking an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) of its predecessor. However, there's no mention of support for Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, as noted by The Verge.
Regarding power, the Switch 2 remains rated for a maximum of 15V, but the filings reference an AC adapter capable of up to 20V, leaving the actual charging speed a mystery for now.
Innovative Joy-Con Design
Last month, a patent from Nintendo suggested that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable in an upside-down configuration. This design utilizes magnets instead of the traditional rails found on the original Switch, potentially allowing for more flexible placement of buttons and ports. If implemented, this could lead to innovative gameplay mechanics and give players greater control over their gaming setup.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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If the Nintendo Switch 2 adopts the innovative Joy-Con attachment method suggested by the patent, Nintendo is expected to provide full details during a special Nintendo Direct event scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2.
While Nintendo has not yet confirmed a release window, speculation points to a launch between June and September. This speculation is fueled by hands-on events scheduled up until June and a statement from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon suggesting a release before September.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details remain undisclosed, including information on other games and the function of a mysterious new Joy-Con button, which has sparked the Joy-Con mouse theory.
