Nintendo has been promising a follow-up to the company’s popular Switch handheld for over a year, and it’s here at last. The Switch 2 has been revealed, and it’s coming this year. But Nintendo’s not telling us more until April 2. For now, here’s the trailer: Yes, there’s a new Mario Kart. And yes, this looks a lot like the existing Switch. But there’s also a chance to register on Friday, Jan. 17, for free tickets to demo the Switch 2 at locations around the world starting in April.
The original Nintendo Switch, announced in 2016 but released March 2017, felt like a total surprise with its innovative modular design and snap-on controllers. The Switch 2 is not so much something new as an overdue sequel to the same idea. Better graphics, better controllers and better performance while in TV-docked mode are part of what could make the Switch 2 seem compelling.
But Nintendo has only shown us a tease of the Switch 2 for now.
So here’s what we can see already:
- The Switch 2 is bigger, with a bigger screen.
- There are two USB-C ports now (one on top, one on the bottom). Could this allow glasses connections, maybe?
- The kickstand has a handle-like shape now. And it reclines all the way back.
- Yes, there’s a headphone jack.
- Physical cartridges are accepted.
- The Joy-Cons have a similar shape and what look like two sets of shoulder buttons now when detached. They also have a different docking pin connector. They seem to magnetically snap onto the console or a controller accessory.
- There is a new Mario Kart game.
- The Switch 2 will have exclusive games, and it’ll play Switch games in digital or cartridge form. But Nintendo warns that not all previous games will be compatible.
How to sign up for a Nintendo Switch 2 experience
Nintendo’s also hosting hands-on experiences in several cities in April, with the dates already listed: On Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. PT (3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. GMT) you can register with a Nintendo Account to get a free ticket to one of the experience locations.
- New York, April 4 to 6
- Los Angeles, April 11 to 13
- Dallas, April 25 to 27
- Toronto, April 25 to 27
- Paris, April 4 to 6
- London, April 11 to 13
- Milan, April 25 to 27
- Berlin, April 25 to 27
- Madrid, May 9 to 11
- Amsterdam, May 9 to 11
- Melbourne, May 10 to 11
- Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26 to 27
- Seoul, May 31 to June 1
- Hong Kong and Taipei, TBA
This suggests a May or June launch.
Beyond these details, it looks like Nintendo won’t spill the details on the price, specs or launch games until April… which is a while away. But the Switch 2 looks like an iterative upgrade on the existing Switch, as opposed to something completely new. That could mean existing Switch owners won’t necessarily feel like they have a reason to immediately upgrade — except for those unknown new exclusive games, that is.
The handheld landscape has been heating up lately, especially with powerful Windows and Steam PC game handhelds delivering games on the go. The Switch 2 has more competition than before, but also has a gaming landscape around it that’s much more geared to the idea of handhelds than ever before.
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