At long last, Nintendo has unveiled its highly-anticipated successor to the Switch, and it’s officially called the “Nintendo Switch 2” as many expected and is coming in 2025.
In a short video posted to social media, the company showed off the full design of the console, confirming many of the previous leaks.
In particular, the new console-handheld hybrid will feature magnetic Joy-Cons rather than the sliding rail system of its predecessor, a larger, seemingly sturdier ‘U’ shaped kickstand and a mysterious ‘C’ button on the right Joy-Con. (It didn’t confirm what the C button will do, but previous rumours indicate it will relate to native voice chat.)
Perhaps most notable of all is that the video teases what appears to be a brand-new Mario Kart game, with the titular plumber and friends racing down a desert track. With Nintendo having supported Mario Kart 8 for over 10 years, there had been rumours that the company would debut a ninth game with the Switch 2. The new Mario Kart was briefly seen as the Switch 2 was placed in the dock and then began outputting to a TV.
Mario Kart was the only game featured in the video, although Nintendo reiterated previous comments that the Switch 2 will support backwards compatibility with the Switch. Now, the company has clarified that both digital and physical Switch games will be playable on the new console, although “certain” titles may not be compatible.
Interestingly, the video didn’t confirm any actual specs for the Switch 2, so we don’t know the exact screen resolution, processor, battery life or other important details. Previous leaks suggested that the Switch 2 would sport an Nvidia chip that it would put it about as powerful as a PS4. That said, Nintendo confirmed that a Direct presentation dedicated to the Switch 2 will come on April 2nd, so we should learn more then about both hardware and software, if not earlier.
Finally, Nintendo confirmed that special ‘Switch 2 Experience’ events will be held around the world for fans to go hands-on with the new console. So far, only one Canadian stop on the tour was confirmed: Toronto from April 25th to 27th. More information can be found here.
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