Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live: everything announced and our reactions as it happened

Hello and welcome to the beginning of my Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live coverage!

I'm going to guide you through the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct as it happens, keeping you up to date with a steady feed of all the latest news just as it comes in.

The presentation is only two hours away now, so I would really start getting prepared. If you haven't already, consider bookmarking the official Nintendo YouTube page so you can jump straight in when the broadcast goes live.

What's the fuss all about?

If you're a little out of the loop and want to know what today's Switch 2 event is all about, here's a quick recap of events so far explaining exactly why I'm so excited.

Nintendo first unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, the upcoming successor to its hugely popular Nintendo Switch console, in a surprise reveal trailer posted almost two months ago on January 16, 2025.

It showed off the new system officially for the first time, with a slick 3D animation paired with cute music and cool sound effects.

Although there were plenty of small hints throughout, the video confirmed very few new features and didn't explicitly mention any games (though what looks like a new Mario Kart was shown briefly on screen).

It did plainly state that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be able to play most Nintendo Switch games though, but that's basically all we know for sure right now.

The video ended with a date: April 2, 2025, which the company then confirmed would be the day of a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

I expect this imminent broadcast to be a detailed breakdown of the system, outlining its features and revealing some of its launch games. I also think we're likely to learn a release date, with pre-orders potentially opening too.

Length reminder ahead of the show

If you need a quick reminder about the broadcast's length, Nintendo has previously confirmed that it will be "approximately 60 minutes long".

This is a bit longer than your average 40 or so minute Nintendo Direct and about the same duration as the original Nintendo Switch reveal event.

I'm optimistic that this will be more than enough time to have all our most pressing questions answered.

Speaking of reminders, now would be a fantastic time to refresh yourself on the Switch 2 with the original first-look trailer.

It was our first official look at the console's design and shows some physical differences between it and the original Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer - YouTube

Watch On

Will mouse mode finally be official?

I think we're definitely going to see the long-rumored mouse mode in action very soon.

This has been the subject of many leaks and was even hinted at by that console reveal trailer (which showed the Joy-Con darting around a flat surface like mice).

The idea is that the new Joy-Con controllers will be able to be used on their sides thanks to an optical sensor that lets them detect movements to control things on-screen.

It sounds a bit silly at first, but the practical applications of this idea could be huge. It would allow for much better precision in shooter games like Nintendo's own Splatoon, or be a blessing for navigating the complex interfaces of titles like Super Mario Maker.

I would also bet money on the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct given us our first glimpse at the console's user interface. Hopefully it's going to be a bit more exciting than the relatively plain Nintendo Switch UI.

I've personally got my fingers crossed for the addition of colorful system themes.

This was a big feature for the Nintendo 3DS (though it was not around at launch) but conspicuously absent from the Nintendo Switch for the entire of its life. There was a dedicated themes menu, but it only showed two basic options: black and white. That's just taunting us!

One of my major hopes is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will bring back themes in a big way. I want to be able to show off my love for certain franchises on my home screen once more, complete with custom icons and music.

I'll always have a soft spot for my Nintendo 3DS, in no small part thanks to the adorable Hatsune Miku artwork (and accompanying song) that greeted me every time I turned it on.

Nintendo always shies away from talking in concrete numbers, but I do think the company will still manage to find some way of showing us just how much more powerful the Nintendo Switch 2 is than its predecessor, too. Perhaps we'll see some of the more intensive Nintendo Switch games running smoothly on the new machine...

Nintendo Treehouse: Live could be huge

Yesterday Nintendo confirmed two new Nintendo Treehouse: Live streams after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. The first will take place on April 3, with the second following on April 4.

Both will kick off at 7AM PT / 10AM ET / 2PM BST and give us a live hands-on look at some Nintendo Switch 2 games in action.

If you're not familiar with Nintendo Treehouse Live, the format has been used by the company frequently in the past. It basically involves a room filled with various presenters, who you watch play with some of the latest hardware and/or games.

These two streams could prove very insightful, giving us a relatively unfiltered look at the Nintendo Switch 2 in action, so definitely tune in if you get the chance.

President & COO of Nintendo of America weighs in

Doug Bowser, president & COO at Nintendo of America, has posted something on X / Twitter about the upcoming event earlier today.

As you might expect, there's no real new information here, but his enthusiasm is infectious.

What our community thinks about the price

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is big concern and one area where we don't even have any real rumors to work with.

So, we took to our WhatsApp community to ask our audience how much they think the upcoming console will cost. Here's what they thought:

44% - so nearly half - think it's going to cost more than $450 which would be a hefty price tag to come out of the gate with.

At the other end of the spectrum, and the next largest response, 23% think it will be less than $400 which would keep its price broadly in line with the Switch OLED.

Jostling in the middle of the pack, 19% of folks think it'll be $400, and 14% are going for $450.

What do you think?

More on that price...

I'm going to be talking about the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 a lot, because it's going to be really important.

If Nintendo gets the price wrong, it could be a disaster - with the Nintendo Switch 2 failing to match the success of its more affordable predecessor.

To give you a good idea of what to expect in the pricing department, I've called on skilled savings finder and Senior Deals Editor James Pickard for some expertise.

"Rumors have the Nintendo Switch 2 priced at somewhere around $399.99 / £349.99, and while this feels like a fairly logical prediction I wouldn't be surprised if the price crept up slightly higher - especially in the US," he said.

"Still it would be a risk, as anything above those current rumored prices puts it even more closely in direct competition with the PlayStation 5, which can be picked up for as little as $399.99 with the latest Digital Edition Astro Bot Bundle. Because of that, I think Nintendo will be trying to stay as close to those rumored prices as possible and stop heads from turning to Sony."

But what about the stock?

There's no point releasing an affordable console if few consumers are able to actually buy it as a result of stock shortages.

James has covered major product launches for years and had this to say about the likely stock situation:

"I know what you're thinking... will we see a similar stock situation to the PS5 and Xbox Series X with the new Nintendo Switch 2? Obviously, I don't know for sure, but I'm confident it won't be as bad as those pandemic months.

Yes, the Switch 2 will be in demand, and yes, fans will be rushing out to buy one. That will almost certainly lead to consoles selling out during the initial pre-order phase and potentially the early weeks following the console's release.

However, I think the Switch 2 will be back in stock fairly quickly and fairly regularly, given Nintendo should have a solid idea of the demand and we aren't all cooped up indoors looking for ways to pass the time.

Either way, we'll be here bringing you all the latest Switch 2 pre-order and stock news immediately following today's Direct and in the months ahead."

Time check: 90 minutes to go

There's just 90 minutes to go, gamers! Now is a good time to start thinking about snacks for the broadcast...

I think I'm going to go with a cup of coffee (though I doubt I'll really need it given all the exciting announcements in store!) and maybe a handful of roasted sunflower seeds. The salted ones are great.

Give me Nintendogs please

Forget Mario and forget Zelda, if I'm being honest the one thing that I really want to see from Nintendo today is a Nintendogs revival. Yes, I am fully aware that there was that one on Nintendo 3DS, but you know as well as I do that nobody actually played it.

A shiny, modern Nintendogs wouldn't just be absolutely adorable - it could really show off the Nintendo Switch 2's rumored hardware features. Imagine using mouse mode to stroke a virtual puppy, or being able to drag the Joy-Con around a table to simulate a walk. The possibilities for virtual pet interaction are endless...

What are Virtual Game Cards all about?

One of the most surprising things we learned in the previous Nintendo Direct was the upcoming arrival of a new Virtual Game Card system.

It seemed very confusing at the time, but now that I've had some time to break it down here's a quick explainer.

Basically, your Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 will recognize digitally purchased games (those are the ones you get on the eShop) in the same way they recognize physical ones as a 'Virtual Game Card'.

A dedicated menu will show your Virtual Game Card library, and lets you 'load' or 'unload' them (the digital equivalent of taking them in and out of your system).

What does this mean practically? Well, soon you'll be able to more easily transfer games between your own consoles. You'll be able to 'unload' a game on one system, and then log in with your Nintendo account to 'load' it on to another. All saves are transferred, in theory making it a bit easier to manage multiple consoles if you own them.

As someone with a Nintendo Switch OLED for use at a home, and a Nintendo Switch Lite purely for travel - I'm pretty excited by this.

Nintendo has also confirmed that you will be able to share games between members of your Nintendo Account family, lending them for 14 days at a time. Cool!

Something to do with the Switch 2?

The big question on my mind regarding Virtual Game Cards is whether or not the announcement has anything to do with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo has confirmed that the system will be present on Switch 2 also and, for my money, the timing seems a bit too close to be a coincidence.

My theory is that Nintendo wants to make it easier to transfer save data and purchases between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, simplifying the setup process for those who choose to upgrade.

Maybe we'll learn a bit more about the transition between the two consoles later today.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller could have a headphone jack

Here's some news hot off the presses. The latest FCC filing from Nintendo suggests that its next Pro Controller - presumably the one for the Switch 2 - will feature a headphone jack.

The device described in the filing apparently offers both Bluetooth and NFC, which sounds a lot like the existing Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, but also mentions a 3.5mm headphone jack.

This was something missing from the old Pro Controller, which made it difficult to use wired headphones with the Nintendo Switch. The addition of a headphone jack is something that fans have been crying out for for years, so hopefully Nintendo has listened to the feedback.

Of course, while filings can be a strong indicator this is still just speculation for now. We'll have to wait and see whether a new Pro Controller is unveiled later today.

Time check: we're just one hour away!

You read that right! There's just one hour, 60 whole minutes, to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct begins.

If you're in the UK, why not take the chance to grab some lunch so you can focus with your full attention when the broadcast begins?

Our Nintendo Switch 2 direct bingo card

With less than one hour to go, I've asked Senior Deals Editor and known Nintendo Switch lover James Pickard to put together a cheeky little bingo card with some of our collective hopes and predictions for the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

What do you think?

I'm personally on board with a couple of these. The mouse mode, for example, will almost definitely be shown, and I do agree that Nintendo is unlikely to talk about the specs in any detail.

Separate LED and OLED models might be a bit of reach, though, I'm sure an OLED refresh will be in the works for some time during the next few years (if indeed the Switch 2 launches with an LED screen by default).

The dock being sold separately is an interesting idea. I suppose it could help keep costs down for consumers, but would it really be that much of a "Nintendo Switch" without one in the box?

As for the obviously staged family playing Nintendo Switch 2... Could you really call it a Nintendo hardware announcement without one?

The latest Nintendo Today app teaser is here

Image 1 of 2

In case you've missed it, if you boot up the Nintendo Today app right now you will be greeted with a reminder that the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is taking place today. Press on the reminder, and you'll be shown a cool video teasing the C button.

The video only lasts for a few seconds, but shows the C button in all its glory. We also see someone press it, with a cute little sound effect that's almost a cross between a honk and a jingle playing.

What on earth could this all mean? Well presumably this will be the sound that plays when you activate whatever software function the C button is tied to, but I can't really guess much more than that.

This teaser, however, does certainly suggest that we're going to be learning a lot more about the new input soon.

Will the original Switch get cheaper?

One big question I have today is whether this will be the start of some incredible deals on the original Nintendo Switch, potentially giving those who have not yet owned the system a chance to get it super cheap.

To learn how feasible that is, I've once again consulted James for his expert opinion:

"Whenever new tech launches, I'm always on the lookout for deals and price cuts on older models. So, are we likely to see any discounts on the Nintendo Switch OLED following the launch of the Switch 2? It's possible, for sure," he said.

"It might not happen immediately, but there will almost definitely be a price cut on the Switch OLED in the near future.

Quite how much depends on the launch price of the Switch 2, but eventually I would expect it to permanently fall to $299.99 in the US and £249 in the UK – and maybe go even slightly cheaper during major sales like Black Friday. Expect some great value Switch OLED bundles by the end of the year, too."

What about the Switch Lite?

Regarding a potential flurry of Nintendo Switch Lite deals, James added:

"The Switch Lite will be an interesting one to monitor after the release of the Switch 2. I'm not convinced it'll see much of a price cut when the Switch 2 becomes available as it's already Nintendo's most budget-friendly handheld and fulfils a fairly niche role in its console line-up.

Nintendo will likely keep producing it in smaller numbers and release the odd bundle or special design for its biggest games, but I think it will remain a relatively affordable $199 / £199 as an option for those who don't need a dock or just want a single all-in-one handheld for youngsters."

Time check: we're in the home stretch

We're in the home stretch everyone! Just half an hour, that's 30 minutes, to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct begins. It's time to start getting settled in for the ride.

You can finally tune in!

Big news! The stream is now live! With around 28 minutes to go. Tune in now below.

Over 100,000 tune in

The stream only went live moments ago, but more than 100,000 viewers have already tuned in to watch with only 24 minutes to go. And that's just on the Nintendo of America stream alone!

I wonder how high this number is going to climb?

More than 170,000 are here, with just 15 minutes to go

Just fifteen minutes to go now!

The current viewer count on the Nintendo of America stream has now risen to over 170,000 and is increasing rapidly. It's clear that this is going to be one massive event.

The countdown begins... for some

If you head over to the Nintendo UK stream, you'll be greeted by a live countdown leading up to the beginning of the stream.

Unfortunately, there's no countdown in the US, but we might see one appear a little closer to the start time...

The stream is starting everyone - in the US we're seeing one final countdown and there's even some chill music accompanying it.

More than 500,000 people are watching right now, that's incredible!

The stream has begun! And we're seeing... shapes? It looks like they're building something... Ah! A Nintendo Direct logo! Very fitting.

Our first game!

Straight off the bat, we're seeing our first look at the next Mario Kart game. It looks absolutely stunning, with some massive tracks and loads of characters.

What's that you can grind on rails now? And you can play as a Moo Moo cow?

Did Mario just eat a burger? Peach is wearing multiple outfits? What is going on!

And now we have a title, Mario Kart World!

We're now getting a little chat on the new Mario Kart game. It looks like it's open world! With a time of day and weather system.

Yep, that's confirmed - you can now drive anywhere! Or try the classic Gran Prix, driving between courses for each stage of the competition.

We've got 24 racers, the most of any Mario Kart game.

We're also seeing a new battle-royale style mode. First Pokémon, now Mario Kart.

The game will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

A free drive mode has been confirmed! You can drive around with friends and even take cute photos with friends.

And it's confirmed as a launch title, coming out alongside the console!

We're now seeing the controllers.

The controllers are imaginatively called the Joy-Con 2. There's a cool new chat feature too, that looks like almost like Nintendo's take on Discord...

What's that we spy? A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller? How interesting! Hopefully we're about to hear more.

The purpose of the C button has been revealed! It calls up a dedicated chat menu.

Our first accessory!

The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera has been unveiled, letting you chat with friends with a video stream. Will this be sold separately? Or bundled in?

Oh! We've just seen a new image that shows what the top USB Type-C port can be used for - the camera!

A new multiplayer system, GameShare! It will let you share games with up to three other Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch systems. It can only be used with compatible games.

The Switch 2 screen is now being detailed.

We've got a 1080P screen confirmed now, with support for up to 120fps in certain titles.

It's an LCD panel still, but features HDR support.

Some on the Joy-Con 2 attachment mechanism. Yep, it's definitely magnetic.

That's mouse control official then! Both Joy-Con 2 controllers can be used like mice.

Some more USB-C top port functionality detailed. It can be used for that camera or charging in tabletop mode.

256GB of storage out of the box

A big storage upgrade is here! 256GB out of the box.

4K support confirmed too! Up to 60fps when using the mode.

To help keep things stable, the Nintendo Switch 2 dock now has an in-built fan for cooling.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour has been unveiled!

This Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game is designed to explain all of the system's biggest features.

I guess this is going to be to the Nintendo Switch 2 equivalent of the PS5 pack-in game Astro's Playroom.

It looks very cute! I'm definitely excited to play.

Now on to game storage. The cartridges this time are the same size and shape but... red?

Micro SD card have been detailed, this time you'll need the faster microSD Express format!

Nintendo Switch 2 release date confirmed

We just got a look a new a Pro Controller with a C button! And a release date! See you on June 5, 2025!

We're seeing new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games detailed! These are upgraded experiences with gameplay designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

The first confirmed game here is Super Mario Party Jamboree!

We have what seems like confirmation that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will be paid upgrades...

New Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have also been announced, with HDR support and new Nintendo Switch app functionality.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land next, which will now include a new story called Star-Crossed World.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch as a cross-generation title, with both a Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with mouse controls.

Pokéon Legends Z-A will also receive a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition release, with higher frame rates and better resolutions.

Time for a brand new game!

Something designed to show off mouse control? It looks like some kind of sports title, with robotic characters with wheels.

It's called Drag X Drive and looks pretty fun!

Here are some third-party games that will be on Nintendo Switch 2!

Yep, that sure is Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch 2.

We've also got Hades 2, what a treat! This excellent roguelike has been a favorite of mine in its current PC early access state.

Capcom has arrived, with Street Fighter 6! This will be joined by new Street Fighter amiibo figures, which will be compatible with the game.

We've now got quite an original looking sci-fi game with mechs? Daemon X Macina Titanic Scion!

Okay here's a big hitter! Split Fiction is coming to Nintendo Switch 2!

Three more games here, EA Sports FC and Madden are on the way for all you sports fans out there, plus a port of... Hogwarts Legacy.

Now we're seeing a new trailer for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, which features some kind of Spongebob crossover.

A new version of Hitman: World of Assassination is going to hit Nintendo Switch 2! And we're now seeing a teaser for that previously announced James Bond game.

We're now seeing a HD remaster of Bravely Default, following by our first look at Yakuza 0 Director's Cut!

We now know that more Yakuza games will be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in future.

A new Hyrule Warriors game is coming!

What's this? A new The Legend of Zelda game developed in collaboration with Keoi Tecmo? Presumably this is going to be another Warriors style spinoff, which is awfully exciting...

Yep, that's confirmed now. A Tears of the Kingdom prequel with Warriors style combat. It's called Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment.

Nintendo Switch Online news! The service will continue to be used on Nintendo Switch 2, though Expansion Pack members will get an exclusive benefit... GameCube games!

That's Wind Waker confirmed, plus Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX.

More titles are coming in the future. The GameCube library will be there day one on Nintendo Switch 2.

We're also getting a dedicated Nintendo GameCube Controller, with wireless controls and a C button.

It's a sizzle reel of more games!

• Deltarune is finally happening, bringing the complete Undertale spinoff to Switch 2 with all new chapters
• Borderlands 4 will be coming to Nintendo Switch 2, too
• Civilization 7 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, though this shouldn't be much of a surprise. There will be an upgrade on offer for existing owners
• WWE and NBA 2K are coming too!

The sizzle reel continues... but the stream is... frozen? Swapping over to the UK stream for now.

The Nintendo UK stream is still fully functional!

Tune in below.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 – 02.04.2025 - YouTube

Watch On

Ahem... On with the sizzle reel then.

• Survival Kids
• Enter the Gungeon 2
• Starseeker Astroneer Expeditions

Woah! Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2! This is not something that I saw coming.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Goodnight Universe, Two-Point Museum, Wild Hearts S, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 S, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Star Wars Outlaws, Fast Fusion, Shadow Labyrinth... and Hollow Knight Silksong? In 2025?

It's official. I think they're trying to kill me. There are so many announcements now it's hard to keep track, but here are the big ones.

Professor Layton: New World of Steam... Human Fall Flat 2... and now something else to round off...

This definitely looks like a new Devil May Cry game...

Wait... Fromsoftware? Is this Bloodborne?

No it's not Bloodborne 2... But it is something close! The Duskbloods is brand new game coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

A new Kirby game? A new Kirby Air Ride game?

That's it and it's titled Kirby Air Riders. Not much to report beyond a basic trailer and the fact it's being directed by Smash Bros. legend Sakurai.

And with that we're on to our last trailer... It looks suspiciously like a new Super Mario...

I was close!

It looks like a new 3D Donkey Kong game and it seems pretty incredible! We're seeing some 2D segments thrown in here and there, plus lots of interesting character designs.

We now have a title, Donkey Kong Bananza. It's coming out on July 17 and features a massive open world.

We have multiple hardware options available at launch, including a bundle with the new Mario Kart game. Though we're only getting one color, it looks like.

And that's a wrap! I thought that was a pretty great show. There was no price information at all, which was definitely weird... What did you think?

The price is official!

Hold the phone! We're now getting pricing information in via regional Nintendo websites.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449 in the US, with the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle at $499.

In the UK, it will be £395.99 on its own, or £429.99 in the bundle.

Pre orders will begin on April 8 in the UK, six days from now.

Some more pre-order information is coming in... They will first open exclusively for select Nintendo Switch Online members. Presumably in an attempt to avoid resellers?

I've managed to get into the UK Nintendo website. Here's a quick look at how much certain games and accessories will cost and... ouch! Some are pretty steep.

Nintendo Switch 2 Direct reactions are flooding in on social media. I'm seeing lots and lots of people excited by the new Mario Kart game, though the high asking price has raised some eyebrows.

There seems to be lots of hype surrounding The Duskbloods too. Will the be the first must-have Nintendo Switch 2 third-party exclusive? It could very well be given developer Fromsoftware's track record with hits.

Wait... The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour costs money?

We now know that it will be a "paid downloadable launch title" which is pretty disappointing. I was really, really hoping for a proper pack-in experience this time around.

Nintendo Switch 2 game prices look pretty steep

If there's one thing that stands out to me right now, it's that the confirmed game prices are pretty steep. It's £74.99 for a physical copy of Mario Kart World in the UK, which should come to around $90 in the US.

A digital copy is then £66.99, or about $80. This is... a lot to ask for any game and a massive increase compared to the prices of even some of the most expensive Nintendo Switch titles.

Other games look like they will be a bit cheaper, with a £66.99 (around $80) physical price on Donkey Kong Bananza and a £58.99 (let's say $70) digital price right now, but still, that's not exactly cheap!

I'm really hoping that this pricing won't be the norm going forward. Gaming is already an expensive hobby and it would be very sad to see one of the more traditionally affordable gaming brands hiking prices for consumers.

No Final Fantasy 9 Remake, sadly

With the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct out of the way, I'm gathering some reactions from the rest of the TechRadar team.

First up is Senior Fitness & Wearables Editor Matt Evans, who was crushed by the absence of a certain rumored game...

"Nintendo and Square got me good. I saw the Square Enix logo, gasped, then... Bravely Default Flying Fairy, HD remastered from the 3DS. Crestfallen, I returned to work, with my ears open for more announcements of interest.

20 minutes later, Nintendo did it again. Square Enix logo, Final Fantasy leitmotif... 'This time, it's got to be it' I said to myself. Then came the big announcement: Final Fantasy 7 Remake was coming to Switch 2. Hurray, a game pretty much every Final Fantasy fan already owns.

Where's my Final Fantasy 9 Remake, Square? Why get my hopes up with a new 25th Anniversary website for 9, only to dash them on the rocks of your indifference? How callous."

It's not Chibi-Robover

Meanwhile Staff Writer, Reviews Harry Padoan is excited about the Chibi-Robo news...

"Something I'm absolutely buzzing about is the addition of GameCube titles to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. A lot of the titles teased, like Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness can be extremely pricey in the big 2025. And so, the opportunity to play these without sacrificing all of my life savings is one that I'm going to snatch at.

Some absolute classics were shown off in the Direct, like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero: GX, but the game I’m most excited to re-visit is Chibi-Robo!

I mean who wouldn’t want to run around a typical family home armed with nothing but a toothbrush and a spoon? Yes, you read that correctly. The game’s heart-warming, sometimes tragic story is one that so few got to experience back in 2006, so it’s amazing to see Nintendo’s lil’ bot get some much-needed love"

Missed some of the biggest changes between the original Switch and the Switch 2? Here's everything Nintendo covered in its Direct .presentation

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

No new 3D Mario game... yet

Senior Writer, AI, John-Anthony Disotto is lamenting the lack of a new 3D Super Mario game.

"Can you believe it’s been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey released? Since then, we’ve had new Mario games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a re-release of Super Mario 3D World (+ Bowser’s Fury), but still no true successor to one of the best platformers of all time.

I don’t know what Nintendo has up its sleeve for the future, but I would love to experience New Donk City again as well as the incredible Cappy mechanic that allowed you to take control of most objects and creatures in the game.

Unfortunately, that won't be on June 5, as Nintendo didn't even announce a new Mario, let alone give me Super Mario Odyssey 2 as a game."

Switch 2 exclusive woes

Computing Reviews & Buying Guides Editor Marcus Mears III has a lot to say about The Duskbloods, the new Fromsoftware game and he's not too pleased by its console exclusive status.

"First Bloodborne, now this?

I can't believe From Software is releasing The Duskbloods as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Not only does it completely contradict my vision of Nintendo's target audience, but I'm also personally peeved as a 5x Soulslike champion (humble brag).

I hate exclusive titles. I'm not going to buy the Switch 2 just to play The Duskbloods and Pokémon, because I know once those are finished I'll have a $450 Nintendo-flavored paper weight. Not to mention, I would much rather game on the Steam Deck I already have.

Please Nintendo, stop hiding behind exclusivity so I can start giving you my money."

Has Nintendo changed its approach to graphics?

Staff Writer, Mobile Computing, Jamie Richards has noticed an interesting change in how Nintendo approached the console's graphical capabilities in this presentation.

"With the Nintendo Switch 2, the gaming gaunt has done the unthinkable by highlighting its console's graphical capabilities in detail for potentially the first time ever.

Nintendo has never been one to shout about its hardware power, mostly because there normally isn't much of it; the tacit agreement has always been that users accept slightly below-par graphics in return for unique experiences. This time around, Nintendo wants you to know that its console can run games at 120fps or in 4k (not both at once, though), and it wasn't afraid to dedicate a decent chunk of the Direct to this very fact.

I'm genuinely happy - proud even - to see Nintendo catching up to more modern graphics standards, but let's not kid ourselves - the games shown, apart from maybe Elden Ring and the upgraded Legend of Zelda titles, didn't exactly look modern.

It seems Nintendo Switch 2 games just won't match the competition when it comes to visuals, and by shouting so loudly about the console's graphics potential, Nintendo has placed that fact right at the front of my mind."

A good look at the Nintendo Switch 2 UI

A page on the Nintendo website has given us a good look at an image of the Nintendo Switch 2's user interface. It looks very familiar, but with a few interesting new twists.

I would assume that C icon at the bottom there is to launch the new social features, with the green one serving as some kind of news feed.

The Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, Settings, Power, Joy-Con and Screenshot icons are all self explanatory, but what could that light blue one mean?

I'm also not sure what to make of that Game Card looking icon. It could be a way to open up the new Virtual Game Card menu.

A little more from Jamie now, this time on a game he is looking forward to.

"I'm hyped to see Professor Layton and Luke back on the scene with Professor Layton and the New World of Steam in a fresh 3D art style.

I loved playing the first three games on Nintendo DS, and later on mobile, so seeing Nintendo welcome the series back to its platforms was an easy home run in my book.

I'm curious to see whether the Joy Con 2's mouse mode gets any use in the new title, as well as where the new game fits in the (now fairly substantial) Professor Layton timeline."

New Amiibo are on the way!

Nintendo has just revealed loads of new The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom amiibo launching on June 5. Each one will unlock some in-game content, namely fabric for your paraglider.

You can see them all in the Twitter / X post below.

Yes, I can definitely be trusted with a Sidon figurine...

And with that, I'm heading off for the day. But not before handing over to our US team to keep the coverage going.

It was a fantastic reveal event overall, with plenty of surprises. While I'm definitely disappointed by the price point (especially the launch games), everything else looked good.

With that, I'll see you tomorrow for even more Nintendo goodness.

It's been quite the day for Nintendo fans worldwide, including the TechRadar team.

Jacob Krol here, I'm taking over our continued coverage of today's Nintendo Direct.

We learned a ton about the Switch 2 – including some specific specs – and saw a laundry list of games, including some brand-new titles. So let's keep it going with more details we're uncovering or spotting and some further reactions.

While Nintendo has confirmed that preorders will kick off on April 8, we're now learning that those might be exclusive to the gaming giant itself.

One retailer, The Game Collection, has posted to X (formerly Twitter) that it's unsure if it can start preorders that same day. It remains to be seen if 'The Game Collection' or other retailers will offer preorders on the same day.

Still, if not, it seems that Nintendo is trying to prevent scalpers from getting the latest console ... at least during the preorder period.

Best Buy will kick off preorders on April 9

Like clockwork – after I posted that update on when preorders might start at retailers – Best Buy has announced that it will kick off preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 9, 2025. That's one day after Nintendo has said it would start pre-orders.

And here's the good news – you'll be able to preorder the Switch , as well as accessories and games, directly from Best Buy's online store or via the Best Buy Mobile App for Android or iOS starting at midnight ET on April 9.

Additionally, come launch day – June 5, 2025 – many Best Buy stores in the United States will open at 12 AM ET, 11 PM CT, 10 PM MT and 9 PM PT. This way, you can pick up your Switch 2 and get to playing as quickly as possible.

Nearly in line with Best Buy, GameStop has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that it will start preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 9, 2025. It seems that third-party retailers will kick off orders a day after Nintendo.

GameStop's image notes that the console is 'available while supplies last.' Even so, more interestingly, are the trade-in deals that the retailer shared in a follow-up post on X.

The retailer will offer up to $175 in credit after a console trade-in towards the Switch 2. Here's how it breaks down:

• Up to $175 for the Switch OLED
• Up to $120 for the Switch
• Up to $100 for the Switch Lite

If you're keen to get the Nintendo Switch 2 bundle that includes a code to download Mario Kart World, you'll likely want to preorder it if you have the chance.

In the release of the Switch 2, Nintendo specifically calls out that it will be in limited supply and that production will end in fall 2025.

It seems like it will be a pretty good deal, as prices for standalone titles have been a bit all over the place, but some of them are pretty costly.

The bundle of the console with the game is priced at $499.99 / £429.99, compared to just the Switch 2 at $449.99 / £395.99.

While Nintendo did share a lot about the Switch 2, the company didn't share much about the user interface. We really only got a few quick looks at the updated interface, but even from those – and a shared screenshot – it's very similar to the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED.

As TechRadar's Managing Editor Lifestyle Josephine Watson writes here, it doesn't really capture Nintendo's personality. And it doesn't really change the experience all that much over the original Switch. Further, even though many have asked for it, custom skins or downloadable ones don't appear to be a thing for the Switch 2.

Nintendo did change it a little, though, including adding easy access to GameChat – the new voice chat service that is similar to Discord – and what we think will be a shortcut for GameShare.

• Without a fresh UI and customization features, the Switch 2 is Nintendo's most boring looking console ever

Now, if you're planning to upgrade to a Nintendo Switch 2 and already have a Switch Lite, Switch, or Switch OLED, you'll need to pay close attention to your expandable storage cards.

Namely, while the previous Switch consoles did support standard microSD cards, the Switch 2 will only work with microSD express cards.

These seriously level up the speeds – for both reading and writing – but you will need to ensure you're using a microSD card express card to expand the storage on your Switch 2.

Here's some good news, though. Nintendo has upped the internal storage to 256GB for Switch 2, which will equate to plenty of storage for all sorts of games.

While you will need to pay for some titles Nintendo Switch 2 Editions to play the game and get the upgraded features like better graphics, support for HDR, or to take advantage of mouse control (a feature of the new Joy-Con 2'), you won't need to spend to play every single title.

And that's really terrific news. As spotted by @Nintendeal on X (formerly Twitter), Nintendo has released a page titled "Free updates for select Nintendo Switch games".

For the 12 games listed on the page, Nintendo will release a free update "that may improve performance or add support for features such as GameShare in select games."

We'll need to wait for exact details, but it's good news if you have any of these titles and are eyeing the Switch 2.

• Arms
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet
• Pokémon Violet
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Best Buy's landing page for the Nintendo Switch 2 is filled with information, and now arriving as the cherry on top is an easy tool to let you know which stores will be open at midnight ET / 9PM PT on launch day, June 5, 2025.

We already knew that the retailer would open preorders on April 9, 2025, but if you want to get the console faster, you can preorder on BestBuy.com or via the mobile app and select a store for pickup. This way, you can get your Switch 2 and get to playing as soon as possible.

With the tool, you can search by state and select a store to see if it's participating.

While Nintendo covered a lot of ground during its live-streamed 'Direct' keynote, we're still learning more about the console thanks to the company's website, which was published today. It's a place to find all sorts of details about the Switch 2, including a battery life estimate.

It's expectedly a variable range like Nintendo published for Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. In the spec sheet, Nintendo writes that the Switch 2's battery life is "Approx. 2 - 6.5 hours," but notes it's an estimate and that it "will depend on the games you play and usage conditions." That range comes from a 5220mAh battery powering the Switch 2, and Nintendo says it can be recharged in 3 hours.

That could potentially mean you get upwards of 6 hours of gameplay, but that's not the most likely scenario. For comparison, Nintendo's range for the Switch is 4.5 - 9 hours, which is longer than that of the Switch 2. However, the Switch 2 is a more powerful console with a larger screen. Oh, the price you pay.

We'll put it to the test just as soon as we can get our hands on the Switch 2, but a range is always expected. And I don't think we'll get that much over 2 hours whenever Cyberpunk 2077 launches for the Switch 2.

Now we know that the Switch 2 will have a slot for Game Cards (aka game cartridges), and the ones for the latest Nintendo console will be red. You'll also be able to download games from the eShop.

However, as spotted by this user @manfightdragon on X (formerly Twitter), some titles will be a sort of hybrid of physical and download. Two of these games, Street Fighter 6 and Bravely Default, will be purchasable physically and arrive as a Game Card, but they don't just load from there.

In this case, when you slot the Game Card into the Switch 2, it will trigger a download of the game using the new Game Key-Card concept. This is new for the Switch 2 and will essentially require the card or a code in the box to download the title. It's an interesting concept, but surely not everyone will be pleased with this.

Now let's hear from Marcus Mears III, Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar, on his thoughts after the Direct:

"Okay, as much as I've said I hate console-exclusive titles (and I do), I can't say a big part of me wasn't extremely excited to see the return of Pokémon Colosseum.

Following the N64, one of my family's first consoles was the GameCube, and when I wasn't crushing my sisters in Super Smash Bros (see also: getting crushed), I was grinding my way through Pokémon Colosseum's dreary desert landscape. It felt utterly unique in comparison to the sea of other bright games in the series, and the colosseum battle aspect really drew me in.

Is it enough to make me pre-order a Switch 2? No. But I might just have to wait for one to go on sale if Nintendo keeps tempting me like this."

While we already knew a bit about backward compatibility for the Switch 2 and that most but not all original Switch titles would be supported, we're learning more about the platform.

In the guides shared with the people who made the consoles, Nintendo shared that the Switch 2 doesn't contain any Switch hardware.

That makes some of the compatibility a little more tricky. Luckily, most games will end up being supported, but Nintendo did release a list of the games that aren't compatible yet.

We're nearing the end of the day here on the East Coast of the United States, so I'll be signing off for now.

Thanks to Dash and my UK colleagues, TechRadar will pick up this live blog in just a few hours, so fear not!

There will still be plenty more to react to about the Switch 2, including hearing about other retailers lining up preorders and potentially some compelling offers.

And if you haven't watched Switch 2 Direct or simply want to rewatch it, you can do so higher up on this page.

Good morning gamers! Dash here to continue our live coverage extravaganza.

I hope you've managed to rest up well, because I'm going to be keeping up with the coverage throughout the day.

The big focus today is going to be the Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream, which is set to kick off later today at 7AM PT / 10AM ET / 3PM BST and offer up lots of juicy hands-on gameplay with the Nintendo Switch 2 titles we saw yesterday.

What's in the Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream?

Wondering what to expect later?

Nintendo has announced a list of games that will could featured in the Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream via a quick teaser video.

Here's what we know is in store:

• Mario Kart World
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• Drag x Drive
• Street Fighter 6
• Bravely Default HD Remaster
• The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube titles

Given the meaty length of both broadcasts (four hours and three hours), I would expect a decent amount of gameplay to be shown.

Not familiar with the Nintendo Treehouse: Live format?

These presentations are often a part of major Nintendo hardware reveals and give us a deeper insight into upcoming products.

They regularly involve multiple presenters and sometimes even developers, playing a selection of games together while sharing insight and occasional tidbits.

Compared to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, this is likely to be a much less scripted presentation so could be very interesting.

Will we see more Silksong?

A big question is whether we'll see any more Hollow Knight: Silksong gameplay at the Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live later today.

The highly-anticipated indie game was one of the biggest surprises of yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, finally giving us our first real look at it almost six years after it was released.

Will more Hollow Knight: Silksong be shown today? It's not likely, as it wasn't teased by Nintendo. I also think the streams will focus most heavily on the launch lineup, which Silksong will presumably not be a part of given its nebulous '2025' release window.

Nintendo Switch 2 invites go up at Amazon UK

Not necessarily Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live related, but definitely of interest if you're looking to get your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2.

You are now able to request an invite to purchase the console for £395.99 at Amazon in the UK. This is just the console on its own, however, with no Mario Kart World bundle up for grabs for the time being.

Just to be clear, this isn't guaranteeing that you will be offered the chance to buy the console on launch day, but will definitely increase the likelihood of it. When you click the button to request an invite, you are told that "if invited to purchase, you'll get an email with a link that's valid for 22 hours".

An Amazon account is needed to request an invitation.

Pre-orders begin at some UK retailers

Big news! Hot off the heels of Amazon opening up the ability to request an invitation to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, Argos has flat out opened pre-orders!

Right now you can secure the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle for £429.99 at the retailer. I expect stock to last for minutes, so use the link below to get your hands on one quick if you're so inclined.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle: £429.99 at Argos

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle pre-orders are now open at Argos, letting you secure a console early at retail price. I don't expect stock to last long here, so act fast if you want one.

View Deal

With Argos putting pre-orders live, I'm expecting lots of other retailers to follow shortly. I'll keep my eyes peeled and send pre-order updates through as they come...

Argos also has the regular console up for grabs

Nintendo Switch 2: £395.99 at Argos

Want to get your hands on just the Nintendo Switch 2 console on its own? Argos has it up for pre-order now at retail price.

View Deal

A quick pre-order update for those in the UK here. Argos has put pre-orders live for just the console on its own. While I personally think the Mario Kart bundle is better value right now, this could be a good choice if you're really not into the look of that game and want to save a little cash.

Stock is fluctuating at Very

Another Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order update for those in the UK, this time from online retail giant Very.

Pre-order stock is coming and going as we speak, so it might be worth checking back in on the store page every now and then to see if any is available.

Nintendo Switch 2: £359.99 at very.co.uk

Nintendo Switch 2 stock is in a flux at Very right now. We don't know when it will be coming back, but it's still worth checking in from time to time to see if any are up for grabs.

View Deal

A third-party webcam has been spotted

Okay, now this is adorable!

It looks like Japanese accessory maker Hori will be selling a cute Super Mario Piranha Plant version of the Nintendo Switch 2 camera - which has been spotted in a new listing at a German electronics retailer.

Maybe we'll start seeing more and more third-party accessory makers jumping on board with more cool camera designs...

With that, I'm heading out to grab some lunch!

I'll be passing things over to my colleague Rob, who will be keeping you up to date with the latest stock situation and any other updates.

See you soon, gamers.

Hello!

Howdy Switch fans, this is Rob, managing editor of TechRadar Gaming, taking from Dash while he has some delicious lunch.

With pre-order action seemingly underway at some UK retailers, the day after the Direct has got off to quite an exciting start hasn't it!

No sign of accessories in the early UK pre-order chaos...

While some retailers in the UK have gone live with the console - though the floodgates haven't opened just yet - I'm not seeing any sign of the accessories anywhere as of yet.

Some of those accessories will be exclusive to the My Nintendo Store in the first instance, true, but I'm a little surprised that other retailers haven't got any of them.

Something to keep an eye on for sure...

Two hours (or so) to go!

This is your two hour warning for the Nintendo Treehouse: Live event that's starting at 10am ET / 3pm BST.

We're hopeful of seeing a bunch of the announced Switch 2 launch games, and enhanced Switch 1 games, in action and hopeful get some juicy details on them too.

Get in position, it'll be here before you know it!

OK, I am now taking my leave as Dash has returned to bring our live coverage on through the next few hours.

I won't be far away though and will be keeping an eye on all things pre-order and Switch 2 myself.

I'm back! If you thought you'd seen the last of Dash, then you were sorely mistaken.

I just had a lovely bagel and am now sipping on a warm flat white from the coffee machine downstairs.

Another update on the pre-order situation over in the UK.

Right now you can register your interest in a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order at Currys, which should hopefully mean that you will be first in line when pre-orders open.

Fancy a quick summary of everything announced at yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 event?

Here are the big game announcements:

• Mario Kart World (exclusive to Switch 2)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (exclusive to Switch 2)
• Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch 2 Edition launches July 24, 2025 as a paid upgrade. Adds mouse controls, audio recognition, and camera support)
• Legend of Zelda Breath of Wild (Switch 2 Edition with HDR support and Zelda Notes)
• Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition with HDR support and Zelda Notes)
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2 Edition with new storyline and improved graphics)
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch 2 Edition with mouse control support and 4K at 60 fps or HD at 120 fps)
• Pokemon Legends Z-A (Switch 2 Edition with improved graphics)
• If you own a Nintendo Switch version, you can play on Switch 2 after a paid upgrade
• Drag x Drive (Switch 2 exclusive arriving summer 2025, designed entirely with mouse controls)
• Elden Ring
• Hades 2
• Street Fighter 6
• Split Fiction (launches same day as console)
• EA Sports FC
• EA Sports Madden NFL
• Hogwarts Legacy (launches same day as console)
• Tony Hawk’s ProSkater 3+4 (summer 2025)
• Hitman World Assassinagion Signature Edition (launches same day as console)
• Project 007
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy (launches same day as console)
• Yakuza0 Directors Cut
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Prequel for Legend of Zelda: Tears of Kingdom spinoff)
• Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX (need Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play GameCube library)
• Deltarune (launches same day as console)
• Borderlands 4 (launches 2025)
• Sid Meier's Civilization VII (Switch 2 Edition takes advantage of mouse controls and same day as console launch)
• WWE 2K
• NBA 2K
• Enter the Gungeon 2
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Final Fantasy VIII
• Hollow-Knight: Silkson
• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazar
• Goodnight Universe
• Two Point Museum
• Wild Hearts S
• Witchbrook
• Fast Fusion
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
• Marvel Comic Invasion (Holiday 2025)
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19, 2025)
• Reanimal
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
• Professor Layton and The New World of Steam
• Shadow Labyrinth
• Fortnite
• Human Fall Flat 2
• Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27, 2025)
• The Duskbloods (Switch 2 Exclusive, 2026)
• Kirby AirRiders (2025)
• Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)

Our Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on has landed

Yep! We've tried it!

We went hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 at an event in Paris just days ago and have a full written report filled with juicy details.

From how the Joy-Con 2 feel in the hands to our impressions of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, this is not something that you want to miss.

Read more: I spent four hours with Nintendo Switch 2, and it hasn't just exceeded my expectations – it's blown them away

Yep, we've got a video too

I spent four hours with Nintendo Switch 2, and it blew my expectations away - YouTube

Watch On

Want to see the Nintendo Switch 2 in action? We've also a detailed video from our hands-on time.

Mario Kart World? Played it

We've also had plenty of time to try out Mario Kart World, which is shaping up to be an absolutely revolutionary entry in the long-running series.

From the dynamic weather system to the ability to drive anywhere and everywhere, this Nintendo Switch 2 launch title has the makings of an instant hit.

Read more: I fell off the map in Mario Kart World and didn’t respawn – here’s why that’s awesome

Mouse mode detailed

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

If you want to learn even more about the mouse mode of the Joy-Con 2? Don't miss our hands-on impressions of these innovative new controllers over on Tik-Tok.

Time check: just 30 minutes to go

Here's a quick reminder for you. The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live event kicks off in just 30 minutes!

I'll be here to guide you through the event as it happens, so stay posted as we near that start time...

Recap our initial reactions

Nintendo Switch 2 first thoughts: price, availability and everything you need to know - YouTube

Watch On

Want to see how we reacted to the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal? Here's a quick video of our first thoughts from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct yesterday.

Time check: just ten minutes to go

Get ready! It's just ten minutes to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live.

The Nintendo Treehouse: Live broadcast has started, though we're still waiting for the stream to begin fully. You can tune in below:

Nintendo Treehouse: Live | Nintendo Switch 2 Day 1 - YouTube

Watch On

The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live is beginning now! Stay tuned...

And we're live! The three hosts are introducing themselves, then diving straight into Mario Kart World with a first-look at its new Grand Prix mode.

We're seeing the character select screen, which looks really excellent. Mario, Luigi, Toad, everybody has a gorgeous model with great animations.

Next up is the vehicle selection. You don't have to select individual parts any more! It's all pre-made vehicles here.

The Grand Prix is beginning and we're seeing a cool fly-through view of the first track.

The presenters are reiterating the fact that this game features 24 racers, increasing the chaotic feel of races.

The player just got a power up and I can see two power up slots on screen, much like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Our first new item! A coin shell? How interesting.

With this many racers, imagine how many blue shells there could be...

We're now seeing what the segments in between races are like. It looks like they're almost their own little races! That's quite a novel idea.

I'm honestly quite surprised by just how enjoyable the race here looks! We're not entering a city, which seems incredibly detailed.

In an aside, we've just had confirmation that you will be able to perform multiple tricks while up in the air.

Photorealistic burger confirmed! It turns out you can pick up food items in the locations that you can visit.

Oof! A blue shell just hit right before the final lap...

Some free roam gameplay now! There's nothing stopping you from driving anywhere and everywhere on the map.

A map screen shows you where every track is, so you can simply drive there to practise if you want. Other racers roam the open world and it looks like it's crammed with cool details.

We're now moving on to Donkey Kong! The new controls are being explained. DK has a punch and a swing attack.

We're also learning a little bit about the plot... There's some kind of mysterious new material that seems like it's going to be pretty important.

We're seeing DK pick up a lot of objects in the world, throwing large rocks to break walls and progress.

One thing I'm noticing here is that the pace of the action looks relatively slow for a Donkey Kong game, especially compared to the 2D instalments.

_{We're getting a better look at the world in Donkey Kong Bananza. It looks like lots of the game takes place underground, but that doesn't mean that we're not getting large environments.}

We've got talking rocks! They're pretty cute.

Fans react to the price

The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live is currently underway, but fans don't seem that interested in the games. The stream chat has been absolutely flooded by fans demanding that Nintendo drop the price of the Switch 2.

This has been going on since the start of the stream and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. In fact, I haven't even seen a single comment that's anything to do with what's happening on screen so far...

Viewership seems to be dropping. What started at around 120,000 viewers has now fallen to just over 89,000. Are people losing interest given the high asking price?

On to some Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gameplay. It looks like we're about to see the very beginning of the game for ourselves...

We're seeing the game's first cutscene, now transitioning into the first level.

This is the environment we've seen in the last few trailers. The presenter is playing the game in quality mode, which runs at 4K resolution at 60fps.

Little gameplay tidbit here, you can scan enemies and objects in the environment to learn useful information.

Morph Ball mode is also being shown off, which plays in third-person in traditional Metroid fashion.

There's a boss fight on screen! Dodging attacks, shooting weak spots, and gradually chipping away at a giant health bar at the top of the screen.

That's enough Metroid, it seems. We're about to go back to Mario Kart World.

We're about to see a different Mario Kart World, the Knockout Tour mode! It's basically a 24 player battle royale with racers eliminated in waves at race checkpoints.

Just like when Mario Kart World was shown off earlier, the gameplay here looks really enjoyable. I adore the city environment that we're seeing now. There's just something so cool about seeing these more grounded, realistic environments in a Mario spin-off game.

Another intermission... we'll be moving on to Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour next.

The Switch 2 features Ray Tracing and DLSS

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 takes advantage of Nvidia DLSS upscaling tech via its custom Nvidia chipset. The company has also confirmed that the system's GPU could support ray tracing, but it's still not clear whether this is a feature that will actually be used in many games.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a let down

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour looks... fine I guess. It would be a cool little pack-in bonus, but I'm absolutely not paying for this.

The minimalist art style is interesting, but so much of the on-screen text just seems like an advertisement. This would be okay, were it not for the fact we now know this game will cost money (though an exact price is TBA).

The chat seems to agree, many are leaving comments begging Nintendo to make Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour free...

Please can it end now

On with even more Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour... too much, honestly. This is just boring, at this point.

We're seeing a quiz on screen right now, with questions about the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. This doesn't seem like a game, this just looks like homework.

Finally, another intermission. We're free.

Okay, now we're going to see some Drag X Drive! This is one game I'm really interested in seeing more of, at least, as it was one of the most surprising reveals at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

We're learning a bit more about the game's controls and mechanics. It looks very smooth to play and I think the character designs are strong overall. Hopefully there will be a decent amount of customization and some strong online modes to back it up.

Drag X Drive looks good in mutliplayer

An online match is currently unfolding on screen. This looks like it could be a pretty enjoyable time with friends. I was a huge fan of Arms when it launched back on the Nintendo Switch and this definitely has similar vibes.

Hopefully there will be a decent online community around this game and a robust progression system to keep players invested over the long term.

And with that, I think I'm going to head off for the day!

Of course, this won't be the end of our coverage, and I'll be handing over to a colleague to keep you up to date with the Nintendo Treehouse Live as it progresses

Hi folks, Marcus Mears III, TechRadar's Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor here to take over in the US! There have been quite a few exciting sneak peeks - and some not so exciting quizzes - already from Nintendo Treehouse today, so I can't wait to see what's in store for the Switch 2 next.

I've been particularly interested in the Knockout Tour mode in Mario Kart World and the competitive aspects of Drag x Drive, which I think could be great for the new GameChat functionality.

We're back in Donkey Kong Bananza to take a further look at the rich level design and dynamic environment. Monkey smash.

The scale of this game really does look bananas. Grand environments that make use of the Switch 2's new and improved hardware seems like a common theme for the games we've been shown so far, especially when you think about Mario Kart World's Free Roam mode.

Now we're jumping into The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild before checking out some other titles in the series. All Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, of course.

Nintendo is keen to show off some comparisons between the Switch and Switch 2, and I can see why - the differences are apparent from the start, especially when it comes to load times.

There's an interesting mobile companion app for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) that enables features like item sharing and hunt tracking with a few taps.

We've spent quite some time talking about the companion app - while I think it's neat, this isn't the first app of its kind, and I can't help but feel this functionality may fall to the wayside. I don't usually want my phone on my side taking half of my attention while I'm playing games.

Anyways, time for an intermission.

Meanwhile, the cries for Nintendo to "Drop the price!" in the live stream chat show no signs of stopping well over three hours into the event. At least we have some funky Nintentunes to jam out to.

Onto some chat about GameChat.

There's a built-in mic in the Switch 2 itself along with a screensharing functionality that lets other users see and hear where you're at in your game, and it works with all software available on the Nintendo Switch 2.

It's basically an impromptu Discord call for you and your friends with that feature built directly into the hardware of the Switch 2. This is pretty cool; I could see myself using it to mog my friends in Mario Kart World.

The Nintendo Switch Online app will be rebranded simply as the "Nintendo Switch app" and there will also be a new QR code feature for adding friends.

You'll also be able to transfer your images and videos directly from your Switch 2 album to your smartphone via the app, which is a solid addition for content creators and any social media posts you may want to make.

Now we're talking about one of the things I'm most excited for when it comes to the Switch 2: GameCube games.

Super Mario Strikers got an audible "no way" from me as the memories came flooding back. Don't let me lock Luigi or its Lui-gg.

Fans of fighting games will be happy to see the return of Soul Caliber 2 which looks to run smooth as butter on the new Switch 2 hardware.

Aaand that wraps it up for today's Nintendo Treehouse event! This is only Day 1, and we're assured there's much more Nintendo goodness to come starting tomorrow at 7AM PT / 10AM ET / 3PM BST for Day 2.

We'll still be around to share some thoughts and post any updates we may find, so don't go too far.

I noticed a common trend with all of the new games being released on Switch 2: they all put interesting new spins on tried and true titles. This isn't exactly groundbreaking - we had Super Mario Bros before Super Mario Odyssey - but there were some formulaic changes to the games coming out for Switch 2 that seem to reflect the updates to the handheld console itself.

There was a focus on open-world exploration rather than side scrolling platformers, a shift to dynamic environments that see real-time changes like Mario's hat changing color and texture when rained on in Mario Kart World, and even some fresh plot points like Metroids being able to fuse with other beings in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition).

With the Switch 2 feeling more like a transformation than an upgrade over its predecessor, it's interesting to see the games follow suit and really take advantage of the upgraded internals.

Can we address the elephant in the room? The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour absolutely should not cost money.

If it were free, it would be a brilliant way to explore your new handheld and learn more about how it works, both inside and out. I'd be more willing to praise it for its clean design and abundance of information that you usually don't get when you purchase new hardware.

But with an asking price of around $7 (£5.35), it just comes off as a cash grab attempt on top of the price of the handheld, plus the increased price of games (we saw how that's going over with Treehouse attendees), plus the cost of a Nintendo Switch Online subscription if you want access to GameChat (which was a key selling point during today's presentation).

Not a great look.

On a more positive note, it's nice to see another handheld breach the 120Hz refresh rate barrier. Until now, we've only had the Asus ROG Ally (and ROG Ally X) fit that bill.

I also think the freedom to choose between 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz is a great idea. This is almost exactly what I do with my own PC setup.

I have a 2K 144Hz display instead, but I use a 4K 60Hz monitor for single-player, story based games like Red Dead Redemption 2, and when it's time to go head to head online I look to the higher refresh rate for a competitive advantage.

You get the best of both worlds with the Nintendo Switch 2.

I'm back

You thought you'd seen the end of Dash, did you? Well I'm back for our third day of Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and Nintendo Treehouse: Live coverage!

I'm going to be keeping you up to date with the latest news as it comes in, plus the show when it starts later today.

Just as a cheeky reminder, Nintendo Treehouse: Live day 2 kicks off at 7AM PT / 10AM ET / 3PM BST. Like the first day, I'm expecting a comprehensive look at plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 games.

To give you a good idea of what to expect, Nintendo has already confirmed some of the following games will be featured:

• Mario Kart World
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• Drag x Drive
• Street Fighter 6
• Bravely Default HD Remaster
• The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube titles

Yesterday, we saw plenty of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Mario Kart Tour, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Drag x Drive, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Tears of the Kingdom, and a few GameCube games.

As a result, I suspect that today's stream is going to focus on the titles teased by Nintendo that we haven't seen yet.

That's Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World, Street Fighter 6, Bravely Default HD Remaster, Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.

The latest pre-order news

Naturally, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order is at the top of a lot of fan's minds right now.

I've asked Senior Deals Editor and Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order champion James Pickard for a run-down of the latest.

"There has been lots of movement surrounding Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders since this week's full reveal of the console. The latest to confirm its plans is Amazon UK, which is letting you request an invite to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 or Mario Kart World bundle," he said.

"All you have to do is head to either product page on Amazon and click the button on the right to request your invite.

Amazon hasn't revealed exactly when these invites will be sent out, just that they will be offered on a 'regular' basis. If you are fortunate enough to receive an invite, the link in the email from Amazon will be valid for 22 hours for you to place your order.

Details are held for three months so if you aren't picked in this initial wave you should keep an eye on your inbox through to July in case one comes through late."

How does the Switch 2 compare to the OLED?

@techradar

♬ #BrooklynBloodPop! - SyKo

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a larger system than the Nintendo Switch OLED, just it's hard to convey just how much bigger it is over text. To give you a good idea, we took one of our OLED models to our hands-on preview event and captured the above video showing them side by side.

Currys is now accepting in-store pre-orders

A little pre-order update for those in the UK. We now know that national retailer Currys is accepting Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders ahead of the June 5 launch.

There is a catch, though. You are currently only able to pre-order in store, so your mileage with this will definitely depend on your location and how many are near you.

Still, this might be a good way to avoid the frustration of trying to do it online - where you need to compete with ten of thousands of other customers for limited stock.

You can find your nearest location via the Currys website.

More Cyberpunk 2077 details emerge

Developer CD Projekt Red has revealed some more information about the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077.

Titled Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, it contains both the original game and its expansion Phantom Liberty. There will be support for lots of Nintendo Switch 2 features, such as gyroscope or mouse aiming, use of the touch screen, and motion controls.

It will be a launch game, available physically or digitally via the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop on day one. The physical edition comes on a 64GB game card, which should be enough to hold most, if not all, of the game's data.

It will cost $69.99 in the US.

Full accessory compatibility details

Nintendo has released a full list detailing which accessories will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 on its support website.

Here are some of the most interesting takeaways...

The original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller seems to be almost fully compatible, pairing wirelessly and charging in the usual way.

The original Joy-Con controllers can also be used with the Nintendo Switch 2, though the pages notes that you will not be able to charge them without an original Nintendo Switch or a charging stand accessory.

Interestingly, the adjustable charging stand accessory for Nintendo Switch will not work with Nintendo Switch 2, presumably due to the new form factor.

Our first Nintendo Switch 2 accessory deal?

Those in the UK can head over to the ShopTo website for a massive saving on one of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards.

With code SPRING, an officially licensed 256GB model from Samsung is just £47. This is a pretty great price, especially this early on.

I think this might even be the first ever Nintendo Switch 2 accessory deal, so I would recommend jumping on it if you want to sort out your console storage situation ahead of launch day.

Hands-on with Mario Kart World's knockout mode

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

Aside from the open world, one of the parts of Mario Kart World that I'm most excited for is its battle-royale like Knockout Mode.

We had the chance to try it out in the recent Nintendo Switch 2 preview event and you can learn all about it in the TikTok above.

Time check: two hours to go!

Here's a little time reminder for you. The second Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream takes place in just two hours time!

Lexar reveals a 1TB microSD Express Card for Switch 2

Storage brand Lexar has shipped the world's first 1TB microSD Express card designed for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Called the Lexar Play Pro microSDXC Express Card, it offers read speeds of up to 900MB/s and staggering 600MB/s write speeds.

The 1TB model offers space for plenty of games, though there are also 512GB and 256GB options available.

The TB model will retail for $199.99, with the 512GB option coming in at $99.99. The 256GB variant is then $49.99.

It's lunch time for me gamers! I'll be heading off for a little food, before returning to continue our coverage.

I'm back!

I had a lovely sandwich and a cheeky cup of coffee to keep me going. There's no less than one hour to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live stream begins, so now is a good time to start getting ready...

Time check: the stream starts soon

Here's another time reminder! The second Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live stream starts in just 15 minutes.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live day 2 stream is about to begin! You can tune in below:

Fans demand a price cut

No prizes for guessing what the voices in the stream chat are saying.

I'm seeing hundreds of "drop the price" comments, with some demanding cheaper games and others begging for a cheaper console.

Okay, the stream is beginning! We're starting with Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV!

Looks like we're getting a look at a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition exclusive mode which takes full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.

Okay, now we're seeing some new mini-games! And they take full advantage of the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls which is pretty cool. This could be a great way to introduce new Nintendo Switch 2 owners to the hardware.

I'm liking the new lighting effects. Birdo looks particularly shiny.

Even more camera functionality being shown off, with the presenters appearing in the game. This seems like it could be a pretty fun time with friends.

That's a wrap on Super Mario Party for now, as we're about to move on to more Mario Kart World after a brief intermission.

Looks like we're seeing some four player knockout rally, with a look at the Goomba, Cow, Penguin, and Peach drivers.

One player has just been knocked out and has been put into what looks like a spectator mode.

The presenters are now playing what looks like a standard race, with the new social features at the bottom of the screen. You can see the view of every other player, plus their appearance on the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.

I hate to say it, but the quality of the screen sharing here looks pretty poor. It seems fairly laggy, which is a let down.

The Mario Kart World segment has now ended. Next it seems we're going to be taking a look at Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster.

Forget Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, we're getting some breaking news coming in. It seems like Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will be delayed in the US. I'll keep you up to date as details emerge.

We now have an official statement from Nintendo which, while not sent directly to your team, has been verified by me.

"Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged."

I've just had confirmation from Nintendo that this statement is indeed real.

Oh, just back to the Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream quickly. We're currently in an intermission, which gives me some breathing room.

Keeping up with the stream, we're looking at Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World.

If you want to learn more about the pre-order delay situation, see our detailed news story on it:

Read more: Breaking: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders delayed in US amid tariff uncertainty

Street Fighter 6 now! It looks good, but definitely not visually on par with PS5 or even Xbox Series S.

Street Fighter 6 Amiibo shown

A quick look at Street Fighter 6 Amiibo, with a handful of Amiibo figures on show plus the Street Fighter 6 Amiibo cards.

We're back in Mario Kart World! I feel like we're seeing an awful lot of this game.

And with that, I'm heading off for the day!

The stream is still ongoing, with roughly thirty minutes of footage left to go.

I'll be back on Monday to tidy things up here, and supply any last-minute updates as they come in.

Hope you all have good weekends, gamers :).

Welcome back everyone!

Just wrapping things up here on my end with regards to our live coverage, but you can stay tuned for more Nintendo Switch 2 coverage in the coming weeks.