The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is here. After months of rumor and speculation, Nintendo is ready to properly showcase the system – and the company is expected to reveal the Switch 2 release date, price, its launch games, and plenty more.
The Switch 2 Direct start time is 9AM ET / 6AM PT / 2PM BST on April 2, and Nintendo has confirmed that the presentation will run for around 60 minutes. There's going to be a lot to take in, which is why we're covering the Switch 2 Direct live to bring you everything as it happens.
Of all the Switch 2 news and reveals that can come today's Switch 2 presentation, we're most excited to see more of the upcoming Switch 2 games. – from Mario Kart 9 to Metroid Prime 4, and beyond. There's also indication that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will go live later today too, so make sure you've got your credit card handy (just in case).
With the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct about ready to begin, so stick with us here for every reveal and announcement as they happen. We'll be running this page all day to bring you the latest Switch 2 reactions too.
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct start time
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct start time is at 9AM ET / 6AM PT / 2PM BST.
The showcase will broadcast on April 2, 2025, and will run for approximately 60 minutes. We're expecting to get the Switch 2 release date and price, a sense of the launch lineup, and more.
Re-watch the Switch 2 Direct
Live Nintendo Switch 2 Direct news
And away we go! We hope you're ready, as it's going to be a big day, so let's get to yapping.
First things first - The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct time. As per the House of Mario, The showcase is due to begin at 6am PT, 9am ET, 2pm BST, 3pm CEST. This whole thing should last an hour, so make sure you've used stocked up on snacks and used the bathroom.
Also, because we're nice, the YouTube link for the stream itself is included above, so all you have to do is hit play when the time comes. There will likely be a countdown, so don't worry if you're a few minutes late to the stream.
And because we're extra nice, we're also keeping track of any rumors and news surrounding Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, which many massive retailers are indicating may go live later today.
It would be impossible to predict what Switch 2 announcements we'll get, so we've tried to do just that. From Switch 2 Enhanced games to grander third-party games, we reckon Nintendo is going big by building upon the foundations of the OG Switch. But what do you think?
Josh's point about third-party games interests me, personally. While Nintendo had to make up some ground with the Switch following the Wii U's less-than-ideal run, former Nintendo marketing leads Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang reckon the Switch 2 could take things to another level.
"A lot of these big studios got a lot of experience and positive feedback through putting their game on the Steam Deck and translating it to a piece of hardware that's maybe not as powerful as the high-end PC that, of course, they would envision that everyone would have that experience with," Ellis reasons, "but they saw, 'no wait, there's a lot of people that want to play a version that's maybe a little bit dialed down because they want that extra form factor.
"I'm talking about Baldur's Gate 3. I'm talking about Elden Ring. I'm talking about Cyberpunk. The list goes on ... we don't yet know the complete under-the-hood power of the Switch 2, but it's not crazy to say, 'well, if it can run on a Steam Deck it probably can run on a Switch 2, right?'"
It's a fair pitch. Nintendo consoles often appeal as they home the games you can't play elsewhere, though playing third-party bangers on the Switch ruled - and the Steam Deck indeed built on that. It feels a little unlike Nintendo to double down on third party, though I suppose that's also an argument to do it.
One person you should not ask about the Switch 2 Direct is Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai. The fan-favorite developer says he really doesn't know what will be revealed, though he doubts you'll believe him anyway. He's also surprised the whole broadcast is an hour long, though we would point out that the OG Switch Direct that revealed Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and more was the same amount of time.
One of the big talking points going into this showcase is the mysterious new 'C' button. We've been left to wonder what it might do, with some thinking it could stand for 'community' or 'connection.' Nintendo is clearly aware of the clamor, posting a tease on their newly released app just the other day. Thanks, Ninty.
Thankfully, all of our questions will soon be answered. I hope?
That's not the only question we're asking going into the Direct, naturally. There be rumors afoot that the Switch 2 Joy-Con can be used as some sort of mouse. That'd be wild if true, but also, truthfully, not unlike Nintendo at all.
If you thought we were done talking about random Switch 2 console features, you'd be wrong. Another early detail from an FCC filing seemingly points to the Switch 2 Pro Controller adding a headphone jack.
How big of a deal is that? Well, enough for staff writer Dustin to "forgive Nintendo for being 12 years behind PlayStation and Xbox." Maybe. It's hopefully a day of healing here at GR+ towers.
Anyway, despite our excitement for new buttons and mouse-like Joy-Cons, we do expect to see some games today. Mario Kart feels like a given, but there's likely to be much more. Nintendo recently announced that we're getting 7 hours of Switch 2 gameplay this week through Treehouse streams.
Assuming it's not one big Mario Kart tournament, what would you like to see?
As per our Switch 2 predictions, Josh reckons it's time for a new 3D Mario game. It has been seven years since Super Mario Odyssey, to be fair, so I reckon he's right. You'd also expect something that shows off the console's gimmick, like we got with Wii Sports, Nintendo Land, and 1-2-Switch.
Whatever comes with the Switch 2, it could end up being a bittersweet era for Nintendo. A pair of former marketing leads say that "everything is about to change" as 40-year veterans like Shigeru Miyamoto will likely near the end of their tenure.
"It may not mean that the games are going to be bad, it's just going to feel different," Kit Ellis says on the Kit & Krysta podcast.
Indeed, alongside the likes of Miyamoto, you've got Metroid veteran Yoshio Sakamoto and Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma above the age of 60, and they are not the only ones. There will be fresh blood waiting in the wings, though the idea of such storied developers calling time is suitably sad. Not to bring the tone down or anything.
To bring the vibe back on side, here's the Nintendo of America president asking the big questions.
Are you ready?! pic.twitter.com/MbzSPo6iEmApril 2, 2025
I certainly am, Doug. I certainly am.
Josh West here, signing on to let Iain Harris grab a coffee ahead of the Switch 2 Showcase, which is set to begin in little over an hour.
You know, I have covered a lot of Nintendo reveals over the years and they are always a delight. If this is your first one, get ready for some fun (and plenty of weird news).
I'm personally quite invested in learning more about the Nintendo Switch 2 price. The world is a very different place to how it was in 2017, and I find it difficult to believe that Nintendo will be able to offer a competitive $299 price point again.
For context, here's how the competition stacked up recently:
- PS5 Digital Edition – $399
- PS5 w/disk drive – $499
- Xbox Series S – $299
- Xbox Series X – $449
- Steam Deck – Starting at $399
The other massive news we are expecting out of this Switch 2 presentation is a release date. There's been chatter for a while now that the console will be out in June, 2025, but hopefully Nintendo will confirm that today.
June is a challenging month, right? How will we fit the Switch 2 in with all the news out of Summer Game Fest, and the release of Death Stranding 2 on June 26? We'll find a way, won't we. What a good problem to have.
When Nintendo revealed the original Nintendo Switch, it used The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim to help promote the power of its handheld hybrid.
I can see a world in which Nintendo leans on partnerships with the likes of FromSoftware, Ubisoft, Xbox, and others to showcase key hardware improvements.
In fact, there's a lot of noise this week of Halo: The Master Chief Collection being among the Switch 2 game announcements today – albeit in a stripped back fashion. That probably means no multiplayer, which would break my heart, but still, I would quite like to replay through the Halo trilogy again.
Xbox has made no secret of its interest in fostering a closer relationship with Nintendo. We're living in a world where Xbox Game Studios has largely removed itself from the exclusives-business – Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are due to land on PS5 this month – so it's easy to imagine a world where Xbox puts a strong Nintendo collaboration forward from the jump.
The Switch 2 Direct YouTube page is whirring into action, and folks are getting excited by the fact that the presentation can be viewed in 4K. Does this mean that the Switch 2 will have 4K support while docked as some rumors this week have suggested? I don't know about all that, but there's no harm in a little last minute speculation now, is there?
This is your 20 minute warning. If you're tuning in from the USA, good morning – I know it's early, but there's still time to grab yourself a little coffee. For those of you in the UK and Europe, I hope you've found a suitable enough excuse to avoid work and/or school this afternoon.
Speaking of coffee, I'm handing this live coverage back over to Iain Harris for the main event. Catch you all on the other side (and remember, there's still time to manifest a new Boktai: The Sun is in your Hands sequel).
This is your 15 minute warning. It's all happening!
The 60 second timer is here! Shuffle on in, gang.
And here we go!
Looks like we're starting with some good ol' Mario Kart.
DK looking a lot like he does in the Mario film, it must be said. Why not, eh.
We've got a name! Mario Kart World is the next game in the series, rather than something like MK9.
In fairness, Mario Kart rarely sticks to numbers, so it comes as little surprise.
Ah, there's a detail. You can literally drive anywhere you like in this one. Where we're goin', we don't need roads. Unless you'd like roads.
Mario Kart World encouraging us to take a scenic route and snap a picture with pals is the energy I'm here for.
That's it for Mario Kart World, but we'll be getting a special MK Direct on April 17.
Interestingly, Nintendo says the Mario Kart World release date is the same as the Switch 2, but doesn't say what that is. I suspect we'll have to wait for that detail.
'C' button explanation confirmed! It is, indeed, a chat function. Unlike the OG Switch, you won't need to download a mobile app to yap with pals.
It's not just the one game, either. You can kick off a group chat to speak with pals even if everyone is playing different games.
Some might say that Nintendo is a tad late to the party with this one, but hey! Better late than never.
Mind you, if you get the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, you can even bring some face time to a party. Proper pandemic vibes there.
Oooh, we're getting something called GameShare. Basically, you can stream certain games to other consoles for a limited time.
Some technical details now. The Switch 2 has double the pixels of its predecessor, can hit 120fps, and, basically, everything is bigger when it comes to buttons. Oh! And the Joy-Con can indeed be used as a mouse, conforming a lot of rumors and speculation.
Heck yeah - the Nintendo Switch 2 has eight times the storage of a Switch 1. That means 256gb internal storage.
Well, there's another game for you. Welcome Tour is an Astro Bot-looking game that shows you how the Switch 2 works. That's one way to replace the manual.
Game cards confirmed! They look as they do on the Switch, but they're red now.
Release date! The Nintendo Switch 2 releases June 5.
Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced games have also been confirmed. While the Switch 2 comes with backward compatibility, some games will get a spruce up for the Switch 2.
What games are getting enhanced? Why, only The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land! Now we're cookin'
It's not just old games, either. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are also getting enhanced.
Nintendo also confirms that, if you own a game on Switch already, you can pay to upgrade it to the enhanced Switch 2 version.
Oh dang! If you want an idea of how powerful the Switch 2 is, we're getting Elden Ring.
Hades 2 also confirmed! I got through so much Hades on the Switch I can't help but be delighted.
There's plenty more, too. From previous gems like Split Fiction to upcoming games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4.
There's a highlight. Bravely Default! Oh, and Project 007 from the Hitman devs, I suppose.
New game reveal! There is indeed a Zelda reveal. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment tells the tale of the events that came before Tears of the Kingdom.
Throwing it back to the gems, we've just found out that Gamecube is coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Zelda: Windwaker or Soulcalibur 2? Oh, go on then.
More games like Pokemon XD coming in due course, too.
We're also getting a Gamecube controller with the Switch 2's fancy 'C' button, which I imagine will be fantastic news for Smash Bros. fans.
Back to the modern day, Deltarune chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 are coming to Switch 2! All available when the Switch 2 launches.
And Borderlands 4. That'll be coming to Switch 2 at some point this year when the loot 'em up is ready to go.
Uh, the video appears to be frozen for everyone. Sit tight, gang.
Can still hear the news, though. Sounds exciting enough!
The video is now unfrozen, but things are still a tad funky and clearly not totally aligned.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake are coming to Switch 2! Nintendo clearly trying to offer what the Steam Deck can manage, and I'm here for it.
Also a reminder that Hollow Knight: Silksong is still real and is targeting a 2025 release.
We're all eating rather well today, aren't we?
Ooooh, new FromSoftware game is up!
That certainly is a FromSoftware frog.
The Duskbloods! A Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that's due to land next year.
It's not Bloodborne 2, but I'm calling it Bloodborne 2 anyway.
It's Kirby! What you doin', buddy?
Kirby Air Riders! A new game from none other than Sakurai himself.
Last game up now, and it looks like Donkey Kong.
It is! The boy is back.
Monkecraft.
Donkey Kong: Bananza, to offer its real name. This one releases July 17, 2025.
And there you have it! How we feeling team?
It looks like we might have a Nintendo Switch 2 price after all. According to a press release on Business Wire, the "Nintendo Switch 2 system arrives June 5 for a suggested retail price of $449.99."
Right, now that the dust has settled on the big Switch 2 Direct, we're getting some comments from the console developers themselves. Here's a tidbit: Nintendo nearly called the Switch 2 the "Super Nintendo Switch" as a throwback to the NES, but "it didn't feel right."
The things we lost.
Nintendo also says it wants the Switch 2 to "stand the test of time" and not feel "outdated" later on, as some might feel with the OG Switch.
"Because Switch has been accepted by many players and played over a long period of time, in the same way, we wanted Switch 2 to be a dedicated game system with performance that can stand the test of time," Takuhiro Dohta says.
"We carefully considered the balance between processing capability and system memory capacity, and we believe we've managed to create a system that players won't feel is outdated later down the line."
Any thoughts on the new Nintendo Switch 2 controller? Nintendo is promising big thing as it says it wants to create "the pinnacle of all controllers". You can check out our full story here for more deets.
Switch 2 doesn't have any Switch 1 hardware inside, which means its backwards compatibility won't be quite as all-encompassing as what we saw on 3DS and Wii U. The system instead uses "something that’s somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility" to run old games.
The Switch 2 will offer up to 4k resolution in its TV mode. Sure, the PS4 Pro did it first in 2016, but after Nintendo fans have waited so long to escape the original Switch's 30fps dungeon, this upgrade feels huge.
Nintendo has more in common with players than we thought – the company once "wished the Switch system's processor was faster" so that developers had more space to experiment.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $450 on its own, and the partially open world zoom-fest Mario Kart World will be priced at $80, the Switch 2 bundle with a digital version of the racer will be $499. Yay?
You don't think you're off the hook yet, do you? The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct might be over, but there are still 7 more hours of Nintendo Switch 2 footage to get through with Nintendo Treehouse streams starting tomorrow.
Turns out that while the stream was frozen, we all missed the reveal of a revival for Survival Kids, a decades-old Konami cult classic that was basically a survival game before survival games were cool. Now it's back with a new aesthetic exclusively on Switch 2.
