Nintendo Switch 2 officially announced, with more details set for April 2

[Daniel Sims]

Highly anticipated: Nintendo has finally unveiled the successor to the highly successful Switch console. This initial reveal trailer provides few details but confirms the device's design, and gives fans a brief glimpse at an upcoming Mario Kart game. Nintendo will reveal more in April ahead of a mid 2025 launch.

Nintendo's two-minute reveal trailer highlights several design and hardware changes from its predecessor, though details about performance or specs remain undisclosed. Hands-on previews and a full unveiling are scheduled for April.

The Nintendo Switch 2 closely resembles mockups that surfaced in recent weeks. The main unit features a larger screen, an additional top-mounted USB-C port, and an upgraded kickstand. Meanwhile, the Joy-Con controllers are shown gliding along a surface, hinting that they could gain functionality akin to a PC mouse.

The trailer also reveals a new, untitled Mario Kart game, showing only a few seconds of gameplay. The clip showcases an expansive desert environment, overhauled character designs, and starting positions for 24 racers – doubling Mario Kart 8's maximum of 12.

With the official Switch 2 announcement, third-party publishers are expected to confirm more games for the system in the coming weeks. Nate the Hate, a reliable tipster who accurately predicted some of this information ahead of time, has suggested that the new Mario Kart will be a launch title and that a new 3D Mario platformer will debut during the holidays.

Titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Metal Gear Solid Delta could also be coming to the Switch 2. Microsoft may support the system with games like Halo, Hi-Fi Rush, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Nintendo confirmed that the new handheld will offer backward compatibility with Switch games, though a small number of titles may not be compatible.

Other information hints at Switch 2 hardware that could feature graphics and performance comparable to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Steam Deck. It is also expected to incorporate Nvidia's DLSS super resolution and hardware-assisted ray tracing.

A Nintendo Direct event will provide more details on April 2, after which Nintendo plans to host public events in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, and Seoul, among others, where attendees can experience the Switch 2 firsthand.

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Nintendo Switch 2 officially announced, with more details set for April 2

 

[NumberNine]

I'm thinking $500 and it will launch with specs inferior to a steam deck.

Place your bets here.

 

[EdmondRC]

The mouse controls are very interesting, I would have assumed only one of the controllers would act as a mouse, but they both do. I don't know if this is simply to satisfy both right- and left-handed players or if they're actually planning to allow you to use two mice in some games. It's interesting too because your thumbs would be in position to use the buttons and sticks on the controllers even when in mouse mode. That could make for a really interesting control scheme.

Besides that, the MK graphics definitely seem to have better textures, lighting effects (especially Ambient Occlusion and shadows), as well as better geometry, which is all expected from a generational upgrade.

 

[m4a4]

I wonder if they're saving pennies by not using a good quality (HALL effect) joystick this time around.

But I do hope these feel better in hand, considering how finicky they could be in competitive games (especially with some wireless interference)...

 

[Tams80]

Very underwhelming.

I'll still get one, but I wanted something interesting like a stylus or a dual screen.

 

[Billybobjoey]

Switch 2 was never going to be drastically different than the first one. If it ain't broke don't fix it after all. One thing I'm hoping for is improvements to Switch 1 games. Been wanting to play the Xenoblade games but the resolution being that low kinda kills it for me. Would be nice if somehow they have DLSS work automatically on backwards compatible games to upscale them from the 720~1080p original res to 1440p~4k.

 

[bviktor]

Switch 2 was never going to be drastically different than the first one. If it ain't broke don't fix it after all. One thing I'm hoping for is improvements to Switch 1 games. Been wanting to play the Xenoblade games but the resolution being that low kinda kills it for me. Would be nice if somehow they have DLSS work automatically on backwards compatible games to upscale them from the 720~1080p original res to 1440p~4k.

Yeah, it's marginal changes, except for the 10x boost in performance.

 

[Ashford]

Holy "zzz" Nintendo! Can you evem make this console more boring!

 

[redgarl]

They really called it... The Switch 2...

 

[Kashim]

I'm thinking $500 and it will launch with specs inferior to a steam deck.

Place your bets here.

Nintendo is not in the business of selling $500 consoles, so that ain't happening. As for specs inferior to a steam deck, that's not even a question. Maybe the Switch 4 will have specs in the same ballpark as a steam deck. As I've said many times before, Nintendo wants to make as much money off the hardware they sell as possible. So all their consoles are 4-5 generations behind everyone else so they can buy the hardware dirt cheap. The Switch 2 will be no different.

 

[JupitersMoon]

Even though it is speculation at this point, there is a high likelihood that the Switch 2 will use NVIDIA DLSS. Considering NVIDIA's track record of working on the original Switch GPU. I feel like that will be a critical component of the Switch 2's success from a performance standpoint. I am seeing comments downplaying performance when no quantifiable data has been release yet. From an engineering perspective, I cannot wait to see how Nintendo has implemented ingenuity into making the Switch 2 efficient.

For those who are expecting the Switch 2 to compete with PS5 or Xbox graphically is just delusional thinking. Practically speaking, that is simply not achievable considering the size of the system. My only concern with this system is the price point. If it comes out true that NVIDA DLSS is implemented, I could see this device being $399 USD.

 

[Inthenstus]

I’ll be livid if I have to find a flat surface between Mario Party mini games. I already have to hold it vertical, horizontal, between the palm of my hands..

 

[Megalomaniac]

I need to see some games before I can make a decision.

 

[Xelions]

For all those hoping that DLSS will be on the console - remem in the past, the 4k devkits, so there is an extremely high probability that it has it. If it does not we might end up with another Wii u failure for a console. It makes no sense otherwise since we all know the switch 2 isn't gonna compete with MS/Sony consoles on power.

I'm excited to see what else they'll reveal, specs included but there might be something were still not seeing

I do hope these feel better in hand, considering how finicky they could be in competitive games (especially with some wireless interference)...

People with fatter/larger hands will rejoice because aye we all can't keep child-like sized hands all our life - I'm generally unaffected by this but my Pa, omg no way he would have ever used those switch controllers ..have to go straight to pro.

 

[Xelions]

I need to see some games before I can make a decision.

My guess Metroid will be a dual console release and the Mario Game could be an exclusive - if I'm Nintendo I'm working backwards compatibility but if I'm Nintendo Shareholders I want exclusive new titles to be released to the switch 2 to improve console sales

..And I've said this many times Nintendo could release previous title costed upgrades. So playing at better quality with upgraded assets might set you back 20$USD/25$AUD Max per title, I'm more inclined to pay less like 10$USD

 

[gdavid65]

Yeah, it's marginal changes, except for the 10x boost in performance.

Yet 10 x 0 = 0..

I'm not expecting to be wowed by the tech at least..

 

[Thrackerzod]

Still wish they would release a cheaper TV only console again.

 

[Xelions]

Still wish they would release a cheaper TV only console again.

Minus the cheaper part. I'd prefer a semi competitive console to MS/Sony.