Pokémon fans and Nintendo gamers alike, get hyped, we finally have some news on the Nintendo Switch 2!
The Official Nintendo accounts have shared a first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 on their social media channels with an exciting trailer.
It has a sleek black design, ditching the red and black Joy-Cons of the original Switch for a more classic design. It follows a similar design to the original Switch but with a more rounded design, including the charging dock and removable Joy-Cons. One handy update showing is the addition of a new built in stand for portable play!
In terms of size, the Switch 2 does look to be larger than the Switch, both wider and longer when shown side by side. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the weight of the Switch 2, and therefore it’s use as a portable device for those with smaller hands, or issues with the hands.
The Joy-Cons have also been updated, rather than sliding and clicking into place on the Switch 2, they will simply click into place, a much needed quality of life update that will hopefully mean less wear and tear. While the classic red and blue colours may have gone, blue accents remain, and the red has been switched out for a lighter, more peachy toned colour instead. As with the original Switch, you’ll still have the option to affix the Joy-Cons to a plastic docking station in order to use them as a more traditional Nintendo style controller.
Interestingly the Joy-Cons also look like they can be used in a ‘mouse’ position, which would be a major update and make organisation on the Switch 2 a lot easier!
Also shared was the great news that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with both digital and physical Nintendo Switch games! While an expected feature, it is always good to get official confirmation that we’ll be able to continue playing our current collection of Switch games on the updated Switch 2.
Part of the trailer also appears to tease a new Mario Kart game, potentially as one of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games. This could be the first new Mario Kart since Mario Kart 8 released on the Wii U in 2014 (followed by its Switch Deluxe version in 2017), so fans have been waiting a long time for a new Mario Kart game!
It shows popular characters Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Toad and Donkey Kong throughout the trailer, with Donkey Kong seemingly redesigned from their previous appearances in Mario Kart, looking more similar to how he has in the recent Mario film. It also seems that potentially the game could have a more open world design which would be a major change to game play!
Finally, a Nintendo Direct stream has been announced for the 2nd April 2025 which will be the full official announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 with all the information about the new console confirmed. A series of hands-on events have also been teased to occur around the world, that will give gamers a chance to test out the Nintendo Switch 2 in-person.
“Tickets will be made available through a free-to-enter, randomly selected draw,” Nintendo announced today their website. “Enter the draw anytime during the registration period for a chance to attend. Registrations for the London event are open from 17th January at 2pm (UK time) until 26th January 26th at 11.59pm (UK time).”
The full list of Nintendo Switch 2 Experience dates is as follows:
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
North America:
- New York, April 4-6, 2025
- Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
- Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
- Toronto, April 25-27, 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