Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live: The Duskbloods revealed, plus release date, price and a full recap of everything announced today

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

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.

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

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 preorders.

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.

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.

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.

And with that, I'm heading off for the day. But not before handing over to your 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 utterly fantastic.

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

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...

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."

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.

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."

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."

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."

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

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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"

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."

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.

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 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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Wait... Fromsoftware? Is this Bloodborne?

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

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...

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?

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

Ahem... On with the sizzle reel then.

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

The Nintendo UK stream is still fully functional!

Tune in below.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 – 02.04.2025 - YouTube

Watch On

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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 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.

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.

256GB of storage out of the box

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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.

We're now seeing the controllers.

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 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.

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!

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

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 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...

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.

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?

You can finally tune in!

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

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.

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."

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."

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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!

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...

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.

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."

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."

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?

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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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.

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.

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 for easy access once the broadcast goes live.