At 6:00am PT, Nintendo is going live with theSwitch 2Direct. The event will last about an hour and will see Nintendo finally announce important details about theSwitch 2, including its price, release date, and pre-order information. Chances are Nintendo will also reveal exactly what the Switch 2’s mysterious C button does. More importantly, it’s likely that Nintendo will reveal the big games that are in development for its next-generation console.
The initial Switch 2 reveal trailer only showcased one game, thenewMario Kartgame. With an hour to fill, Nintendo fans can expect to see many more Switch 2 games during the presentation.
The Switch 2 Direct is highly anticipated by Nintendo fans, and we will be updating this page as every announcement is made. We’ve also included the Switch 2 Direct presentation here for those that want to watch along.
Watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
Mario Kart World is a Launch Title for the Switch 2
The first Nintendo game confirmed for the Switch 2 was the newMario Kart, and so it was fitting for it to kick off the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Now known asMario Kart World, the newMario Kartlooks incredibly impressive, with plenty of vehicle variety, power-ups that transform racers, grinding, and wall-running. The game features the classic Grand Prix mode, a battle royale-style mode called Knockout, and Free Roam, which lets players drive freely around the game’s open world. More detailed information onMario Kart Worldwill come on April 17, and it was alsoconfirmed to be a launch titlefor Nintendo’s next-generation system.
The C Button Revealed
For months, Nintendo fans have been wondering what exactly the mysterious “C” button on the right Joy-Con is for. It’s now been confirmed that C stands for “Chat” and is tied to the Switch 2’s new party chat features. GameChat lets players not only talk to each other, but see their friends' gameplay, with screens that can be adjusted. The feature will be usable with theNintendo Switch 2 Camera, which will be available on launch day. A Switch Online membership is required to use GameChat, though the feature will be usable without it until July 18, 2025.
GameShare Lets You Share Your Games
Nintendo recently revealed the ability for fans to share their digital games with their friends, and now it’s taking things a step further with GameShare. GameShare lets players play local multiplayer games with only one copy of a game, similar to what many DS games featured back in the day. This feature will only be available for certain games, so fans should keep that in mind.
Switch 2 Hardware
Nintendoshowed off the Switch 2 with a brief trailerback in January, but at the Direct, it gave fans an even closer look at the hardware. It was confirmed that theSwitch 2 features a 1080p screen, 120fps, Joy-Cons that can be used as mice, two USB inputs, and 3D audio. The device comes with256 GB of internal storageand a dock with a built-in fan that keeps the system cool. While docked,the Switch 2 supports 4K resolution.
Nintendo is making a tutorial game to show off the Switch 2’s unique features.Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwill, bizarrely, be a paid digital game, but it is essentially a tech demo.
It was also confirmed that the Switch 2 will require MicroSD Express Cards for those that want to expand their storage. Gamers will also be able to transfer their data from Switch 1 to Switch 2.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
It was confirmed during the Direct that the Nintendo Switch 2 release date isJune 5, 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games
Nintendo explained that there will essentially be three types of Switch 2 games. Switch 2 exclusives, backward-compatible Switch 1 games, and"Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games, which are essentially enhanced ports of Switch 1 games. The first example shown wasSuper Mario Party Jamboree, which will feature brand-new game modes that take advantage of the Switch 2’s unique features, including its mouse controls and microphone. It launches July 24 and will feature a cheaper upgrade path for those that already own the Switch 1 version of the game.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare also getting Nintendo Switch 2 Edition releases. Fans can look forward to improved performance on the Switch 2, along with compatibility with the Zelda Notes app, which lets players share theirTOTKcreations and take advantage of official maps.Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Switch 2 Edition comes with the new Star-Crossed World expansion, whileMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill get a Switch 2 Edition that supports 4K 60fps or 1080p 120fps.Pokemon Legends: Z-A, as one might have guessed, is also getting a Switch 2 Edition release.
Drag x Drive
Nintendo announced a brand-new IP for the Switch 2 calledDrag X Drive, which is a 3v3 wheelchair-based multiplayer sports game that utilizes theJoy-Cons' mouse functionality.
Third-Party Games Coming to Switch 2
Nintendo then turned its attention to highlighting third-party games that are in development for the Switch 2. It started things off with the announcement ofElden Ring: Tarnished Edition, followed by confirmation thatHades 2,Street Fighter 6, andDaemon X Machinaare also coming to the Switch 2.Split Fiction,Hogwarts Legacy,Hitman: World of Assassination, andBravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remasterwere all announced as launch titles, whileEA Sports FC,Madden NFL,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4,James Bond 007, andYakuza 0: Director’s Cutwere also confirmed for the Switch 2.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Nintendo is teaming with Koei Tecmo to makeHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. The game will cover the Imprisonment War that took place before the events ofZelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It will launch this winter for Switch 2.
