(Credit: Nintendo)
For eight years, the Nintendo Switch has brought joy to more than 150 million gamers. However, that's set to change when Nintendo releases the Switch 2. The company hasn't given an official date for the console, but we expect to get one on April 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Hopefully, the stream will answer all your longstanding questions about the upcoming, next-gen hybrid system. So, here's how to watch the live presentation and what you should expect.
How to Watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
As previously announced, the Nintendo Switch 2's coming-out party will be a Nintendo Direct live presentation on Wednesday, April 2, at 6 a.m. PT (9 a.m. ET). You can stream the hour-long event on YouTube. Following the Direct, Nintendo will hold worldwide Switch 2 fan events, but the registration window for those showcases is closed.
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Date and Price
After numerous leaks, Nintendo confirmed the existence of the Switch 2 in January. Still, there are many unanswered questions. The chief among them? The Nintendo Switch 2's launch date and price. Based on leaks and rumors, we expect a launch between late May and early June. The speculated $399 price feels right, but who knows if tariffs will impact it.
Nintendo Switch 2 Features
Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a handheld/console hybrid that lets you play games on the TV and on the go. However, this Direct must showcase new features that explain why this device will be worth the upgrade.
Many Nintendo Switch 2 rumors suggest enhanced specs, AI upscaling, and new control options. For example, you can use the magnetic Joy-Con controllers as a mouse. But what does the mysterious C button do? Nintendo Switch 2 is also backward compatible with original Switch games, but will those older games receive improvements?
Nintendo Switch 2 Games
Along with hardware news, the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct must spotlight all the exciting new games only possible on the new platform. So far, we've only seen a brief glimpse of Mario Kart. Nintendo's top talent has presumably worked on Switch 2 software for years, so now is the time for big guns like Donkey Kong, Mario, and Zelda.
Third-party support is vital, too. Due to the Switch 2's extra power, expect many PlayStation 4 and Xbox One ports. In fact, we have a library wishlist that details the games we want to see on Nintendo Switch 2. Hopefully, some of them will be revealed during the livestream showcase.
Check out PCMag all week for more coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2, including a live blog during the big reveal.