There it is: The Switch 2
Some interesting things:
No “C” Button
Leaks showed a “C“ Button on the right Joy-Con. The reveal trailer has the button, but there is no “C” on it. It is simply blank. I assume the actual device will have a “C” on it, but Nintendo decided to hide it for the reveal trailer. Not sure why.
It seems to me, there would be no difference if they kept the “C” on the button. Instead of asking what the C stands for, now everyone will be asking what that blank button might do.
New Mario Kart
The only game Nintendo showed in the trailer was a brand new Mario Kart. Apparently, there will be up to 24 racers. To me this sounds very much like this game will have Non-Mario characters. Mario Kart 8 also had non-Mario characters like Link or Inkling from Splatoon, but now I assume there must be like over 30 characters to choose from, so most likely more non-Mario characters will be included. Will Mario Kart be the new Smash Bros? Will Sonic or Pac-Man or Mega-Man come to Mario Kart?
Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and Hands-On events
The trailer also revealed a date for a Switch 2 specific Nintendo Direct, which will happen on April 2nd 2025. Additionally, there will be showcases and hands-on events of the console all over the world soon after the direct. These events are happening in April up until June. Here is the list:
North America
New York, April 4-6, 2025
Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
Toronto, April 25-27, 2025
Europe
Paris, April 4-6, 2025
London, April 11-13, 2025
Milan, April 25-27, 2025
Berlin, April 25-27, 2025
Madrid, May 9-11, 2025
Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025
Oceania
Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025
Asia
Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025
Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025
Hong Kong, To be announced
Taipei, To be announced
No Launch Date
Unfortunately, the reveal trailer did not show any launch date and no price. I did not expect a price, but a launch date would’ve been nice. We will most likely learn about the launch date and the price through the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd.
I always assumed, we will be able to buy the Switch 2 end of March or in April. However, with all these events happening in April, May and even June, the question now is, when could the console launch?
If we look at the list, we see that events in USA, Europe, Australia and Japan are all happening in April to mid May. Only South Korea and other Asian countries have events happening late May / June.
I now believe, that the Switch 2 might launch end of May or June for North America, Europe and Japan. Maybe even Australia.
Then, a few weeks later, the rest of the world will be able to purchase the console.
Maybe, I am too optimistic and this is wishful thinking, but launching the console in July or even August might be too late, for many reasons. Summer is the perfect time to play video games on summer vacation and trips, especially a handheld.
Moreover, the Summer Games Fest is happening in June and it would be perfect to play Demos on the console right away.
Furthermore, Nintendo needs to fill the gap and keep the hype for the console alive, which will be difficult if there are empty months.
My feelings
I am super hyped for the Switch 2. 😄
I think, waiting six to seven years for a new console is ok. Eight years is too long, though.
I can’t wait to have the console in my hands and play new games on it. Even playing old games with better performance and maybe even better graphics would be nice. Maybe even having new features for older games, like community features for Splatoon 3 would be amazing.
Only a few months left.
