Nintendo Switch 2 headlines the April 2 Direct (Image: NINTENDO)
Nintendo has confirmed the Switch release date and other crucial information during the April 2 Direct conference.
Confirming earlier reports, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been given a June 5 release date. Pre-order information will follow shortly.
You can watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation below.
Nintendo kicked things off with a look at the new Mario Kart game shown during the original Switch 2 reveal back in January.
Titled Mario Kart World, the new racing game features open-world elements with multiple different regions.
Not only does it contain a traditional Grand Prix mode featuring set courses, but you’ll be able to actually drive to the next race. The Free Roam mode lets you discover new secrets and routes, and even take pictures with friends.
Launching on the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo confirmed that the game will indeed support 24-person multiplayer. More details will be revealed during a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct on April 17.
The JoyCon controllers were also spotlighted during the event, including a look at the new C Button.
The button lets you chat with friends when playing the Switch 2, and is supported in handheld and docked mode. You’ll also be able to share your screen. Pressing the C Button pulls up a chat screen, complete with various options.
A separate camera can be used to display players during gameplay and chat. The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera will be available on the same day as the Switch 2, which suggests you’ll have to purchase the device separately.
You’ll need to be a Switch Online subscriber to use the chat function. Nintendo Switch Online will be free until March 26, 2026 for Switch 2 users.
GameShare was also announced during the event. GameShare lets users enjoy local play with up to three other systems.
As for the console itself, the screen is 7.9-inches, features HDR support and lets users enjoy games at up to 120 frames-per-second. JoyCons attached with magnets for a more stable experience, while the buttons and sticks are larger. Confirming earlier reports, you can use the JoyCon as a mouse with supported games.
Elsewhere, Nintendo confirmed that 4K resolution will be supported when docked, as well as HDR. Another positive change is the inclusion of 256GB of internal storage.
Perhaps taking a leaf out of Sony’s book with Astro Bot, the console will launch with a paid game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. The game will showcase the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo continued by confirming that the Switch 2 will plays three different types of games.
There are Switch 2 games that are only playable on the new console, as well as backwards compatible Switch games. Nintendo also confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will be supported. These games are upgraded versions of older titles, and feature improved visuals and bonus content.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition, for example, will feature mouse controls and audio recognition. It launches on July 24. Existing users will be able to purchase an upgrade pack.
As previously rumoured, games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A will have Switch 2 Editions, including new controller options and game modes.
Likewise, enhanced editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will also be available.
The company also announced a new game called Drag X Drive, which is a multiplayer sports game that supports mouse controls.
In terms of third-party games, fans will be able to play the likes of Elden Ring, Hades 2 and Street Fighter 6, the latter of which will launch with new amiibo figures and game modes, as well as DLC content.
A Daemon x Machina sequel will launch on September 5, while Split Fiction is coming as a day-one release on June 5.
EA Sports games like EA FC 25 and the latest Madden will come to Switch 2, alongside an enhanced version of Hogwarts Legacy, complete with mouse controls. Hogwarts Legacy launches on June 5.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is coming to Switch 2 this summer, as well as Hitman World of Assassination on day-one and the new 007 game.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster was also announced for Switch 2 at launch, as well as Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut.
Rumours of a new Zelda game also turned out be accurate, as Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment was announced for a winter launch.
There’s great news for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, with an exclusive Switch 2 + Expansion Pack library revealed. Switch 2 subscribers will be able to play Gamecube releases, such as Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, SoulCalibur 2 and F-Zero GX. The games will feature higher resolution visuals and new controller options. Additional titles like Luigi’s Mansion will be added at a later date. The Gamecube library will launch alongside the Switch 2 in June.