Nintendo officially reveals the Nintendo Switch 2, teases the hardware and new games, more details on April 2
It's real, and official. Nintendo has finally unveiled the long-rumored successor hardware to its Nintendo Switch, and it's called the Nintendo Switch 2. The company revealed a simple trailer showing off the hardware and teasing what could be a new or updated edition of ultra-popular racing game Mario Kart, as well as promising more details in a Nintendo Direct livestream scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 First-Look Trailer
Rumored to be on the way for years, the slow drip of information about the Nintendo Switch 2 turned into a flood over the last months of 2024, as third-party accessory makers began spilling the beans and showing off outright mockups at CES 2025. And indeed, the new Switch 2 first-look trailer confirms a number of the design updates and features previously rumored and leaked. The Switch 2 is larger, with a larger screen and longer Joy-Con controllers. The main unit has a more rounded rear housing, and features most of the familiar ports and vents of the standard Switch, though it seems to have a second USB-C port in the top. To keep the screen up in tabletop mode, the Switch 2 features a kickstand that spans the width of the screen and can fold back a ways to lay it nearly flat. The familiar side rails to hold the Joy-Cons are gone, replaced by an indentation and lending credence to the rumor that the Switch 2's controllers will be attached magnetically.
The Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers are also longer, and feature a majority black housing with bits of color peeking out at the base of the analog stick and where the controller mates with the screen unit. As determined by the Joy-Cons, the Switch 2's default colorway appears to be light blue and peach. The new Joy-Cons feature the same buttons as the original Switch, though the right-hand Joy-Con (the peach one) seems to have a new capture button or under the home button, allowing both Joy-Cons to be used to take screenshots and video. Behind the ZL/ZR triggers, a third button operates the Joy-Con release switch, allowing the controllers to be detached from the screen unit. Finally, the Joy-Cons also have their own wrist strap attachments. The Switch 2 also has its own dock and Joy-Con grip.
Nintendo was quick to point out that the Switch 2 will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, though the fine print in the trailer said that "certain" games won't be supported or fully compatible, with details to be shared via the Nintendo website at a later date. Nintendo also appeared to tease footage of a new version of Mario Kart, one of the Switch's best-selling titles. It's unknown if this is an updated version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Mario Kart 9, but the track doesn't seem to match any current Mario Kart 8 tracks.
The Switch 2 is slated for release sometime in 2025. Nintendo will reveal more during a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, and via "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience" pop-up locations in various countries. Check out the full press release below.
Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to the Nintendo Switch system, will be
released in 2025. Today Nintendo offered a first look at Nintendo Switch 2 in a video
introducing the hardware.
Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and
digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or
fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a
later date.
For more details on Nintendo Switch 2, please tune in for the “Nintendo Direct:
Nintendo Switch 2 – 4.2.2025” which will air on Wednesday, April 2.
Nintendo will also hold Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, where consumers can go
hands-on with Nintendo Switch 2, in cities around the world.
Nintendo Switch 2 Experience host cities and schedule. All dates are local.
North America:
• New York, April 4-6, 2025
• Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
• Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
• Toronto, April 25-27, 2025
Europe:
• Paris, April 4-6, 2025
• London, April 11-13, 2025
• Milan, April 25-27, 2025
• Berlin, April 25-27, 2025
• Madrid, May 9-11, 2025
• Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025
Oceania:
• Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025
Asia:
• Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025
• Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025
• Hong Kong, To be announced
• Taipei, To be announced
A Nintendo Account is necessary to participate in a Nintendo Switch 2 Experience event.
Ticket registrations for consumers will begin in the near future.