The original Switch was released in March 2017 and quickly became one of Nintendo’s most successful ever consoles. As of December 2024, the Switch has sold more than 146million units and given the world blockbuster titles such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild.
Rumours about a new console began emerging last year and Nintendo confirmed it would reveal the Switch’s successor before the end of the current fiscal year (which ends March 31). True to their word, a short reveal trailer gave fans their first look at the new console on January 16 ahead of a dedicated Nintendo Direct livestream planned for April 4. Here’s everything you need to know – including if it’s worth spending a wedge on.
When will the Switch 2 be released?
Nintendo hasn’t announced when the Switch 2 will be released yet. But with the Direct livestream due on April 4, it’s safe to assume the company isn’t planning a surprise drop in the coming weeks.
A series of global hands-on Switch 2 experiences have been announced for April too. The first European one kicks off April 4 in Paris, while the final event in Amsterdam wraps up May 11. Events in North America and Australia fall in the same five-week period, so it’s unlikely the Switch 2 will be available before then. Our money is on the console being released shortly after but all we really know is that it will be unleashed by the end of the year – because Nintendo told us in the teaser trailer.
Go hands-on with #NintendoSwitch2 at Nintendo Switch 2 Experience: London, held Apr 11th – Apr 13th at Excel London.
A free Nintendo Account is required to register.
For a chance to attend, register from Jan 17th, 14:00 (UK) until Jan 26th, 23:59 (UK): https://t.co/E3ZHJmnzrP pic.twitter.com/7y9IsmoNVM
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) January 16, 2025
How much will the Nintendo Switch cost?
Helpfully, Nintendo hasn’t announced how much the Switch 2 will cost at launch, or what versions will be able to buy. The original Switch was released in 2017 and cost £279.99. The smaller Lite followed in 2019 with a RRP of £199.99 while the more powerful OLED version of the console came in 2021 and cost £309.99.
It’s rumoured on the internet that the Switch 2 will cost between £300 and £400. The cheapest version of the PlayStation 5 will currently set you back £389.99 while the digital-only Xbox Series S starts at £249.99. Gamers can also buy the handheld Steam Deck from £349.99.
How is the Switch 2 different to the original?
At first glance, the Switch 2 looks a lot like the original Switch and Nintendo is yet to reveal any technical details for the new console. However, today’s teaser does hint at a bigger, more powerful bit of kit.
The Joy-Con controllers have seemingly been redesigned and now come with a magnetic adapter to connect them to the console. There’s also a new sensor on the side that would allow them to be used like a mouse. They’ve hopefully fixed the issue of “stick drift” (controllers getting stuck and ruining your accuracy) that’s constantly been an issue as well.
The teaser also backs up several recent leaks, including that the Switch 2 will come with 12GB of RAM compared to the Switch’s 4GB and 256GB of internal storage compared to the original Switch’s 32GB. For non-gamers, that means it should run faster and be able to handle more impressive graphics.
What games are coming to the Switch 2?
The brief reveal trailer focused on the Switch 2’s look and feel, but footage of Mario Kart was used during the video. Fans are currently divided over whether the clip was of a brand new Mario Kart game or just Mario Kart 8, which was originally a Wii U title before a Deluxe edition was launched alongside the Switch.
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed many upcoming titles for 2025 but we do know Pokemon Legends: Z-A is due in the coming months and Metroid Prime 4 was also rumoured to drop this year, so they’re both contenders to be launch titles.
It’s also been revealed that a majority of digital and physical Switch games will be compatible with the new console, so you’ll still be able to play all your current favourites. This news suggests the existing Nintendo Online Library will make the jump to the Switch 2 but a more powerful console could see GameCube and Wii games finally made available via the subscription-based service.
Last year, Nintendo invited players to take part in a mysterious playtest that involved a multiplayer, Minecraft-inspired game. They haven’t revealed any more details about the game or if it’ll ever see the light of day, but many fans believe it was too polished to simply be an online stress test.
According to rumours, several Xbox-exclusive titles could also be coming to the Switch 2 as part of Microsoft’s new approach to their library of games. Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 and Gears Of War 1: Ultimate Edition could all “potentially” make the leap.