The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature WiFi 6 and offer NFC support, per the FCC

Nintendo Switch 2 to feature WiFi 6 and NFC, chargeable via dual USB-C ports, launch expected this year.

: The Nintendo Switch 2 will support WiFi 6, enhancing connectivity compared to its predecessor, which used WiFi 5. Although it won’t support WiFi 6E, the console's NFC capabilities may sustain integration with Amiibo figurines. Players will enjoy dual USB-C ports for charging, providing added convenience absent in earlier models. While release details are sparse, more information is anticipated during April’s Nintendo Direct, potentially revealing new game titles including Mario Kart.

FCC filings have unveiled a slew of exciting features coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, the much-anticipated successor to one of Nintendo's most successful gaming consoles. According to Lawrence Bonk, a contributing reporter at Engadget, and details corroborated by The Verge, this new console will boast WiFi 6 capabilities. This is a step up from the original Switch, which was limited to WiFi 5. It's worthy of note that while WiFi 6 offers quicker connectivity, the Switch 2 will not include support for the more advanced WiFi 6E. Additionally, the FCC only ran tests for 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, without encompassing the faster 6GHz band.

Despite not adopting the absolute latest in wireless technology, Nintendo's choice of WiFi 6 aligns with industry trends seen in other consoles like the standard PlayStation 5, while the upgraded PS5 Pro makes strides with WiFi 7 support. Contrast this with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S, which sticks to WiFi 5, suggesting that Nintendo's strategic choices for tech integration are both thoughtful and practical, with considerations about cost, efficiency, and performance.

Amiibo enthusiasts will rejoice as the FCC filings hint at continued support for NFC functionality within the Nintendo Switch 2. The RFID technology responsible for this feature is located in the right Joy-Con, maintaining continuity from its predecessor. Amiibo figures remain popular among fans as they offer unique in-game benefits and collectibles, enhancing the gameplay and overall user experience. Bonk notes that this commitment to existing technology keeps the console accessible to current Switch owners and preserves a sense of continuity in the Nintendo gaming ecosystem.

The filings also revealed a significant design upgrade — the inclusion of dual USB-C ports for charging, one positioned at the bottom and the other at the top. This dual port approach is unprecedented for Nintendo's handheld consoles, as previous models have been limited to a single USB port. Having the option to charge a device from multiple ports can significantly enhance the convenience factor, allowing gamers more flexibility in how they use and transport their consoles.

While the exact release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 has yet to be announced, current expectations are set for a launch later this year. Speculation is rife regarding Nintendo’s game lineup at launch, with teaser trailers hinting at a potential new installment in the Mario Kart series. Fans and critics alike eagerly await further announcements slated for Nintendo’s upcoming Direct presentation in April, which promises to shine more light on what the Switch 2 will offer in terms of hardware innovations and game experiences.

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