Nintendo's highly anticipated next-generation console is just around the corner, with the official launch date set for June 5, 2025. The Nintendo Switch 2 promises significant hardware upgrades over its predecessor, but questions remain about how it will handle demanding modern game engines like Unreal Engine 5, which has proven challenging even for more powerful consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Nintendo Switch 2 Key Information
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
- Controller: Joy-Con 2 with customizable panels
- Engine Support: Unreal Engine 5 (with limitations)
- Performance Example: Fortnite at 60 FPS (without Lumen)
- Joy-Con 2 Features: Magnetic attachments, larger buttons, mouse functionality
Hardware Capabilities and Performance Expectations
According to technical analysis from Digital Foundry experts, the Nintendo Switch 2 will support Unreal Engine 5's advanced features including Nanite, Lumen, and Virtual Shadow Maps. However, the console will likely struggle to run all these features simultaneously, even when targeting 30 FPS with compromised resolution and image quality. This limitation isn't surprising considering that even PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have difficulty handling UE5 games with all features enabled.
Despite these constraints, the Switch 2 shows promise in other areas. The console reportedly handles Cyberpunk 2077 rather well, suggesting that developers may be able to push the hardware beyond initial expectations as they become more familiar with the system. For games using Unreal Engine 5, Digital Foundry suggests that Fortnite's performance on the Switch 2 provides a good benchmark—the popular battle royale title reportedly runs at 60 FPS on the new console, albeit without the demanding Lumen lighting system.
Unreal Engine 5 Features on Switch 2
- Nanite: Supported but may be limited
- Lumen: Likely to be disabled for performance (most demanding feature)
- Virtual Shadow Maps: May be heavily cut down
- Note: All three features unlikely to run simultaneously
Joy-Con 2 Customization Features
Beyond performance considerations, the Nintendo Switch 2 introduces exciting hardware innovations with its new Joy-Con 2 controllers. These updated controllers feature magnetic attachments, larger buttons, and even mouse functionality for enhanced gameplay options. Perhaps most notably, the Joy-Con 2 controllers include removable panels that can be swapped out with custom designs.
Third-party manufacturers are already capitalizing on this customization potential, with decorative strips appearing on marketplaces like AliExpress priced between $4 and $6 for both left and right panels. Some of these options allow users to give their Switch 2 a classic look reminiscent of the original Switch's iconic color scheme. While the standard Joy-Con 2 controllers come with black panels, they still feature the original Switch color theme under the joysticks.
It's worth noting that not all parts of the Joy-Con 2 may be customizable. Several users have pointed out that the panels located under the joysticks likely won't be replaceable, which could limit complete color coordination for those seeking a unified aesthetic.
Launch Timeline and Availability
With the worldwide launch just one month away on June 5, Nintendo fans won't have to wait much longer to experience the Switch 2's capabilities firsthand. Pre-orders for the console are already available, giving eager gamers the opportunity to secure their system ahead of what will likely be significant demand at release.
As developers gain more experience with the hardware and optimize their games accordingly, we can expect to see the true potential of the Nintendo Switch 2 emerge in the months following its launch. While it may not match the raw power of its competitors, Nintendo's focus on innovative gameplay and distinctive features continues to set its hardware apart in the gaming landscape.