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Apr 01, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: How to Watch and What to Expect | PCMag

For eight years, the Nintendo Switch has brought joy to more than 150 million gamers. However, that's set to change when Nintendo releases the Switch 2. The company hasn't given an official date for

For eight years, the Nintendo Switch has brought joy to more than 150 million gamers. However, that's set to change when Nintendo releases the Switch 2. The company hasn't given an official date for the console, but we expect to get one on April 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Hopefully, the stream will answer all your longstanding questions about the upcoming, next-gen hybrid system. So, here's how to watch the live presentation and what you should expect.

As previously announced, the Nintendo Switch 2's coming-out party will be a Nintendo Direct live presentation on Wednesday, April 2, at 6 a.m. PT (9 a.m. ET). You can stream the event on YouTube. Following the Direct, Nintendo will hold worldwide Switch 2 fan events, but the registration window for those showcases is closed.

After numerous leaks, Nintendo confirmed the existence of the Switch 2 in January. Still, there are many unanswered questions. The chief among them? The Nintendo Switch 2's launch date and price. Based on leaks and rumors, we expect a launch between late May and early June. The speculated $399 price feels right, but who knows if tariffs will impact it.

Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a handheld/console hybrid that lets you play games on the TV and on the go. However, this Direct must showcase new features that explain why this device will be worth the upgrade.

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Many Nintendo Switch 2 rumors suggest enhanced specs, AI upscaling, and new control options. For example, you can use the magnetic Joy-Con controllers as a mouse. But what does the mysterious C button do? Nintendo Switch 2 is also backward compatible with original Switch games, but will those older games receive improvements?

Along with hardware news, the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct must spotlight all the exciting new games only possible on the new platform. So far, we've only seen a brief glimpse of Mario Kart. Nintendo's top talent has presumably worked on Switch 2 software for years, so now is the time for big guns like Donkey Kong, Mario, and Zelda.

Third-party support is vital, too. Due to the Switch 2's extra power, expect many PlayStation 4 and Xbox One ports. In fact, we have a library wishlist that details the games we want to see on Nintendo Switch 2. Hopefully, some of them will be revealed during the livestream showcase.

Check out PCMag all week for more coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2, including a live blog during the big reveal.

In 2013, I started my Ziff Davis career as an intern on PCMag's Software team. Now, I’m an Analyst on the Apps and Gaming team, and I really just want to use my fancy Northwestern University journalism degree to write about video games. I host The Pop-Off, PCMag's video game show. I was previously the Senior Editor for Geek.com. I’ve also written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of a video game history book, Video Game of the Year, and the reason why everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.

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