Nintendo Announces Nintendo Switch 2, Launching This Year + Direct

The day has finally come as Nintendo has officially announced the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the worst-kept secret in video games.

In a short two-minute video online (watch below), Nintendo confirmed the full design of the upcoming console. Confirming the look that’s been leaked in recent months. The console comes in black and will feature a more rounded look, a newly designed kickstand with a wider tilt, a new-look dock, magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and more. With the Joy-Cons also being black, the red and blue color of the original appear under the thumbsticks.

There’s also the new button on the right Joy-Con, but its purpose wasn’t confirmed during the reveal video.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart

As far as games go, the teaser only showed what appears to be a new Mario Kart game running on the console. More information about the console and (likely) its games will be shown during a Nintendo Direct event on April 2. One thing confirmed during the reveal is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will not only play digital Nintendo Switch games, but it will also play physical Switch 1 games.

That said, the company did state that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” More information on that will come “at a later date”.

Lastly, it was revealed that Nintendo will be holding special “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience” events in April in three United States cities: New York City from April 4-6, Los Angeles from April 11-13, and Dallas from April 25-27.

You can check out the video below.

A Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct will be held on April 2 with further information. A series of Switch 2 hands-on experience events will also be held around the world starting in April, including:

• North America

• New York – April 4 to 6, 2025

• Los Angeles – April 11 to 13, 2025

• Dallas – April 25 to 27, 2025

• Toronto – April 25 to 27, 2025

• Europe

• Paris – April 4 to 6, 2025

• London – April 11 to 13, 2025

• Milan – April 25 to 27, 2025

• Berlin – April 25 to 27, 2025

• Madrid – May 9 to 11, 2025

• Amsterdam – May 9 to 11, 2025

• Oceania

• Melbourne – May 10 to 11, 2025

• Asia

• Tokyo (Makuhari) – April 26 to 27, 2025

• Seoul – May 31 to June 1, 2025

• Hong Kong – To be announced

• Taipei – To be announced

Switch 2 will play Switch 2-exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Switch games. Certain Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible with Switch 2. Details will be shared at a later date.

What to Expect from Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

During this event, players might learn more about the upcoming console’s capabilities and what new games will be playable on it. The Nintendo Switch 2 release date, pricing and availability should also be revealed on this date, considering the console is set to release in 2025.

Several details about the new console were revealed today ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. However, most of them were leaked before the official reveal, and players are happy to see them confirmed. The console’s overall size has increased, the device has become more rounded, it will include a kickstand with a broader tilt, joy-Cons now connect magnetically, and the console is now all black, with red and blue accents.

Are you excited for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year?