Get ready, Nintendo fans! The wait is almost over. Nintendo has officially announced a Nintendo Direct presentation dedicated to its highly anticipated next-generation console, the Switch 2. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 2nd, at 6 a.m. PT (9 a.m. ET, 2 p.m. BST). This broadcast promises to pull back the curtain on many of the mysteries surrounding the new hardware. You can catch the stream live on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.
Nintendo Switch 2 full launch game list is here and it’s huge
While Nintendo offered a brief glimpse of the Switch 2 last month, many questions remain unanswered. This upcoming Direct is poised to provide a comprehensive overview of the console, addressing key details that gamers are eager to learn.
What to expect from the Nintendo Direct?
The most significant revelations are likely to be the Switch 2’s release date and price. With Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events reportedly running until June 1st, a June launch seems plausible. Pricing is always a hot topic. While some speculate a return to the original Switch’s $300 price point, the current market and the features of the OLED Switch suggest a more realistic price tag closer to $400. However, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has indicated that the price will fall in line with “affordable prices customers expect,” so there’s still room for surprise.
Beyond the essential release date and price, the Direct will delve into the Switch 2’s game lineup. A new Mario Kart title was teased in the initial reveal, and Nintendo typically launches new consoles with strong entries from its core franchises. Expect announcements of other Mario games, perhaps a new Zelda, and other major titles either at launch or shortly thereafter. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are also anticipated for 2025, making them potential candidates for the Switch 2. Third-party support is another crucial factor. If Nintendo has significantly upgraded the Switch 2’s hardware, we could see a surge in support from third-party developers, potentially rivaling that of the Steam Deck.
Technical specifications are another area ripe for unveiling. Gamers will want to know the extent of the Switch 2’s graphics upgrade and how it compares to current consoles. Battery life improvements are also a key consideration for a portable console. Details about the new Joy-Cons will also be a major talking point. The reveal video hinted at a “mouse mode” for the controllers, opening up exciting possibilities, perhaps even for PC gaming integration. We will also learn what the new button on the Joy-Cons does.
Backward compatibility with the original Switch library is a confirmed feature, though some exceptions are expected. The Direct should clarify which games will make the transition and if any enhancements will be available. Information about the console’s new ports and their functionality is also anticipated.
Rumors abound regarding third-party titles in development, and some developers have even hinted at their involvement. Firaxis, the developer of Civilization 7, expressed interest in the Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse mode. Nacon, a publisher of various games, has stated they have Switch 2 titles in the pipeline. Hollow Knight: Silksong is another title rumored for the new console. Even EA has suggested that franchises like Madden, FC, and The Sims would be a good fit for the Switch 2.
The April 2nd Nintendo Direct is set to be a landmark event for Nintendo and gaming enthusiasts. It will provide concrete answers to many lingering questions and paint a clearer picture of the Switch 2’s potential. The gaming world will be watching closely as Nintendo unveils the next chapter in its console history.
Featured image credit: Nintendo
