Nintendo Unveils Early Details on the Highly-Anticipated Switch 2

 

Nintendo has finally pulled back the curtain on the much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, offering fans their first glimpse of the next-gen console in a video released Thursday. While the official release date remains a mystery, Nintendo has confirmed that the console will debut sometime in 2025.

At first glance, the Switch 2 looks familiar, yet noticeably refined. It’s larger than the original and features a sleek design upgrade. The iconic Joy-Con controllers are now black with vibrant colored accents, attaching securely to the console’s sides instead of sliding on and off. A newly added button beneath the home button on the right Joy-Con, previously hinted at in leaks, makes an appearance. Plus, the Joy-Cons now boast functionality similar to a mouse, and the SL and SR buttons have been noticeably enlarged for better usability.

Other design tweaks include a revamped U-shaped kickstand, a rounded dock, and a fresh USB-C port on the top of the console. Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 will come with a separate controller grip, allowing players to snap their Joy-Cons in for a more traditional gaming experience.

Nintendo teased what appears to be a new Mario Kart game, the only title showcased in the video. Fans will be delighted to hear that the Switch 2 will support backward compatibility for physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, Nintendo has issued a slight caution: “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.”

Mark your calendars for April 2, 2025, when Nintendo plans to reveal more in a dedicated Switch 2-focused Direct. Excited fans might also get a hands-on experience at exclusive events in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas later in April. Tickets for these events will be available on Nintendo’s website starting January 17th at 3 PM ET.

The Switch Legacy: Big Shoes to Fill

The Nintendo Switch has set an exceptionally high bar. As a hybrid console combining the best of home and handheld gaming, it became a runaway success, selling an incredible 146.04 million units to date. That makes it Nintendo’s second-best-selling console, trailing only the original Nintendo DS, which hit 154.02 million units. The Switch’s sales have already surpassed those of other beloved systems, including the Wii, Game Boy, and Nintendo 3DS.

The Switch wasn’t just a hardware hit—it housed some of Nintendo’s most iconic games. From The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom to Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the console became synonymous with gaming excellence. Thankfully, these classics will remain accessible on the Switch 2, which will also support Nintendo Switch Online.

Over the years, Nintendo kept the Switch fresh with mid-cycle updates. The compact Switch Lite offered gaming on the go, while the Switch OLED added a stunning display and other premium features.

The Rumor Mill: A Glimpse Into the Future

Hints about the next-gen console began surfacing as early as December, with accessory makers leaking supposed details. Dbrand claimed to know the hardware dimensions, speculating that the Joy-Cons might attach magnetically. At CES 2025, Genki unveiled a 3D-printed mockup based on rumored specs.

With all eyes on Nintendo’s upcoming announcements, the excitement surrounding the Switch 2 is palpable. As the follow-up to one of the most successful consoles of all time, it’s clear Nintendo is aiming to deliver something extraordinary.