The gaming world is eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2, and the unveiling of the new console is set to take place on Wednesday, April 2nd. On this day, Nintendo will be revealing a number of details about the Switch successor to its fans.
It’s time to get answers to the questions that gamers who are excited about this console have been waiting for for a long time—when will pre-orders start and when will the Switch 2 officially be released?
According to a report by Insider Gaming, based on information leaked from an American retailer, Switch 2 pre-orders will be available from April 9th. Similarly, the leak also suggests that the console will be released in June. This new information refutes previous rumors, changing the speculation that pre-orders would start on April 2nd or April 10th.
However, the June release date is in line with expectations previously shared with Bloomberg by industry analysts. This June release time also coincides with the end of Nintendo’s Switch 2 worldwide tour, which will give gamers a chance to experience the console firsthand.
What we know so far about the Switch 2 is that Nintendo revealed very little when it first teased the console in January. One key feature that was revealed in the teaser was that the Switch 2 will be more powerful than the original Switch.
How much power is still unclear, but rumors have been circulating that third-party developers will receive development kits after the launch, and that several companies are preparing to release their AAA games on the Switch 2.
Since the original Switch lacked enough processing power to run some games, cloud gaming became a necessity—for example, games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Control were played via the cloud.
The Switch 2's physical appearance is also noteworthy—it comes with an 8-inch LCD display, which is larger than the original Switch's 6.2-inch display and the OLED version's 7-inch display. Additionally, a January teaser confirmed that it would be backward compatible, meaning that most original Switch games would be playable on the Switch 2.
However, games tied to specific accessories, such as Ring Fit Adventure, may be an exception. There's also speculation that the Switch 2 will use AI technology to upscale original games. Nintendo this week introduced its Virtual Game Cards, which will make it easier to transfer games from the original Switch to the Switch 2.
When it comes to pricing, experts are still unsure. Analysts who spoke to Bloomberg expect the price to start at $349, which is the same as the Switch OLED. However, it is said that it could be $399 or even as high as $500. This would put it in the price range of other handheld consoles like the Steam Deck.
In terms of games, no games have been confirmed yet, other than the new Mario Kart shown in the teaser. Nintendo is said to be focusing on first-party games first, with third-party games coming later in the fall and holiday season.
The Switch 2's big reveal is set for April 2 at 9 a.m. ET. Check back for the latest news and analysis on this announcement!