Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Might Include Headphone Jack for Voice Chat – Rumour

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With Nintendo set to unveil additional details about its upcoming console, the Switch 2, there’s been an increase in speculation surrounding the device. A recent post on Famiboards forums by user LiC hinted at the possibility of a professional controller being developed for the Switch 2 as well.

A patent application highlighted by LiC provides additional information about what appears to be a new type of game controller, labeled BEE-008. It seems this device includes compatibility with Bluetooth and NFC technologies, along with a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. This suggests that the controller’s Bluetooth version should be at least 5.2, as it needs to support LE Audio technology.

Including a headphone jack in the new Nintendo Switch 2 could suggest that they are planning to built-in online voice chat functionality directly within the device’s operating system, instead of using a smartphone app like they do now with the current Switch model.

Rumors concerning the voice chat feature on Switch 2 emerged from a patent application discovered as early as March. The patent details also suggest the inclusion of proximity-based voice chat functionality. In essence, this means that during multiplayer games, players nearer to each other will have their voices sound more prominent and clear compared to those who are situated further away in the game environment.

Tomorrow’s dedicated Nintendo Direct is set to reveal more information about the upcoming Switch 2, but there have also been whispers about Nintendo’s strategy for game launches. A rumor circulating in March suggested that Nintendo could be implementing a three-step approach for games on the new Switch console.

Initially, the first version of the Switch featured a blend of third-party and Nintendo’s own games at its launch. However, it appears that the upcoming Switch 2 is planned to prioritize first-party games during its initial release period. Later on in the year, there are rumors of a focus on third-party games in the second and third phases.

According to WCCFTech’s report, it appears that developers from studios within the Embracer Group haven’t received the development kit for the Switch 2 as of yet, which seems to support this release plan hypothesis.

According to the latest whispers, it’s speculated that you might be able to reserve the Switch 2 as early as April 9, based on leaked internal documentation and emails from an American retailer.

Analysts suggest that Nintendo is aiming to keep its fan base from the original Switch happy by pricing the Switch 2 at around $399. Joost van Dreunen, co-founder of SuperData Research, believes this price point will enable Nintendo to also match up against handheld gaming systems such as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally in terms of competition.

Additionally, van Dreunen hypothesizes that the choice to ensure backward compatibility between the Switch 2 and games designed for the initial Switch was likely driven by Nintendo’s desire to prioritize the long-term success of their platform.

According to van Dreunen, Nintendo’s Switch console, which has been around for eight years, fits into industry patterns of earning money digitally instead of constantly updating hardware. This strategy seems to be part of Nintendo’s plan to keep their efficient capital deployment model, as the longevity of their platforms is important to them. Instead of relying on frequent hardware releases to grow, they are now focusing more on increasing software sales and digital user engagement over extended periods of time for each platform.

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2025-04-01 16:42