The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature NFC and Wi-Fi 6, according to FCC documents.
Does that mean there will be support for Amiibo?
The new Nintendo Switch 2 console has been officially announced, although some questions still remain. One of the main uncertainties is whether the new portable device will include support for Amiibo figures, which allow for wireless content unlocking in games. However, it seems likely that it will, as documents presented to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicate that the console will feature NFC technology. Additionally, it has been confirmed that this RFID function will be located in the right Joy-Con, similar to what was found with the original Switch.
According to Nintendo's radio equipment test records, the Switch 2 is designated BEE-001. "BEE" corresponds to the Switch 2 product family, where "001" represents the main console, "014" the right Joy-Con, and "012" the left. This type of nomenclature has been a common practice for Nintendo for decades; for example, "DMG" was used for the original Game Boy, "DOL" for the GameCube, "RVL" for the Wii, and "HAC" for the original Switch.
The documents also reveal that the Nintendo Switch 2 can be charged through a USB-C port on the bottom or from a new port on the top of the console. While the addition of this top port had already been anticipated, this is the first clear confirmation that the console can be charged from both points.
Furthermore, the new Switch is expected to offer faster Wi-Fi connectivity, as it will be compatible with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks with a bandwidth of up to 80MHz, exceeding the previous version's Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology. However, it does not appear to support the latest technologies, such as Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, and has only passed through the FCC with tests for 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, leaving aside the 6GHz band, which is faster.
Diagrams in the FCC documents also confirm that the Switch 2 was tested with and without controllers, as well as with and without a dock. While it is unclear whether it has a faster charging speed or more power when docked, initial information suggests that the console will maintain the 15V charging limit present in the original Switch, although a power adapter that could reach up to 20V is mentioned. However, it is still not possible to specify the charging speed in watts without knowing the amperage.
The exact release date for the Switch 2 is still unknown, but Nintendo has assured that it will be available sometime this year.
