Over the past week, the internet has been buzzing with what seem to be credible leaks about the final design of Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2. The excitement hit a high note yesterday when Dbrand unexpectedly unveiled a complete 3D model of the Switch 2. This model was showcased within a revised version of their Dbrand Killswitch case, originally designed for handheld PCs. In a conversation with The Verge, Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz confirmed that the company used a 3D scan of authentic hardware to nail down the Switch 2’s actual dimensions. The new device measures around 270mm in width with Joy-Cons attached (200mm without), stands 116mm tall, and maintains a slim profile at 14mm thick.
What really stands out in this Switch 2 revelation is its significantly larger 8-inch screen, a noticeable bump from the 7.2-inch display of the Switch OLED and the 6.2-inch screen of the original Switch. There’s also an intriguing new “C” button on the right Joy-Con — could this be for capture functionality? The Joy-Cons themselves seem to have undergone a revamp, now featuring magnetically-detachable controllers with a pronounced curve. An improved kickstand, reminiscent of the one on the Switch OLED, complements this new design, along with USB-C ports on both the top and bottom.
As we edge closer to an expected Q1 2025 launch, everything we’ve seen points to Switch 2 being a step forward from the OLED model. However, it’s worth noting that it might not feature an OLED screen. Instead, reports suggest an 8-inch 1080p IPS LCD, which we hope offers superior quality than the current Switch LCD.
Now, if we look at Dbrand’s redesigned Killswitch case for the Switch 2, it seems they consciously omitted the comprehensive kickstand or full-body cover often seen in their previous releases for devices like the Steam Deck. This choice likely accounts for the detachable Joy-Con design of the Switch 2. Instead, the case segments into sections that fit well and is held together by a striking teal bungee cord. Given Dbrand’s established reputation for creating top-notch protective cases, there’s good reason to believe this design will meet user expectations.
For those eager to glimpse an unaltered version of the Switch 2, we don’t quite have that yet. Nevertheless, the specifications leaked by Dbrand align closely with a 3D-printed mock-up featured by YouTube channel SwitchUp. This mock-up should give Nintendo fans a decent idea of the console’s appearance and ergonomics.
In the grand scheme of things, Dbrand’s major reveal — especially since they likely aren’t restricted by any non-disclosure agreements — hints at an impending official announcement from Nintendo. Previous hints suggested a Switch 2 release before the end of 2024, while Nintendo itself has indicated a March 2025 deadline for unveiling Switch 2 details. As that date approaches, we’re witnessing the buzz grow, with accessory companies like Dbrand ramping up for what is sure to be another significant step in Nintendo’s handheld hybrid console evolution.