Rumor: Switch 2 Will Have An Upgraded Online Network, & EA Has A Game For The System

We have a new rumor about some functionality that will be available on the Switch 2.

To discuss this rumor, we have to reintroduce you to Ryan from the Bronx, FKA Midori, FKA MysticDistance. He seems to go by his real first name now, and he has also disclosed that he is an independent security researcher and freelance content translator.

Ryan addressed his prior controversies in a lengthy thread here, and has even come forward with some of the methods he uses to find his rumors. While we cannot 100 % vouch for his veracity, his track record is good enough that we cannot ignore his claims.

Ryan shared this message on Twitter a few days ago:

“Switch 2 uses almost the same exact online structure as the current Nintendo Switch, except it adds additional functionality as well.

• Download and transfer between Nintendo Switch and unannounced successor
• Updated eShop with improved media functionality

Additionally, NPLN has been updated to add support for UGC (user generated content). EA is currently working on a title for the unannounced Nintendo Switch successor as well. Analysis of server structures shows usage of the same services consistent with the current hardware.”

The way Ryan phrases makes it seem like Switch owners will be able to freely move their Switch games around from a Switch and Switch 2 console. We would also certainly welcome an improved eShop, though maybe we need more help on navigation and discoverability.

As explained in this article for Splatoon 3, Nintendo still relies on peer to peer infrastructure for their online systems. Peer to peer means that your online games are dependent on all players maintaining a consistent connection, and losing one or more players can ruin it for everyone.

But, Nintendo does use a hybrid approach now, with the addition of NPLN. NPLN are dedicated game servers, that run their game lobbies and matchmaking. However, playing in-game still relies on peer to peer. This allowed Nintendo to improve their services, but they’re still not as reliable or consistent as those of other game companies.

The UGC rumor certainly sounds like Nintendo will enable mods, or at least custom creations of some sort, to be moved and shared on their system. But if the systems are ultimately the same, we don’t think fans should expect Splatoon to have the same online functionality as Overwatch 2 anytime soon.

As for the EA game, it’s easy to guess that they have at least the next EA Sports FC planned for the Switch 2. But then again, Ryan’s phrasing suggests it could be a game we haven’t seen before, and could use their networking systems.

EA and Nintendo haven’t collaborated since they promised full support for the Wii U, and then bailed out on it after a year. EA then missed out on a substantial part of the Nintendo Switch’s peak, and they definitely don’t want that to happen again.

But then again, maybe online isn’t that relevant to this at all. Would you welcome a game like Wild Hearts belatedly coming to the Switch for a second chance? It will be interesting to see how much of this information, that Ryan may have genuinely datamined, will be proven true.