Here’s your first look at the Nintendo Switch 2

After weeks of leaks, Nintendo has given a first look at its long-awaited new console: the Switch 2.

A trailer released by Nintendo gives us a first look at the Switch 2, showcasing its long-rumoured magnetic Joy-Con controllers, redesigned docking station and a larger screen.

Futher details are being reserved a special Nintendo Direct airing on 2nd April, where we’ll likely find out the release date, pricing and hardware specifications. A broadcast time yet to be confirmed, but will be shared on Nintendo’s website “at a later date.”

While the release date is unknown, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will launch sometime in 2025. Notably, it will be Nintendo’s first numbered console.

Nintendo also confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, it notes that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.”

The Nintendo Switch has a vast library of first and third-party racing titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Fast RMX and Burnout Paradise Remastered – hopefully the majority will be backwards compatible.  

During the trailer, we also got a brief look at what appears to be a new Mario Kart game. If so, it will be the first new Mario Kart game in over a decade, with Mario Kart 8 launching on the Wii U in 2014 before being ported to Nintendo Switch in 2017 as a deluxe version.

No details were revealed, but the trailer appears to show a new desert track called ‘Mario Bros. Circuit,’ complete with a Yoshi’s Diner. The graphics also look more detailed, with redesigned karts.

As this is the first new game Nintendo has shown, it could be a launch title. This wouldn’t be surprising considering that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the Switch’s best-selling title, with over 64 million units sold.

While we’ll have to wait until 2^nd April to learn more details, Nintendo is hosting “Switch 2 Experience” events at select locations, where fans can go hands-on with the new console.

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

Are you excited to find out more about the Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below.