How to watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and what to expect

At long last, Nintendo will officially pull back the curtain on the Switch 2 on Wednesday, April 2 at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.

Following a brief look at the hardware in January and confirmation of a 2025 release, Nintendo will stream this “closer look” Switch 2 presentation to its YouTube and Twitch channels. Otherwise, it hasn’t teased anything regarding what we might actually see.

In general, fans are hoping to get more information on the console-handheld hybrid’s specifications and features, games lineup, launch timing and pricing. So far, all we know for sure based on that January reveal is that it will feature an overall similar design to the original Switch that also includes a U-shaped kickstand and magnetic Joy-Cons. On top of that, leaks have indicated that the Switch 2 will feature mouse-like functionality with the Joy-Cons, Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support and a ‘C’ button for party-focused features.

In March, analysts also said that they expect the console to release in June — which was corroborated by multiple publications — and cost at least US$400 (about C$572). They also expect Nintendo to have millions of additional units of stock compared to what it had with the original Switch. (Rumours had suggested that the Switch 2 was delayed out of 2024 in part to produce more stock for launch.)

Games-wise, we know even less about the Switch 2. During that January reveal, Nintendo teased what appears to be Mario Kart 9, but that’s the only “confirmed” Switch 2 game so far. Otherwise, people are expecting Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — which is currently only slated for the first Switch — to be a cross-gen title like Breath of the Wild was for the Switch and Wii U.

Rumours have also suggested that the next 3D Mario will be shown, given that it’s been a long time since Odyssey dropped in the Switch’s 2017 launch year. At least one Call of Duty is also expected to be playable on the console, especially after Microsoft signed a 10-year deal to bring the shooter series to Nintendo’s platforms.

All in all, though, we don’t know too much about the Switch 2 right now, which is in itself exciting. What are you hoping to see from the Direct? Let us know in the comments.

Image credit: Nintendo