SWITCH 2 release date 2025
Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo’s New Console in 2025
Nintendo recently unveiled an exciting video showcasing the technical features of its new console, the Nintendo Switch 2. This announcement comes with the promise of further revelations during a live broadcast scheduled for April 2, 2025.
A First Look
In a 2-minute 20-second video, Nintendo presented a device that closely resembles the original Switch but includes significant upgrades. The console, entirely black, features a larger screen and a wider detachable stand while retaining the iconic Joy-Con controllers.
The video also provides a glimpse of Mario Kart, one of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises. To recall, Mario Kart 8, released on the original Switch, sold over 64 million copies, underlining the series’ popularity.
Enhanced Compatibility with an Extensive Game Library
Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 will be compatible with both physical and digital games from the original Switch, a much-anticipated feature among fans. This ensures the console will have an impressive game catalog at launch. However, the company noted that some games from the original Switch might not be supported or fully compatible.
“Bigger and More Powerful”
Mat Piscatella, an analyst at Circana, praised the announcement on the social media platform Bluesky. According to him, “This is exactly what was expected: a bigger and more powerful Switch. It should sell very well and give a boost to the market.” However, he also predicted that this new console might not necessarily expand the target audience compared to its predecessor.
Global Events to Test the Console
To celebrate the launch, Nintendo will host events in several major cities starting April 4, 2025. Paris, New York, and Tokyo are among the locations where players will have the chance to test the Switch 2 in advance.
Weeks of Speculation and Leaks
The Switch 2 has been the subject of numerous rumors in recent weeks. Several technical aspects had already been leaked before the official announcement, fueling excitement among fans.
The Enduring Success of the Original Switch
Released in March 2017, the original Nintendo Switch has been a tremendous commercial success. With 146 million units sold by the end of September 2024, it has become the third most popular console in history, behind Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Nintendo’s DS.
Nintendo estimates it has sold approximately 1.3 billion games for this console, including iconic titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
