Nintendo Switch 2 is coming this year, with a full Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April

Nintendo Switch 2
(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been confirmed, and we'll find out more about it in a Nintendo Direct focused on the new console that's coming in early April.

In a video released a few minutes ago, Nintendo showed off the new-look console, confirmed a 2025 release date, backwards compatibility, and a Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Nintendo Switch 2 that will air on April 2. You can check that trailer out below.

In the video, we get a very up-close-and-personal breakdown of the differences between the two consoles. Top of the list are new ports, an improved rest that allows it to sit almost vertical on a surface, and enhanced joycons, but it does look as though the Nintendo Switch 2 is pretty similar to what made the Switch 1 special in the first place. Interestingly, some real close-ups on the analog sticks implies that Nintendo might be trying to tell us that it's taken a closer look at the stick-drift issue that plagued the original console.

Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer - YouTube Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer - YouTube
Watch On

The console is called Nintendo Switch 2, which should alleviate any concerns about a repeat of the WiiU era's console downturn, and Nintendo has also confirmed it's out this year. Even better news is that Nintendo Switch 2 will play both physical and digital games from its predecessor, and while certain games may not be fully compatible with the new console, it does seem as though backwards compatibility is a major feature.

We'll find out more in the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct that's scheduled for April 2, meaning there's not too long to wait for more info. I'd imagine that'll give us a closer look at features, games, and a potential release window, so stay tuned.

Keep up to date with our Nintendo Switch 2 live coverage.

Ali Jones
News Editor

I'm GamesRadar's news editor, working with the team to deliver breaking news from across the industry. I started my journalistic career while getting my degree in English Literature at the University of Warwick, where I also worked as Games Editor on the student newspaper, The Boar. Since then, I've run the news sections at PCGamesN and Kotaku UK, and also regularly contributed to PC Gamer. As you might be able to tell, PC is my platform of choice, so you can regularly find me playing League of Legends or Steam's latest indie hit.

Read more
Nintendo Switch 2 controller slot
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Everything we know so far about the April reveal showcase
Switch 2 Spotlight
Switch 2 Spotlight: Get caught up with all the latest on Nintendo's new console
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 live – All of the latest Switch 2 news following its official reveal
A screenshot from the reveal trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2, showing the console playing a Mario Kart game.
Nintendo finally confirms exactly when we'll get more Switch 2 details with the April Direct, which promises a "closer look" at the console ahead of hands-on previews
A screenshot from the reveal trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2, showing the console playing a Mario Kart game.
"June sounds a lot more realistic" for the Nintendo Switch 2 release date, analyst says, as hands-on event dates suggest the console is skipping spring
Nintendo Switch 2 logo over console
Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2
Latest in Games
Imai Sokyu leads the tea ceremony in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows' tea ceremony quest is one of the game's best moments, but I wish Ubisoft would give us even higher stakes
Animal Well screenshot, captured on PC
After his excellent debut Metroidvania took 7 years, Animal Well's solo dev says his next game shouldn't "take nearly as long"
Screenshots from Tekken: The Board Game teaser trailer
I hope your affairs are in order, because Bandai Namco just dropped Tekken: The Board Game
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe wearing black kosode
How to acquire a kosode in Assassin's Creed Shadows and should you choose red or black?
Tekken 8
Tekken lead Katsuhiro Harada says he's spent decades "mentally preparing" for AI to overtake humans, but it's not happening: "If AI had really advanced, we wouldn't be pouring 10, 20, 30 billion Yen into making games"
inZOI Character Studio trailer screenshot showing a young woman with ginger-y hair and a light baseball cap smiling to the side
The Sims competitor inZOI dethrones Hollow Knight: Silksong to become most wishlisted game on Steam
Latest in News
Razer Freyja back cushions
Dune: Awakening will launch with full Razer Sensa HD haptics
Seth Rogen in The Studio
New Apple TV show with 97% on Rotten Tomatoes teases all its cameos, including Martin Scorsese and Zac Efron
Giovanni and Mewtwo from Pokemon Destined Rivals
Team Rocket is blasting off again in new Pokemon TCG expansion, Destined Rivals
Animal Well screenshot, captured on PC
After his excellent debut Metroidvania took 7 years, Animal Well's solo dev says his next game shouldn't "take nearly as long"
Screenshots from Tekken: The Board Game teaser trailer
I hope your affairs are in order, because Bandai Namco just dropped Tekken: The Board Game
Tekken 8
Tekken lead Katsuhiro Harada says he's spent decades "mentally preparing" for AI to overtake humans, but it's not happening: "If AI had really advanced, we wouldn't be pouring 10, 20, 30 billion Yen into making games"