While we are still awaiting the official Switch 2 Direct showcase on April 2 to get the full picture on the next-generation Nintendo console, plenty of additional details have come to light since then. From official patents specifically mentioning mouse mode, the lack of support for the current Switch Online Game Voucher program, and Nintendo’s official comments on how it is dealing with the U.S. tariffs situation, all of the rumors and speculation have been interspersed with solid, confirmed details. We also know there are two USB-C ports on the machine, and one can only assume they are for more than just charging convenience – many have suggested a web cam add-on could be on the way, but does this also suggest that the dual-display rumors previously circulated could ring true?
Switch 2 with dual-display?
Last week, based on official Nintendo patent filings, details on the reversible Switch functionality surfaced. The patent stated that users can use the Switch 2 by placing the right Joy-Con on the left side and vice-versa (this would presumably mean the console’s display will auto rotate as well).
The patent with these details seemed to suggest this was to enable more flexibility with the way gamers access the headphone port, but it also means the center-mounted USB-C port on the bottom of the machine can also be positioned on the top – this led some to suggest this could also be to better support add-on peripherals like a camera attachment, for example.
Now clearly, a camera add-on or something along those lines could also theoretically work with the top-mounted USB-C port that’s positioned over to one side, but just the mention of camera accessories and the like got us thinking…what’s the actual gimmick or standout feature going to be for the Switch 2? It’s bigger, presumably more powerful, and will come with a host of exclusive new games of course, but Nintendo is usually intent on bringing more to the experience, and that’s when we remembered those dual display rumors that were lurking around last year before the machine’s official reveal.
Could the dual USB-C ports also suggest we could be in for a dual-display add-on as well? Maybe not, but wow that could be cool. Leaks and rumors have suggested there will be a second screen accessory in the works (although it’s hard to say whether it will be a first or third-party solution, if it’s real at all).
Check out this dual-display Switch 2 render from Reddit user jard_dog via NintendoLife.
This could be about as much a game changer for some users as it is a total gimmick for others, but it could also suggest an influx of classic DS-style games via the Switch Online library and add-on features in big-time exclusive releases. Now clearly if this is just a third-party add-on functionality is going to be limited at best, but if Nintendo works up some sort of dual-display add-on kit for Switch 2 we could see particularly interesting integration built right into its biggest releases. And because Switch 2 (almost certainly) won’t ship with a second display add-on, this bonus functionality would be just that – an extra option that gamers can make use of as opposed to something integral to the experience that might very well ruin my next adventure through Hyrule or the Mushroom Kingdom.
Some previous rumors even suggest that instead of the USB-C connected dual display action, the Switch 2 might just be able to cast a second display to your TV via the dock, providing effectively the same thing, albeit only at home.
Nothing is confirmed at this point, and this might just be a pipe dream, but it might also be a very interesting way to put those USB-C ports or that mysterious “C” button to good use.
Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!
