"Nintendo Switch 2 Supports NFC, Likely Compatible with Amiibo"

Exciting news for Nintendo fans—the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has been revealed to include Near Field Communication (NFC) support, hinting at continued compatibility with Amiibo figures. As reported by The Verge, Federal Communication Commission (FCC) filings confirm that the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) feature will be housed in the right Joy-Con, similar to the original Switch. This raises an intriguing question: Will the Switch 2 support the existing library of Amiibo that unlock in-game content?

The FCC filings also shed light on other features of the Switch 2. You'll be able to charge the console using either its bottom USB-C port or a new top one, a functionality that aligns with expectations set by the console’s official reveal. Additionally, the Switch 2 will boast Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) capabilities with up to 80MHz bandwidth, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on the original Switch. However, there's no mention of Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, as pointed out by The Verge. Regarding power, the Switch 2 maintains a maximum rating of 15V, but the filings reference an AC adapter that can go up to 20V, leaving the actual charging speed a mystery for now.

In other developments, a recent Nintendo patent suggests that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable upside down, utilizing magnets instead of the original's rails. This innovation could allow players to customize their controller setup, choosing the placement of buttons and ports. If this feature makes it to the final product, it could lead to new and exciting gameplay mechanics.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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If the patent's suggestions hold true, Nintendo is expected to fully detail this feature at a special Nintendo Direct event scheduled for 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK time on April 2. As for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, while no official window has been confirmed, speculation points to a launch between June and September. This is based on ongoing hands-on events up until June and a statement from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon indicating the console will be available before September.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was initially unveiled in January with a teaser trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details remain under wraps, including specifics about other games and the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button. Speculation about a potential Joy-Con mouse feature has also been circulating.