Nintendo to reveal Switch 2 details in April 2 Direct presentation

Nintendo to reveal Switch 2 details in April 2 Direct presentation

Nintendo is set to provide comprehensive details on the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct video scheduled for April 2 at 9 a.m. ET. The presentation is expected to run for one hour and follows an earlier YouTube trailer that showcased the console's contours and a new Mario Kart game.

Following the Direct, Nintendo will host a series of hands-on experiences in several world cities. For those unable to attend the tour, a video series offering deeper dives into gameplay will be released from April 3 to April 4. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa informed investors that these events will help the company determine consumer demand for the system.

Hardware Specifications and Design

The Switch 2 is larger and thicker than its predecessor, featuring an 8-inch screen — an increase from the 7-inch screen found on the Switch OLED. The console includes USB-C ports on both the top and bottom, a headphone jack, and a rear handle-shaped kickstand that allows for various tabletop angles.

According to Digital Foundry and other sources, the system likely utilizes an Nvidia T239 processor. This chip supports ray tracing and graphics performance at or above the level of the PlayStation 4, enabling faster load times and AI capabilities. Leaked motherboard data suggests the internals include 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. While the handheld mode is reported to use a 1080p LCD screen, the system can use AI to auto-upscale games to 4K resolutions when docked to a TV.

The new Joy-Cons are larger and feature improved triggers, an extra button below the right stick, and additional shoulder buttons on the side edges. A report from manufacturer Mobapad suggests these controllers may use a magnetic system. Additionally, a patent filing and teaser footage suggest the Joy-Cons may include optical sensors, potentially allowing them to function as mice.

Software and Backward Compatibility

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 is backward compatible with Nintendo Switch Online and previous Nintendo Switch games. Most digital titles and cartridges will work, though games requiring specific hardware, such as Ring Fit Adventure or Nintendo Labo, may not be compatible.

The initial software lineup includes a new Mario Kart game featuring 24 simultaneous players. Reports from leaker Nate the Hate suggest a new 3D Mario game will also arrive later this year. Third-party additions may include:

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and a Halo compilation
• Assassin's Creed Mirage, Red Dead Redemption II, and Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Madden NFL

Some upcoming titles, including Pokemon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, are known to be playable on the original Switch as well.

Pricing and Release Timeline

While an official date has not been set, reports point to a June release. This aligns with the opening of the next Super Nintendo World theme park at Universal Studios Florida in May or June. Preorder information is expected on April 2.

Pricing remains a point of speculation. While the original Switch launched at $300, reports suggest the Switch 2 could cost between $350 and $500, with some estimates placing it at $499. Other reports suggest a lower price point of $400 or less, potentially offset by higher costs for first-party games — possibly $70, or increased Nintendo Switch Online subscription fees.

Future Iterations and R&D

Speculation regarding a "Pro" or OLED model has intensified following a 23.7% jump in Nintendo's research and development costs for FY 2026, which rose to 177.8 billion yen from 144.6 billion yen in FY 2025. This financial spike mirrors a similar increase seen between 2023 and 2024 prior to the June 2025 debut of the Switch 2.

ZDNet Korea, citing multiple insiders, reports that Nintendo is considering an OLED model with a 1920x1080 resolution screen. Samsung Display is reportedly interested in supplying these rigid OLED panels. However, the price gap between LCD and OLED remains a hurdle. If approved, development could begin at the end of this year, with mass production potentially starting in late 2027 or early 2028.

Further fueling these rumors, white console body frames labeled as "trial production research and development samples" appeared on the Chinese marketplace Goofish. These frames feature mounting points and battery bay supports consistent with Switch 2 leaks. Similarly, a January 2026 datamine of the Nintendo Account portal revealed an "OSM" reference, which some speculate points toward a Lite or Pro model.

Regarding immediate hardware updates, Nintendo recently confirmed a version of the handheld with a replaceable battery will arrive this autumn to comply with EU repair regulations.

"One of the things we look at always is how can we surprise and delight. How can we introduce new, unique ways of playing. That's always in front of our mind."

Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, via AP