In recent days, we’ve seen a flurry of convincing leaks surrounding the final design of Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2. This buzz hit a crescendo yesterday when Dbrand unexpectedly unveiled a detailed 3D render of the upcoming console, showcased alongside a reimagined version of their Killswitch carrying case designed for the Switch 2. Chatting with The Verge, Adam Ijaz, the CEO of Dbrand, revealed that their render is informed by precise measurements obtained from a 3D scan of the actual device. According to him, the Switch 2 spans around 270mm with the Joy-Cons attached (200mm without), stands at 116mm high, and is 14mm thick.
The potential design features an impressive 8-inch screen, a welcome upgrade from the Switch OLED’s 7.2-inch and the original Switch’s 6.2-inch displays. Additionally, there’s a mysterious new “C” button on the right Joy-Con and detachable controllers that magnetically attach, reflecting a more curved shape. Plus, it sports USB-C ports both at the top and bottom and boasts a wide U-shaped kickstand reminiscent of the revamped stand on the Switch OLED.
With the rumored Q1 2025 launch date seemingly just around the corner, everything about the device indicates a progression from the Switch OLED’s design. However, contrary to what some might expect, it doesn’t seem like an OLED screen will be used. Most leaks suggest that the 8-inch display will instead be a 1080p IPS LCD, hopefully offering a quality jump over the current Switch LCDs.
When it comes to the Dbrand Killswitch case for the Switch 2, it strays from the typical full-body coverage or upgraded kickstand we’ve seen in other Killswitch cases for devices like the Steam Deck. In this iteration, the design accommodates the Joy-Cons’ detachable nature; the case splits into parts and is held together by a striking teal bungee cord. Dbrand’s reputation for producing top-tier protective cases, especially for phones and handhelds, suggests that their eventual product will be both stylish and functional.
For those of you eager for a clean, unembellished look at the Nintendo Switch 2, the wait continues. However, the leaked details from Dbrand do align with a 3D-printed mock-up shared by the YouTube channel SwitchUp, providing a rough sense of what to expect in terms of appearance and feel.
Ultimately, this substantial leak hints at an imminent announcement for the Nintendo Switch 2, with an expected release before the end of 2024. As Nintendo has committed to revealing details by March 2025 at the latest, the clock is ticking rapidly. Manufacturers like Dbrand are already gearing up, both in production and building anticipation, for Nintendo’s next disruptive handheld hybrid console.
