As anticipation builds for Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, recent leaks and developments suggest that pre-orders may open soon after the upcoming Nintendo Direct event on April 2nd. While Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about the console’s official release date, the gaming world is abuzz with speculation and insider information.
Why it matters: The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a significant upgrade, and gamers are eager to secure their pre-orders and get their hands on the new console.
Release and Pre-Order Timeline: Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch in 2025, with a full reveal scheduled for the Nintendo Direct event on April 2nd. Speculation points to a release window between May and June, aligning with Nintendo’s planned hands-on experience days in April, May, and June. These events hint at a possible early June release, following the final experience day on June 1st in Seoul.
Pre-orders are expected to open soon after the Nintendo Direct event on April 2nd. Historically, Nintendo has launched pre-orders on the same day as major announcements, as was the case with the original Switch in 2017. Retailers like Currys and ShopTo are already allowing customers to register interest or reserve their consoles, ensuring they are first in line once pre-orders officially open.
Pricing and Design Insights: While Nintendo has not officially disclosed the price of the Switch 2, industry speculation suggests it will be slightly more expensive than the current Switch OLED, priced at £309.99. Analysts predict a price around $400 (£330), with some leaks indicating a price point of €389.99 (£325) in Europe. These estimates are consistent with comments from Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, who emphasized maintaining affordability despite economic challenges.
Design-wise, the Switch 2 is expected to feature a more mature aesthetic, boasting a larger 8.4-inch display and magnetically attached Joy-Cons, which could address the notorious Joy-Con drift issue. The console will support existing Switch cartridges and introduce new functionalities, such as mouse-like capabilities for the Joy-Cons.
Launch Titles and Specs: The Nintendo Switch 2 will debut with a new Mario Kart game, showcasing the console’s enhanced capabilities with up to 24 players on a track. Other anticipated titles include Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4, and potentially third-party releases like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Under the hood, the Switch 2 is rumored to utilize a new Nvidia Tegra chip, potentially offering performance comparable to the PS4. While 4K support remains unconfirmed, the console is expected to feature DLSS upscaling technology and advanced ray tracing capabilities.
What to expect from the Switch 2 Direct event:.
The specific details of the next console by Nintendo Switch 2 will be revealed.
Conclusion: As the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch approaches, gamers are advised to keep an eye on the upcoming Nintendo Direct event on April 2nd for official announcements regarding release dates, pricing, and pre-order information. With promising new features and an exciting lineup of games, the Switch 2 is poised to be a significant upgrade for Nintendo fans.
