The upcoming Switch 2 is poised to be one of the most sought-after gaming consoles released this year. To prioritize dedicated fans, Nintendo is implementing measures to limit scalpers from hijacking pre-orders. While this is a positive step, it does mean you’ll have to navigate a few steps to secure your Switch 2 pre-order. Having already completed the process myself, I can say it’s certainly less complicated than the experience of camping out with my family at Target to buy a Wii back in 2006.
Let’s dive into how to pre-order a Switch 2 directly from Nintendo. This method will ensure your pre-order is secure without having to vie against numerous other gamers. If you’re unsure about meeting Nintendo’s requirements, I’ll also highlight which retailers have opened pre-orders for the Switch 2.
Everything You Need To Get a Switch 2 Pre-Order
You Need A Nintendo Account, And May Be Eligible For A Priority Invite
Before you proceed with your pre-order for the Switch 2 from Nintendo, you’ll need a few things. First and foremost, you must have a Nintendo account, which is likely if you already own another Switch. Also, you must be at least 18 years old if you’re in the US or Canada.
The chance to pre-order will follow a first-come, first-served basis. However, Nintendo has additional criteria to help prioritize customers. When you receive your pre-order email, you’ll have a 72-hour window to place your order.
To achieve priority status, you must have held a paid subscription to Nintendo Switch Online for at least 12 months before April 2, 2025. You also need to opt-in to share your gameplay data with Nintendo, which can be done on their website. Additionally, you must have logged a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay before the cut-off date, meaning last-minute gaming won’t help you secure that priority pre-order.
You can check if you’re set up to share your data by visiting your account’s privacy settings on Nintendo. Although you can see when your latest Nintendo Switch Online subscription started, it won’t show you the duration of previous subscriptions. So, it might be tricky to verify if you’ve been subscribed for over a year unless you remember the exact day you signed up.
How To Register For A Switch 2 Pre-Order
Nintendo’s Website Allows You To Sign Up For A Pre-Order Invite
Regardless of whether you’re eligible for a priority pre-order or not, you can still register for a chance to pre-order a Switch 2 on Nintendo’s website. Once there, sign in to your Nintendo account and choose which version of the Switch 2 you’d like: the standalone console or the Mario Kart World Bundle. I personally opted for the Mario Kart World Bundle since it’s only $50 more than buying the game separately, which would cost at least $79.99.
After you register, keep an eye on your inbox for your pre-order email, as you’ll have only 72 hours to complete your purchase. Nintendo suggests adding the email address no-reply@noa.nintendo.com to your safe sender list to ensure your pre-order email doesn’t end up filtered as spam. You’ll also be expected to pay for your Switch 2 when you receive your email invitation, with the initial release set to begin on May 8, 2025.
Where Else To Pre-Order A Nintendo Switch 2
Major Retailers Like Walmart And GameStop Also Have Pre-Orders Going Live Soon
You may wish to pre-order your Switch 2 from a retailer other than Nintendo for various reasons. For example, some stores might begin their pre-orders earlier than Nintendo. Walmart is set to open its pre-orders on April 9, 2025, nearly a full month before Nintendo starts sending out invitation emails.
Retailer
Pre-Order Start Date
Walmart
April 9
Amazon (UK)
By Invitation Only
Best Buy
April 9
GameStop
April 9
Target
April 9
Personally, I plan to stick with ordering from Nintendo directly, but I completely understand why others might want to avoid waiting a whole month for an email invitation that may or may not arrive. With the Switch 2’s release date of June 5 fast approaching, I can’t blame anyone for exploring every option available to grab this console. I’m pleased to see that Nintendo’s approach aims to deter Switch 2 scalpers, and I hope this strategy encourages more companies to adopt similar measures for future console launches.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be fully unveiled this week, with Nintendo set to host a dedicated Direct presentation to showcase the new console. The initial announcement of the Switch 2 made waves back in January, sparking weeks of excitement and speculation among gamers about its features, launch titles, and release dates. The first trailer concluded with the promise of an April Direct focused entirely on the Switch 2, and now that April is here, fans are eagerly awaiting the event.
If you missed last week’s exciting Nintendo Direct and need a refresher on how to catch the show, here’s everything you need to know to watch the Switch 2 Direct.
When The Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Stream Starts
Switch 2 Direct Dates & Times
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream is set to begin at 9:00 AM EDT on April 2, 2025, and will be accessible worldwide. Below is a breakdown of the start time across various time zones, so you won’t miss it no matter where you are.
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
9:00 AM, April 2
Central Daylight Time (CDT)
8:00 AM, April 2
Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
7:00 AM, April 2
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
6:00 AM, April 2
British Summer Time (BST)
2:00 PM, April 2
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
3:00 PM, April 2
Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)
4:00 PM, April 2
Australia Western Standard Time (AWST)
9:00 PM, April 2
Japan Standard Time (JST)
10:00 PM, April 2
Australia Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)
12:00 AM, April 3
New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT)
2:00 AM, April 3
The Direct presentation is expected to run for about an hour, according to a recent tweet from Nintendo of America. Following the Direct, there will be two Treehouse Live streams on April 3 and 4 that will provide deeper dives into various games launching for the Switch 2.
How To Watch The Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal
Where The Switch 2 Direct Is Streaming
As usual, the Switch 2 Direct will be available for live streaming on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel when it starts. You can click the “Notify me” button to get a reminder when the show begins. It’s likely that you’ll also find the stream on Nintendo’s Twitch channel, so be sure to follow that for updates. Moreover, Nintendo’s regional YouTube channels will offer the Direct with subtitles or dubbing in various languages, so be sure to subscribe to the appropriate channel.
Generally speaking, YouTube streams are known for their superior quality, while Twitch streams might be slightly ahead in terms of timing.
It’s important to note that, given the size of the audience expected for this event, there may be technical difficulties with the livestreams. Alongside the official YouTube and Twitch streams, many streamers will likely co-stream the Nintendo Direct simultaneously. If you don’t have a preferred content creator in mind, a simple search for “Nintendo Direct” on Twitch should yield numerous options.
With that, you now have all the information you need to join in on tomorrow’s Nintendo Direct. With nearly an hour packed with news and surprises, Nintendo appears ready to showcase substantial details about the much-anticipated Switch 2.
After much anticipation, Nintendo is finally ready to unveil the Switch 2. Following a brief preview earlier this year, the company will host a dedicated Direct event on April 2. Though specific details remain under wraps, you can expect announcements regarding the release date, price, and initial game lineup. This promises to be one of the most exciting live stream events of the year, and it would be wise to tune in, even if you're not considering purchasing a Switch 2 right away.
If you're looking to catch the event, here's what you need to know about the April 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: when it airs, where to watch it, and what you can look forward to. If you can't catch it live, we will provide a comprehensive recap as it unfolds.
When is the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, starting at 6 a.m. Pacific Time. Fans on the West Coast will need to rise early for this event. While Nintendo hasn't specified the duration, the 2017 presentation lasted a little over an hour, so expect something similar this time around.
Where to watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
Nintendo's official YouTube channel. We'll embed the stream here as soon as it goes live. It’s also likely that Nintendo will stream it on its official website for those who prefer to watch it there.
What to expect from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
Nintendo
Don't be fooled into thinking this will be just another teaser; this event is expected to be substantial. Drawing parallels to the 2017 Nintendo Switch reveal, we can anticipate a wealth of information spanning hardware details, online service changes, and game announcements. Crucially, we expect the reveal of the price and release date. The 2017 event unveiled the Switch's upcoming release just two months later, suggesting a similar timeline for the Switch 2, potentially setting a June launch—aligning with current rumors. Pricing, however, remains uncertain, especially with recent tariffs possibly affecting costs. If the price is unexpectedly high for a Nintendo console, the tariffs could be a factor.
It's likely we'll gain insights beyond just pricing and release details. Specifications for the Switch 2 are still under wraps, so this may be the moment we hear about them, especially if the console is capable of 4K output. Expect more information about the unique “mouse-con” controllers and perhaps a brief update on how Nintendo Switch Online will operate, assuming there aren't major changes from the previous version. With limited time available, expect minimal elaboration on features that remain unchanged.
But the main attraction will undoubtedly be the games. Currently, we know very little about what's in store for the Switch 2, and this is Nintendo's chance to change that narrative. Major titles like Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are likely to be prominent, but there may also be some unexpected reveals. A new 3D Mario game seems plausible given the considerable gap since Super Mario Odyssey. I wouldn’t be surprised if titles from the Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises make appearances as well. Additionally, we can anticipate a selection of third-party games, much like the significant focus during the 2017 showcase.
Nintendo has officially announced its Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, set for April 2 at 9 AM ET (6 AM PT). This event was anticipated following Nintendo’s initial announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, as is typical for the company, only minimal details have been provided thus far. Despite knowing when the stream will occur, there are still no additional insights about the console itself.
Nintendo states that this Direct will provide a deeper look at the upcoming console and is likely to introduce several new games. Although speculation surrounds the handheld device, no specifics have been confirmed yet.
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Based on what has been revealed so far, it seems we can expect more details about the new Mario Kart 9, including potential gameplay mechanics. Additionally, there’s a decent chance that we might see more about the anticipated Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, perhaps with both games being announced as launch titles.
Nintendo
Nintendo has confirmed that the majority of the current Switch library will be compatible with the Switch 2; however, some titles may not make the transition. While specific games that will be excluded have yet to be announced, it is rumored that games utilizing the Switch’s integrated IR sensor might not work. There are whispers that the Switch 2 could feature an improved IR sensor which could allow for compatibility, but until then, we can only speculate.
One of the most eagerly awaited details is the release date for the Switch 2. At this point, Nintendo has only provided a broad timeframe of 2025. This upcoming event could potentially confirm both a release date and pricing details.
Just yesterday, Nintendo unveiled its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, through a brief video presentation. While the footage gave us a glimpse of its design and hinted at the next installment of Mario Kart, it left many questions unanswered. However, one vital piece of information stood out: the new system will support both digital and physical games from the original Nintendo Switch. Nonetheless, there’s a point of concern among fans. Nintendo mentioned that some games might not be backward-compatible, but specifics are still unclear.
Although we are in the dark about the exact implications of this, one plausible explanation relates to a somewhat overlooked capability of the original Switch.
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While the Nintendo Switch is widely celebrated for its innovative handheld design, it has another distinct feature that was heavily promoted during its launch: the infrared (IR) sensors located on the Joy-Con controllers. Initially, these sensors were intended to showcase unique gameplay mechanics, but they haven’t been utilized as extensively as anticipated. Both Nintendo and third-party developers have released only a limited number of games that take advantage of this feature.
1-2 SwitchNintendo
Interestingly, the Nintendo Switch 2 does not seem to incorporate IR sensors, at least not in the same manner as its predecessor. This leads to speculation that several titles may not be fully compatible with the new hardware due to their reliance on the original’s IR functionality.
Games that could be impacted include WarioWare: Move It!, Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2 Switch, Game Builder Garage, Nintendo Labo, Resident Evil Revelations, and Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training.
That said, it’s still possible some of these games could operate on the Switch 2. For example, Ring Fit Adventure primarily uses infrared sensors to monitor players’ heart rates. However, games like 1-2 Switch rely heavily on IR technology, making their compatibility with the new system less likely.
We’ll need to wait for official clarity on which titles are confirmed to work with the upcoming console. Until then, all eyes will be on the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct set for April 2.
After CES 2025, where accessory maker Genki showcased a prototype of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has stepped in to clarify recent rumors surrounding its yet-to-be-announced console.
With gamers eagerly following each rumor about the Nintendo Switch 2, the most recent allegation suggested that a mock-up of the console was displayed during the CES 2025 event. Until now, Nintendo had remained silent about these speculations, but the company has finally made a statement.
In a report to CNET’s Japanese branch, Nintendo stated, “The gaming hardware that Genki is claiming to be Nintendo hardware at CES is unofficial and was not supplied by us.” This declaration aims to dispel any misconceptions about the authenticity of the prototype shown.
Genki has since modified its narrative regarding the mock-up. The company admitted to a publication, Game*Spark, that their prototype was based on leaked information rather than insider knowledge. This clarification contrasts sharply with earlier claims that Genki had possession of a genuine Switch 2 unit.
Genki
If Genki’s mock-up was indeed inspired by leaks, it doesn’t lend credibility to any specific claims but merely reflects the ongoing speculation surrounding the console’s design as a promotional strategy. It raises questions about why accessory manufacturers would engage in production of a product that has yet to be officially confirmed. Nonetheless, their model does resonate with other rumors, suggesting that there might be some truth to the surrounding chatter, despite its foundation on speculation.
While Nintendo has historically kept details under tight wraps, some information regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 has emerged. The upcoming console is expected to be backward compatible with existing Switch games, and an official announcement is anticipated by March 31.
Nintendo has promised a formal announcement regarding the Switch 2 by the conclusion of its fiscal year. This timeline suggests that the console is unlikely to launch during this period, with April 2025 potentially serving as the earliest window for its release. Reflecting on the Switch’s history, which debuted on March 3 following an October announcement, a similar timeline for the Switch 2 would place its launch around August or September of this year.
While the Nintendo Switch has certainly found success in the gaming market, it hasn’t escaped criticism. The graphical capabilities of this hybrid handheld device lag behind those of the Xbox and PlayStation. However, a recent patent hints that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may address this shortcoming. This patent reveals a system that can upscale resolutions to as high as 4K, even without supporting native 4K textures.
This technology resembles existing solutions like Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). In essence, Nintendo’s patent could allow for smaller game files while still delivering stunning visuals and performance. For instance, a game optimized for 1080p might take up 25GB, whereas a 4K version could balloon to 75GB. Since the Nintendo Switch cartridge is limited to 32GB, true 4K gaming seems impossible—unless it uses an upscaling technique, as pointed out by gaming analyst Laura Kate Dale.
Backward compatibility with existing titles is almost a certainty for the Nintendo Switch 2, which would help preserve the library of current cartridges. As next-gen games continue to expand in size and complexity, a technological solution to the storage limitations of cartridges is becoming increasingly crucial.
Nintendo
The patent documentation shows that it was filed in 2023, but it has only just become publicly available. With Nintendo setting a self-imposed deadline of March 31, 2025, the company is under pressure to officially announce the next iteration of their console. Recent leaks and rumors suggest that an announcement may happen sooner rather than later.
Nintendo has a history of being protective over its intellectual property and tends to keep tight control over its narrative—consider the case of Palworld. These recent leaks may force the company to reveal the Switch 2 ahead of its planned schedule. This would undoubtedly delight fans but could complicate matters for Nintendo.
As of now, concrete details regarding the new console remain scarce, and Nintendo is unlikely to provide any until they’re ready for their official reveal. It’s wise to regard current rumors with a healthy dose of skepticism, as they may not yet reflect the reality of the upcoming console.
Nintendo Switch 2 is the rumored successor to the popular hybrid console. Here’s everything we know about its price, release dates, specs, games, and more.
Table of Contents
Nintendo Switch 2 is the name given to the possible next-generation console from Nintendo, which is expected to be a major upgrade from the current Nintendo Switch. The Switch 2 is rumored to have a larger OLED screen, a more powerful processor, 4K resolution support, and a new lineup of games.
However, Nintendo has not officially confirmed or denied the existence of the Switch 2, so everything we know is based on leaks and speculation. In this article, we will try to answer some of the most common questions about the Nintendo Switch 2, such as:
Release Date
Late 2024.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 come out? This is one of the most difficult questions to answer, as Nintendo has not announced any plans for a new console.
However, some reports suggest that the Switch 2 could launch in late 2024 or early 2025, around the same time as the PS5 Pro. This would make sense, as Nintendo usually releases new hardware every five to six years. The original Switch came out in March 2017, so a late 2024 release would fit that pattern.
However, other sources claim that the Switch 2 could be delayed until 2026 or later, due to various factors such as chip shortages, production challenges, and market competition.
Nintendo may also want to extend the lifespan of the current Switch, which has been very successful and still has a strong demand. The recent release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model in October 2021 could also indicate that Nintendo is not in a hurry to launch a new console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Games
What games will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2? This is another question that depends on whether the Switch 2 is real or not.
If it is, then we can expect some of the best Nintendo Switch games to be ported or remastered for the new console, such as
However, if the Switch 2 is not real or not coming anytime soon, then we may have to settle for the existing games on the current Switch or wait for new games that are compatible with both consoles.
Some of the upcoming games that are confirmed or rumored for the Switch include Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario Party Superstars, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel.
Price
$399
How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost? This is another question that is hard to answer without official confirmation from Nintendo. However, based on some leaks and rumors, we can make some educated guesses.
One report claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $399 for the base model with 64 GB of storage and $499 for the premium model with 256 GB of storage and a pack-in game (Super Mario Wonder).
This would make it more expensive than the current Switch models ($299 for the original and $349 for the OLED), but still cheaper than other current-gen consoles like the PS5 ($499) and Xbox Series X ($499).
However, another report suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 will use an LCD screen instead of an OLED one to save on costs and that it will have a cartridge slot for physical games.
This could mean that the Switch 2 will be cheaper than expected or that it will have different price tiers depending on the features and specs. In any case, we can expect that the price of the Switch 2 will be influenced by factors such as supply and demand, market competition, production costs, and consumer preferences.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specs
What are the specs of the Nintendo Switch 2? This is another question that relies on leaks and rumors rather than official information from Nintendo. However, some sources have claimed to have some details about what kind of hardware and features we can expect from the Switch 2. Here are some of them:
Display: OLED screen with touch input, 900p resolution
Camera: Yes, two; one on the front other on the back
Joycons: Yes, features Hall effect thumbsticks. Also features a magnetic mechanism to snap onto the display unit’s sides
Dock: Yes, features built-in hardware
Processor: Nvidia Tegra Xavier SoC with custom GPU
These specs are not confirmed and may change or vary depending on the model and configuration of the Switch 2. However, they do suggest that the Switch 2 will be a significant upgrade from the current Switch in terms of performance, graphics, features, and functionality.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible?
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible with the original Switch games? This is a question that many Switch fans are wondering, as they may want to play their existing games on the new console or transfer their save data and digital purchases.
The answer is not clear yet, as Nintendo has not confirmed or denied the existence of the Switch 2 or its compatibility features. However, some reports indicate that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the current Switch games, while others suggest that it will not.
One report confirms that Nintendo has publicly stated that the games of the current Nintendo Switch will be usable in the successor. Another report suggests that the next Nintendo console will not have backwards compatibility due to the use of new hardware to improve performance.
A technical analysis suggests that the hardware differences between the original Switch and the Switch 2 may make it difficult to run original Switch games on the new console.
However, a Nintendo director has talked about how easy it is to include backward compatibility with video game consoles nowadays, suggesting that it may be included in the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2
How does the Nintendo Switch compare to the rumored Nintendo Switch 2? Here is a table that summarizes some of the main differences and similarities between the two consoles based on the available information:
Feature
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch 2
Display
LCD screen with touch input, 720p resolution
OLED screen with touch input, 900p resolution
Camera
No
Yes, two; one on the front other on the back
Joycons
Yes, features analog thumbsticks. Also features a rail mechanism to slide onto the display unit’s sides
Yes, features Hall effect thumbsticks. Also features a magnetic mechanism to snap onto the display unit’s sides
Dock
Yes, features no built-in hardware
Yes, features built-in hardware
Processor
Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC with custom GPU
Nvidia Tegra Xavier SoC with custom GPU
Memory
LPDDR4 RAM
LPDDR5X RAM
Storage
32 GB internal storage
64 GB or 256 GB internal storage
Resolution
Up to 1080p when docked
Up to 4K when docked
Battery
Lithium-ion battery with normal charging
Lithium-ion battery with fast charging
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet
Audio
Stereo speakers, headphone jack
Stereo speakers, headphone jack, microphone
Dimensions
9.4 x 4 x 0.55 inches
9.4 x 4.3 x 0.55 inches
Weight
0.88 lbs
0.88 lbs
Is Nintendo Switch 2 coming out?
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 really coming out or is it just a rumor? The truth is that we don’t know for sure until Nintendo officially announces it or reveals it to the public.
However, based on some credible sources and reports, we can say that there is a high possibility that the Nintendo Switch 2 is real and that it is in development. Some of these sources include:
Video Games Chronicle (VGC), a reputable gaming news site that has reported on various details about the Switch 2 based on anonymous development sources.
NateTheHate and Zippo, two well-known gaming tipsters who have shared some information about the Switch 2’s price, specs, release date, and name.
Eurogamer and Bloomberg , two respected media outlets that have corroborated some of the rumors and leaks about the Switch 2.
MoneyDJ and Nikkei Asia , two Chinese investment sites that have reported on some production and supply chain aspects of the Switch 2.
Shuntaro Furukawa , Nintendo’s president who has hinted at some plans for the transition from the current Switch to the next-generation console.
These sources are not infallible and may change or contradict each other over time. However, they do provide some evidence and clues that suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 is not just a fantasy but a reality.
Bottom Line
The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most anticipated and speculated consoles in the gaming industry right now. It promises to be a major upgrade from the current Nintendo Switch in terms of power, graphics, features, and games.
Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch 2021 is an upcoming console to battle with the Next-Gen consoles by Microsoft and Sony. We will talk about its price, release date, review, design and features.