The long-awaited moment is finally here! Nintendo has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Switch 2 in a YouTube video that lacked extensive fanfare. This marks the first true next-generation successor to the original Switch, featuring backwards compatibility for those who own existing Switch hardware. More details about the console will be revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation scheduled for April 2, 2025, although a specific release date has not yet been confirmed.
In addition, Nintendo is gearing up to host first-look experience events in various cities worldwide starting in April. The inaugural events will take place in New York City and Paris from April 4 to April 6, with more locations across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia to be announced.
This trailer and the accompanying press release provide minimal details. We catch a glimpse of how the Switch 2 evolves from its predecessor, showcasing a larger screen and Joy-Con controllers that appear to attach magnetically through a small port on the side. However, specifics regarding pricing, technical specifications, or upcoming games for the Switch 2 remain elusive.
The announcement of the Switch 2 has been a long time in the making. Today’s news concludes months of speculation regarding the company’s plans to introduce new hardware. The community’s interest in a Switch 2 was so strong that president Shuntaro Furukawa had to address the matter on X, indicating before the June 2024 Nintendo Direct that no new console announcements would be made, though he did confirm that the Switch’s successor would be revealed by March 2025.
Since the original Switch debuted in 2017, Nintendo has released some minor upgrades. The Switch Lite provided a more compact handheld option for gaming on the go, while the Switch OLED offered a premium display. Nevertheless, even with these enhancements, the Switch has struggled to keep up with the power and performance of competing consoles. Traditionally, competing on sheer power with Sony and Microsoft has not been Nintendo’s primary focus. Once we finally get our hands on the Switch 2, we’ll determine whether it truly meets expectations and justifies the wait.
