Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live coverage: All of the details around the company's latest console
Joy-Con mouse, engage!
After giving us a glimpse of the Switch 2 in January, Nintendo is finally divulging all of the details around its new console in a Direct livestream today. There's a lot we know already: The Switch 2 basically looks like an evolved version of the original Switch, with a larger screen and Joy-Cons that magnetically attach to its sides. Early photos and Nintendo's own announcement video also teased a unique optical mouse feature for the Joy-Cons, something that could be useful for strategy games. (And who knows, maybe we'll eventually see the long-awaited Mario Paint revival.)
During the 60-minute Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo will finally be able to show off all of the ways the Switch 2 differs from the original console. Expect to hear a lot more about the new Joy-Cons, the screen improvements and more details about upcoming Switch 2 games. Nintendo isn't the sort of company to geek out on technical specs, but we might hear more about what's powering the Switch 2 internally. Nintendo isn't exactly aiming for the portable PC gaming crowd (a trend the Switch directly inspired), but it would be nice to see how the Switch 2 compares to powerful new PC handhelds.
Check out our roundup of all of the rumors and early details around the console. And be sure to join us for live coverage of the Switch 2 launch event before it kicks off at 9AM ET on April 2.
186 Updates
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Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand new 3D platformer for Switch 2
A title card.
There's an all-new Donkey Kong platformer on its way. This is the first game of its type since Donkey Kong 64 hit the Nintendo 64 all the way back in 1999. It's called Donkey Kong Bananza and launches exclusively for the Switch 2 on July 17, which is just over a month after the console hits store shelves.
It looks cool! Much of the environment is destructible, so DK (with his somewhat controversial new look) can get in there and break stuff. It also features sidescrolling segments, sort of like how modern Mario 3D platformers dip into their 2D roots every once in a while.
Read more: Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand new 3D platformer for Switch 2
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FromSoftware's The Duskbloods is a steampunk vampire adventure coming exclusively to Switch 2 in 2026
The Duskbloods
Who had "an exclusive FromSoftware game that's as dark and gothic as anything" on their bingo card for today's Nintendo Direct?
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Nintendo announces upgraded Switch 2 editions of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo announces Switch 2 editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo won't let you escape two of its most critically-acclaimed games ever. It's announced there will be Switch 2 versions of both Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Both titles will benefit from the next-gen console's increased power, with enhanced framerates and resolution during play, as well as HDR support for deeper colors and contrast. Nintendo wasn't specific on the difference between handheld and TV play just yet, but we know the new console will feature several resolutions for play, from 1080p through to 4K.
Read more: Nintendo announces upgraded Switch 2 editions of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
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Mario Kart World features 24-player races, off-roading and sick grinds
Mario Kart World
As expected, a new Mario Kart title will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. Called Mario Kart World, the game will let players "drive virtually everywhere," including off the race track, on railings and even walls. Parkour Mario Kart?
More from Sarah Fielding:
"You can also enter a mode called Free Roam which let's you simply drive around and enjoy the scenery with friends. Cue me as my forever choice Yoshi excitedly driving across the globe.
Unsurprisingly, with a name like Mario Kart World, the courses will take place in regions around a contiguous game world. You'll also get a bit more of an immersive experience as Nintendo is going to change things up based on the time of day and the weather."
Read more: Mario Kart World features 24-player races, off-roading and sick grinds
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The Nintendo Switch 2 will play GameCube games
GameCube controller
One more note on the Switch 2 before I tell you all about new games... On June 5, when the Switch 2 is actually available, Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack will begin to include GameCube titles. The company is also releasing a new version of the GameCube classic controller for Switch Online members.
Per Igor Bonifacic:
"Games that support multiplayer, including F-Zero GX, will offer online play, with support for up to four players. Additionally, the Switch 2 will render every GameCube game at a higher resolution for improved image quality. Nintendo will also release a new version of the GameCube's classic controller that features a USB-C connection, wireless connectivity and a dedicated C button for GameChat functionality."
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Nintendo lets Switch 2 players share their games
Promotional still of Nintendo GameShare from the Switch 2 event
An intriguing new feature is GameShare, which will allow you and your friends to play multiplayer games in the same space with multiple consoles, even if only one of you actually owns the title.
More details from Daniel Cooper:
"With the first Switch, multiplayer was limited to sharing JoyCons on the same console hardware. But for the successor, if two people each have a Switch 2 but one copy of a compatible game, then they'll be able to play wirelessly on their own hardware. But that's not all, as you'll also be able to do this with four consoles at a time, including original Switch and Switch Lite models."
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The Switch 2's Joy-Cons can double as mouse-like controllers
A Joy-Con sliding along like a mouse.
We also got to see the updated Joy-Cons with the ability to act as mice (of the computer variety, not the rodents).
From Lawrence Bonk:
"One Joy-Con can be used as a traditional controller, held vertically, while the other slides along the table as a mouse. This could allow for near-perfect ports of Wii and Wii U games that relied on motion control, in addition to ports of PC titles. A Joy-Con will also combine with the gyroscope for unique gameplay experiences."
Read more: The Switch 2's Joy-Cons can double as mouse-like controllers
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The Nintendo Switch 2 offers built-in voice chat and screensharing
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
In addition to the new console, Nintendo also showed off the Switch 2 Camera, as well as features like built-in voice chat and screensharing. The handheld gaming machine will not only have a microphone onboard to pick up your voice, but also a C button that activates the chat mode.
According to writer Lawrence Bonk:
"Voice chat was never easy on the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, with the Switch 2, Nintendo is making it an essential part of the new console. By pressing the new "C" button, located on the right Joy-Con, players can jump into a GameChat with their friends and family."
Read more: The Nintendo Switch 2 offers built-in voice chat and screensharing
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The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on June 5 for $450
The Nintendo Switch 2.
The biggest news today was of course the official unveiling and availability details of the Nintendo Switch 2. It'll be available for $450 on June 5, with pre-orders beginning on April 9. Various bundles are available, as well as new accessories and launch games. Check out our guide on how to pre-order the Switch 2, and I imagine step 1 is probably to set a reminder for 12:01am on April 9.
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Thanks to both Sam and Devindra for this liveblog and to all of you for sticking with us so far. We have plenty of coverage planned for the rest of this week as we take some time to digest the news and parse through all the different trailers and press releases from Nintendo. Here's a quick recap of some of today's announcements, though.
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Well I think that's actually it for now. But stay tuned to Engadget, because there's definitely more to learn as we get closer to launch.
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Pre-orders kick off on April 9.
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So before we go, we just saw this press release get dropped online!
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Oh wait we see a price now! It's $450! Why drop this in a press release and not the hour-long livestream?!
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Thanks for joining us folks, stay tuned for more coverage around the Switch 2!
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That's definitely a bummer and I'm kind of surprised they aren't just spilling that info now. But I think Nintendo already sold millions of people on the Switch 2 without even telling us how much it costs.
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So the stream is over, and we still don't have a price. Like many companies, Nintendo is likely weighing final pricing against potential US tariffs and other economic concerns. Personally, I'd expect it to land around $400
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Ok, back to Switch 2 for a sec, Nintendo says we're going to have to wait longer for an official price!
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We don't have a price, don't go!
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Yah Sam, we forget Donkey Kong is also a first-party Nintendo title, this will easily cover for a new Mario.
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Donkey Kong Bananza coming July 17.
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It's Donkey Kong Bananza. Great title! Coming July 17th
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I was expecting a new mainline Mario title, but this looks great too. A full 3D platformer and some really interesting looking locations.
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Holy crap, this looks amazing.
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A new Donkey Kong game!
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And last but definitely not least is a new Donkey Kong game!!!!
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New Kirby Air Riders coming this year.
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New game: Kirby Air Riders. My daughter is in love with it already. Sakurai is also directing.
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But its directed by Sakurai, so it'll probably worth playing.
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That was a lot of hype for a new Kirby game, it's called Air Riders.
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This feels like a Smash tease...
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Hidetaka Miyazaki is directing the game, of course. We'll hear more in a director's chat on April 4.
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So that's it for third-party games, but there's still time for more stuff from Nintendo.
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Brand new game, Dusk Bloods, coming in 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2 only.
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It's called The Duskbloods. Very Bloodborne-esque.
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It's not Bloodborne, but it sure looks like it. It's a new title called The Duskbloods. Arriving in 2026.
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This looks like a Soul Reaver game too.
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One final game reveal, and it's coming from the folks at From Software! Bloodborne 2?
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Is this Bloodborne 2?!?!?!
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Fortnite will be on Nintendo Switch 2.
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And here's one last big third-party game. For now at least.
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We're getting a slew of other game announcements, including the excellent Kunitsu-Gami.
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It's getting really hard to keep up with all the ports and older titles getting new versions for the Switch 2.
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Silksong in 2025!
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WOWOWOWOW. We finally see signs of life from Hollow Knight Silk Song. It's really real.
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The Final Fantasy 7 Remakes and Rebirth games are also getting ported to the Switch 2.
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Good point Dev, which leads perfectly into a Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077.
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Oh this is cool, the Switch 2 is getting a sequel to Enter the Gungeon, which was a really cool dual-stick indie shooter from a while back.
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A big takeaway here is that the Switch 2's improved hardware seems much more friendly for third-party developers.
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I have no idea what to think about this Survival Kids game.
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WWE2K and NBA2K are coming to the Switch 2 as well.
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Oh hey, there's going to be a Switch 2 version of Civilization 7. Should be a good use of those mouse controls.
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Borderlands 4 will launch sometime this year.
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Here's Randy Pitchford hawking Borderlands 4. Gotta love his crazy outfits!
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Deltarune is getting two new chapters for the Switch 2.
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More titles, including Mario Sunshine, will be coming in the future. I'm really surprised they're not giving Wind Waker a total remake, that game was incredible.
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A new GameCube controller will be available the same day as the Switch 2.
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Back to games again!
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And you can't play Gamecube games without its iconic controller, so there's also a revived version of that
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Daemon x Machina, oof these titles.
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Now we're looking at a gorgeous giant robot game. Is this a return of Zone of the Enders?
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Hades II is en route to Switch 2.
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Oh hey, Street Fighter 6 is heading to the Switch 2 as well. With Amiibo support!
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Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is coming to Switch 2.
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Supergiant Games is also bringing Hades 2 to the Switch 2. I can confirm this game rules.
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Next, and correct me if I'm wrong, is the first third-party game we've seen in this stream: Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2.
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No firm release date yet, but Drag X Drive should be out sometime this summer.
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These are the first Switch 2 Edition titles.
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All of the games will be available in digital and physical versions. Now we're taking a closer look at the ouse controls in the Joy-Con 2.
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Now a game specifically designed to take advantage of Joy-Con mouse support: Drag X Drive.
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Pokemon Legends on Nintendo Switch 2.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also getting a Switch 2 update, as well as Metroid Prime Beyond. Metroid will have 4K/60fps and 1080p/120fps graphics modes.
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Of course, the Switch 2 is getting a custom version of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond.
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There's also a map phone app that'll help you find new shrines and other locations, it also looks like you can share Auto Build recipes.
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There are also new versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom with a couple of changes plus HDR support.
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Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 edition.
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Oh wow, we're also getting Switch 2 editions of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, with higher frame rates and potentially better graphics.
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It's nice that they are providing an update for anyone who already bought Mario Party Jamboree for the original Switch.
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These will be available July 24.
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Some older Switch games will get Switch 2 upgrades, as we expected. And now we're watching Super Mario Party Jamboree. There's the standard Mario Party mode, a Bowser-themed mode and roller coaster mini-games. It's launch on July 24th. Owners of the original Switch game can purchase an update pack for the
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Super Mario Party Jamboree is getting an upgrade on Switch 2.
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It looks like Mario Party Jamboree is getting a rerelease for the Switch 2 with a handful of additions.
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Nintendo Switch 2 will be available June 5.
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And here's the launch date: June 5th!
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Switch 2 is launching on June 5th!
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New Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, coming the same day as the Nintendo 2.
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And this is a big change, the Switch 2 will only support newer microSD Express cards, which are much faster than standard cards.
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Nintendo Switch 2 game card is now red.
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OK, back to hardware.
The Switch 2's game cards are the same size as the Switch's, but now they are red.
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You can combine the Joy-Con 2's mouse controls and gyroscape to tilt something like golf clubs in a game. Wow, the launch tour is also a paid digital game.
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The ability to have a mouse with gyro controls built-in is really interesting.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
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This tutorial game looks adorable.
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To introduce people to the Switch 2's hardware, Nintendo is making a sort of demo tutorial.
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At this point it looks like the Switch 2 addresses most of the hardware concerns we had about the Switch 1. Sad to see there's no OLED, but you just know that'll be a premium model in a few years.
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Now back to games for a sec.
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Nintendo Switch 2 dock has a built-in fan.
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Holy upscaling, Batman.
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And we're getting 4K and HDR support when docked!
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There are better speakers, and now the stand covers nearly the entire width of the console. It also has USB-C ports on the top and bottom, which lets you charge and connect accessories like the
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The new Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped with a large stand.
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Internal storage has been significantly increased to 256GB as well.
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Yay, dual USB-C ports!
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Built-in microphone so you can talk to friends.
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And yes, both Joy-Con 2 controllers support mouse controls.
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Larger SL and SR buttons.
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Wow, great to see 120Hz and HDR! Nintendo says it's also the same thickness as the original Switch.
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We're also getting bigger SL and SR buttons for when you're holding the Joy-Con horizontally.
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New Nintendo Switch 2.
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Finally, official screen size figures: 7.9 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution.
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GameShare will let you share select games with others who don't have the game.
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Oh hey, Nintendo is also adding Game Share, so you can play select titles across multiple Switch 2 systems even if there's only a single copy of the game.
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Nintendo execs say they're trying to recreate the experience of playing with your friends in the same place. This is something Nintendo should have had years ago, TBH. GameChat will also require a premium Switch Online subscription, though it'll be available for free during a trial
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Here's how Game Chat will look. You'll need a membership to use this feature.
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This will also be a launch day accessory, but we're still waiting on that date.
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Using the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera, you can appear on screen while playing games.
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There's also a camera accessory that appears to be surprisingly low-res. The first gulp of the announcement for me.
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But wait, there's going to be dedicated camera accessory for the Switch 2 too that works with all the chat features.
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You can also see your friends playing other games. It's like they boiled down and Nintendo-fied Discord chats.
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You can expand your screen or a friend's screen.
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It looks like the microphones are directly on the controllers, they can hear you from far away and also have a bit of noise suppression built-in.
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It's going to be a dedicated chat button, so you can easily talk to your friends (with voice) using the Switch 2's built-in mic. You can also do other things like share you game screen. And you don't need to be playing the same game as your friends to talk either.
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Now we're taking a look at the Joy-Con 2 controllers. A new feature called GameChat will let you easily chat with your friends in-game. Uh, 2005-era Xbox Live says hello.
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New Joy Con 2 controller. (Nintendo)
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Time for a look at the new Joy-Cons.
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Now about that C button...
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We'll get more information at a Mario Kart Direct on April 17. And yah, we still don't have the launch date.
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Mario Kart World launches on the same day as Nintendo Switch 2. (Nintendo)
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And it's a day one launch title.
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Mario Kart World offers an open-world approach, allowing you to leave the tracks.
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You can just chill out and drive around the world. Hang with friends. Sorry to fanboy out, but I'm already in love.
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Yep, it is! Knockout Tour says its a way to race seamless across multiple tracks/locations. But it looks like you can drive around freely as well.
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24 drivers in each race, the most we've ever seen in Mario Kart. You'll also be able to race from one corner to the world to another in the "Knockout Tour" mode. This looks like a game I'll never stop playing, TBH.
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Mario Kart World offers weather effects.
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It'll be a Switch 2 exclusive, naturally. Kart races will span the globe, and there will also be time of day and weather changes. You can also go off the race track! It's Mario Kart Horizon, practically.
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Mario Kart World is launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. (Nintendo)
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Woah, is this an open world Mario Kart game?
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The new game is called Mario Kart World, a Switch 2 exclusive.
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Wow, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been around so long, it's really fun to get excited about a new entry after all this time.
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It's Mario Kart World! Great title.
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The Nintendo Switch event has kicked off with a Mario Kart intro. (Nintendo)
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My 6-year-old daughter Sophia is watching alongside me, and she's already obsessed with this game.
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First up is a new Mario Kart game.
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We've never seen Mario Kart look this detailed, love the large stages and complex backgrounds here.
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We're starting with a game, looks like the new Mario Kart!
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It is kind of silly to think about how we've already seen the Switch 2's basic design. So this stream is really going to be about the games and all the hardware details we can glean.
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Here we go...
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Dear Nintendo, please put background music in your livestreams so we're not freaking out about it!
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Annnnnnd here we goooooooo!
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January's teaser trailer already provided a broad overview of the Switch 2 design, but the many unanswered questions are expected to be addressed during today's presentation.
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We're just a few minutes away! Nintendo will also be hosting livestreams showing off Switch 2 games later this week, so keep an eye out for coverage around that!
Join us on April 3rd and April 4th at 7 a.m. PT each day for a Nintendo Treehouse: Live | Nintendo Switch 2 presentation featuring hands-on gameplay of #NintendoSwitch2 games! pic.twitter.com/gsi0MqyZyZ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 1, 2025
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I wasn't at Engadget back when the Switch and Breath of the Wild came out, but to this day, it's the only game I've reviewed that I've given a 10.
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I'm happy we got to review all of the major Zelda titles for the Switch. Engadget's current Editor-in-Chief, Aaron Souppouris, tackled Breath of the Wild ahead of the console's launch. Later, Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham tackled Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom.
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It'll always be Joy-Cons to me, Sam! And yes, I'm hoping we see Hall Effect sensors too. They're in several other gamepads I'm using, and they simply feel great, with no drifting.
When I originally reviewed the Switch, I called it "revolutionary," but also noted that it still needs work. Over the years, Nintendo has refined the console, delivering a slightly more efficient revision with better battery life, as well as new models like the Switch Lite and OLED version. When I revisited the Switch in 2019, it felt like a significantly better console thanks to a rich game library and tons of indies.
Here's a flashback to my initial Switch thoughts:
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I also want to say that one of my biggest hopes for the Switch 2 is that Nintendo will move to Hall Effect sensors for its joysticks. They have sort become a standard component for PC gaming handhelds and the added responsiveness and durability you get would be such an upgrade for Nintendo's next console.
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Speaking of Joy-Con, fun fact and no one is really wrong for saying it a different way. But technically, the plural of Joy-Con is... Joy-Con. Not Joy-Cons. But I still say it like that all the time.
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As we wait for the event to kick off, let's take a look back at some of our favorite Switch articles. Engadget's UK Bureau Chief Mat Smith was quick to point to his preview of Hollow Knight: Silksong, originally published in... 2019. (Gulp) It would be hilarious if Nintendo made that a marquee title for the Switch 2 six years later.
Mat also wrote a love letter to the Switch's Joy-Cons, which were pretty remarkable when they debuted in 2017. I don't think we're all having rooftop parties with detached Joy-Cons like Nintendo predicted, but it's still cool to have detachable motion controllers for the Switch. At the very least, it makes it easier to replace them when they inevitably start drifting.
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Just about half an hour more left to go.
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That's a good point Dev, I think people forget that back before the Switch, everything was super console focused. You had a box that lived under a TV and maybe a PS Vita or a 3DS for playing stuff on the go. But there was very little overlap in their game libraries. Then the Switch came out and proved that you could make a really engaging hybrid device that do both. And with the success of the Switch, we've seen a huge push for new handhelds, especially on the PC side of things.
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Good morning folks! I've got my typing fingers ready and I'm eager to see what Nintendo has got cooking for the Switch 2.
Weirdly enough, I'm having a hard time remembering what the console landscape was like before the Switch arrived. I covered its launch way back in 2017 for Engadget, and I recall that being a wild event. At the time, Nintendo still had its portable 3DS console around, so it seemed a bit odd that it was launching a console that could also go handheld. As we expected, the 3DS slowly died off, and the Switch ended up absorbing Nintendo's entire gaming ecosystem.
Now everyone seems hot on the idea of high-quality portable gaming, thanks to the Steam Deck and the plethora of PC handhelds out there. All of those devices definitely took a cue from the success of the Switch, so it'll be interesting to see how Nintendo responds to them with the Switch 2. We've learned we don't really need 4K power in a handheld, but it sure would be nice to have a more modern GPU and CPU that can deliver a solid 1080p/60fps and potentially higher frame rate gaming.
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Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct should be kicking off in just over an hour or so, and Devindra and Sam will be joining me shortly. While you all wander off in search of beverages and snacks, feel free to tag Engadget on your favorite social media platform and tell us your favorite Switch game. I think mine might still be.... single-player Overcooked because that's the kind of chaos I thrive in.
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I don't have very many complaints about my Switch, since I admittedly don't use it very much, but I'm pretty intrigued by the rumored Joy-Con upgrades. Also, if you've been paying close attention to Nintendo news, you may have noticed an unmarked button in the introduction video that is heavily speculated to be a "C" button. It was given some attention yesterday in a new trailer by Nintendo, too. My name starts with "C," so I'm obviously happy about this.
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On the liveblog today will be senior reviewers Devindra Hardawar and Sam Rutherford, and I'll leave them both to tell you what versions of the Switch they have. I bought mine secondhand off a friend in February 2020, right before the lockdowns, so I guess you can say I'm very lucky. I will also point out that I'm a lunatic that plays Overcooked with just myself. Yes, you can absolutely play that game one player.
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The long-awaited launch day is finally here, after recent months of ramped up rumors, speculation and teases. I don't know about you, but my original Switch is gathering dust behind my TV and I sure am interested in seeing what a possible new home for my Animal Crossing village might look like. There's a lot we already know, to be honest, since Nintendo released a teaser trailer in January this year. But in case you're not yet caught up, be sure to check out our roundup of all the Switch 2 things we know so far. Yknow, if you can't wait another few hours.
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Hello everyone and thanks for joining us bright and early (or near dinnertime, for those in Asia). Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct should be kicking off in just a few hours, so we're glad you're already here on Engadget.