Nintendo isn’t switching things up, but they are making their signature console both bigger and more powerful. The company revealed the first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 with a new promo trailer highlighting the console’s upgrades and functions. And while we still don’t know exactly when we’ll get our hands on one, we do know it’ll be sometime in 2025.
That’s also when we might be getting a new Mario Kart, too.
The rumors were true. Nintendo is supersizing its Switch. Nintendo’s announcement trailer for the console’s next iteration highlights an increase in physically size and . It’s Joy-Con controllers will also seemingly connect to the screen’s side via magnets. And players will also be able to prop up the Nintendo Switch 2 with a built-in kickstand.
As for games, it will have some backward compatibility with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. On the console’s new official site the company writes, “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” We’ll get more details on which games that will apply to “at a later date.” But Nintendo Switch Online members can rest easy already, as they can “continue using the service on Nintendo Switch 2.”
We’re also going to find out a lot more about the hybrid console this spring. Nintendo says “stay tuned for a closer look” at the Switch 2 “in a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025.” That’s also when fan events around the world will let gamers actually use it.
What does that mean for the actual release date, which will be sometime in 2025? It could possibly this summer or even late spring. But if nothing else it will definitely be out just in time for the holiday season. No matter when it arrives it will be one of the most in-demand gifts of the year.
Hopefully it will be paired under the tree with an all-new Mario Kart. The Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer ends with a sneak peak at the next version of the iconic game. The footage shows slightly different karts and an original track. Technically that could be a remaster or update to an older version, but we doubt Nintendo would announce the long-awaited Switch 2 by featuring a remade or updated older game.
We’ll have to wait for sure to find out, though. We’d prefer not to, but at least we’ll have answers this year.
