In the early morning hours of today, Thursday, January 16th, Nintendo stealth dropped the announcement trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2. While we had heard numerous rumors that the reveal would be this week, Nintendo offered no such indication. But the rumors proved true, and now we have our first official look at the success of the Nintendo Switch.
The announcement trailer offers a first look at the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting the new and improved hardware for the hybrid console. Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will play Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. This means you won't have to rebuy any games you own on the Switch to play them on this new console should you choose to upgrade.
The trailer seems to confirm a number of previous rumors, such as the console being slightly larger than the current Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con controllers that magnetically connect to the console itself. The Joy-Cons have also gotten bigger, which should make them fit more comfortably in larger hands when separated from the screen. A part of the trailer (around the 1:15 mark) also seems to suggest you'll be able to use the Joy-Con controllers like a mouse.
It seems that we'll have to wait a couple of more months before we get specific details about the improved hardware and any new functionality. Nintendo confirmed more details will be shared during the “Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 – 4.2.2025” on Wednesday, April 2.
Nintendo did confirm that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available sometime in 2025 but did not offer a release date. Current rumors indicate it may be available in May or June, although a holiday window is not ruled out either.
No specific launch titles were announced either, although the trailer did show off what looks like a new Mario Kart game. There were rumors that the Switch 2 will released with Mario Kart 9 as a launch title and the fact it was shown in the announcement trailer seems to suggest that is true.
In addition to the Nintendo Direct in April, Nintendo has also confirmed it will host Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events around the globe. Those who attend these events can go hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2. Below are the cities and dates currently scheduled:
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
Although the Switch 2 being announced with little fanfare from Nintendo itself, there is incredible excitement surrounding the next-gen console. The current Nintendo Switch will turn eight years old this March and technology has come a long way since it was originally released.
While the Switch featured incredible innovation as a hybrid console you can play at home or on the go; it lacked the hardware power of rivals PlayStation and Xbox consoles to play many of third-party blockbuster titles. There's hope that the Switch 2 will be powerful enough to play these new releases.
Despite its shortcomings, the Switch 2 managed to become Nintendo's best-selling home console, with over 146 million units shipped worldwide as of September 2024. It's currently the third-best-selling game console of all time, trailing only the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS.
Are you excited for the Nintendo Switch 2? Do you plan on buying one at launch or do you need more details, like pricing and launch game lineup?