Nintendo Switch 2: Rising Fan Theories on How It Will Change the Game

At first glance, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t look all that different to the handheld console that it evolved from. A light recoloring, bigger screen, but what else? Anything… exciting? 

Well, eagle-eyed and conspiratorial thinkers have some ideas on what the two-minute trailer may have revealed without explicitly telling us. From an intriguing new Nintendo gimmick to possibly new Mario Kart mechanics, we’ve gathered four rising fan theories on what the Switch 2 has on offer for gamers.

Introducing #NintendoSwitch2, the successor to Nintendo Switch, releasing in 2025.

Learn more: https://t.co/m8FoQWfYcv pic.twitter.com/pDs2T1xIhv

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 16, 2025

Yep, people think that each of the Joy-Cons will double as a Switch-specific mouse—which some are calling a Mouse-Con.

This rumor is the result of a new hole on the inside of both Joy-cons, which appears to house a new sensor. While we still have no official explanation, the trailer showcases the Joy-Cons running along a flat surface like you would use a computer mouse—it even has a wrist strap, making it look like the tail of a real mouse.

This has led people to speculate how or why a mouse would be useful on a Switch 2. Redditor SpyWednesday explained that it opens the door to more first-person shooters and real-time strategy games. While these aren't typical game genres associated with Nintendo consoles, BootyHugs, another commenter, explained that he plays Civilization VI on his Switch and that a mouse would be a huge help. 

Some have already complained that the Mouse-Con will be uncomfortable for long gaming sessions, with Reddior BalintCsala already designing a potential ergonomic case for it.

That said, others believe this could be a new sensor so the Joy-Cons can be used as a pointer, like a Wii Remote.

If the switch 2 had mouse controls it would be cool but this looks like ass to play with pic.twitter.com/RNGcp5hCnU

— kagley, Driver of the Aegis (@kagleytime) January 6, 2025

There’s a button below the home button that is unlabeled, and... well, we don’t know what it does. But Redditors are calling it the “C” button.

Redditor Ampersand17 believes it could be a mini trackpad like old-school Blackberry phones or the Lenovo Legion Go S have, and this tracks (pun intended) with the previous theory that the Joy-Cons will also work as a mouse. Others have theorized that it could be a fingerprint scanner, heart rate reader, or even a TV casting button. 

In truth, no one knows and everyone is guessing—us included.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con has a new button 👀 pic.twitter.com/XOvJNpteIj

— Nintendo Switch 2 News (@NinSwitchIntel) January 16, 2025

BREAKING NEWS: There's an additional USB-C slot on the top of the Switch 2.

In a YouTube video, IGN theorized that this could mean there are USB-C accessories coming to the device. Equally, this could just be an ease-of-use thing that will allow you to charge the device from the top or bottom.

Sorry, that one is pretty boring for now... but Nintendo always has fun surprises up its sleeve, so maybe there will be something exciting here down the line.

I don't know about you guys but I'm into the #Switch2 fully if only because of the fact that there's a USB-C port at the top AND the bottom, for charging while kickstand'd and docked.

And, dare I suggest... peripheral accessories? pic.twitter.com/10Ji4WATmw

— OWH SCHEIßE!! (dm29) ♿🚷✏️ (@judacris) January 17, 2025

The Switch 2 teaser trailer appears to show off gameplay from a new Mario Kart game. 

Put side-by-side, the graphics appear to be a step up from the last coin entry. Mario Kart 8 originally launched more than 10 years ago for the Wii U and was later reworked and expanded for the Switch, so the bump in graphics makes a ton of sense.

But there's more at play here, with new model designs, tracks, and kart designs convincing fans that a new game is on its way. If true, many believe the new game will have 24 players per race—up from 12—due to the footage in the Switch 2 trailer.

Judging from the starting line, Mario Kart 9(???) seems to have 24 players per race, which is insane. pic.twitter.com/yWCKQOyepP

— Rimea (@The_Rimea) January 16, 2025

A deeper look at the video, thanks to OneWorldly988 on Reddit, shows one kart with triangular wheels and another with sledge-style wheels, leading to speculation that wheels may be more or less effective depending on terrain.

There is also possibly a fuel or nitro resource management mechanic coming into the game, with a tank on the side of Mario’s vehicle and some kind of item at a fuel station.

We warned you: Nintendo enthusiasts took a lot from a two-minute trailer. We’re sure there’s more Easter eggs and tidbits to find, however, so maybe it's time to get digging some more. 

More details about the Switch 2 will be revealed on April 2 during a Nintendo Direct livestream event. The full console will be released sometime later this year.

Edited by Andrew Hayward