The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and both Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live shows have officially ended.
Didn’t get the chance to catch them live?
Read on for everything it’s crucial that you know.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Nintendo Switch 2 cut to the chase
Only have time for the basics?
Here are the most important takeaways from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct:
Want something even more in depth?
confirm to check back regularly for the latest updates.
Stock varies here, too.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost$449.99 in the US, or395.99 in the UK.
This price will get you just the console on its own.
A separate bundle withMarioKart Worldwill also be available for$449 in the USor429.99 in the UK.
I’ve had a controller or keyboard and mouse in my hands since I can remember.
Some of my earliest memories are of my sister asking me to stop spamming the C-stick inSuper Smash Bros.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
I’m here to lead coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the US.
Hello and welcome to the beginning of my Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live coverage!
The presentation is only two hours away now, so I would really start getting prepared.
What’s the fuss all about?
I also think we’re likely to learn a release date, with pre-orders potentially opening too.
Join us tomorrow, April 2nd, at 6 a.m. PT for a closer look at #NintendoSwitch2!
Will mouse mode finally be official?
I think we’re definitely going to see the long-rumored mouse mode in action very soon.
It sounds a bit silly at first, but the practical applications of this idea could be huge.
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.
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.
The first will take place on April 3, with the second following on April 4.
Are you ready?!
What do you think?
More on that price… ## But what about the stock?
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… and maybe a handful of roasted sunflower seeds.
The salted ones are great.
The possibilities for virtual pet interaction are endless…
What are Virtual Game Cards all about?
What does this mean practically?
Well, soon you’ll be able to more easily transfer games between your own consoles.
Something to do with the Switch 2?
Maybe we’ll learn a bit more about the transition between the two consoles later today.
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.
Time check: we’re just one hour away!
You read that right!
(Image credit: Nintendo)
There’s just one hour, 60 whole minutes, to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct begins.
Our Nintendo Switch 2 direct bingo card
I’m personally on board with a couple of these.
The dock being sold separately is an interesting idea.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Press on the reminder, and you’ll be shown acool video teasing the C button.
The video only lasts for a few seconds, but shows the C button in all its glory.
What on earth could this all mean?
Will the original Switch get cheaper?
It’s possible, for sure," he said.
Expect some great value Switch OLED bundles by the end of the year, too."
What about the Switch Lite?
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.
you’ve got the option to finally tune in!
The stream is now live!
With around 28 minutes to go.
Tune in now below.
And that’s just on the Nintendo of America stream alone!
I wonder how high this number is going to climb?
It’s clear that this is going to be one massive event.
More than 500,000 people are watching right now, that’s incredible!
The stream has begun!
And we’re seeing… shapes?
It looks like they’re building something… Ah!
A Nintendo Direct logo!
Straight off the bat, we’re seeing our first look at the nextMario Kartgame.
It looks absolutely stunning, with some massive tracks and loads of characters.
What’s that you could grind on rails now?
And you’ve got the option to 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!
We’re now getting a little chat on the newMario Kartgame.
It looks like it’s open world!
With a time of day and weather system.
Yep, that’s confirmed - it’s possible for you to 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 anyMario Kartgame.
We’re also seeing a new battle-royale style mode.
FirstPokemon, nowMario Kart.
The game will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
A free drive mode has been confirmed!
you’re able to 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 seeing the controllers.
The controllers are imaginatively called the Joy-Con 2.
A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?
Hopefully we’re about to hear more.
The purpose of the C button has been revealed!
It calls up a dedicated chat menu.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera has been unveiled, letting you chat with friends with a video stream.
Will this be sold separately?
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.
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.
Some on the Joy-Con 2 attachment mechanism.
Yep, it’s definitely magnetic.
That’s mouse control official then!
Both Joy-Con 2 controllers can be used like mice.
Some more USB-C top port functionality detailed.
It can be used for that camera or charging in tabletop mode.
256GB of storage out of the box
A big storage upgrade is here!
256GB out of the box.
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.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourhas been unveiled!
This Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game is designed to explain all of the system’s biggest features.
It looks very cute!
I’m definitely excited to play.
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!
And a release date!
See you onJune 5, 2025!
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 isSuper Mario Party Jamboree!
Kirby and the Forgotten Landnext, which will now include a new story calledStar-Crossed World.
Pokeon Legends Z-Awill also receive a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition release, with higher frame rates and better resolutions.
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 calledDrag X Driveand looks pretty fun!
Here are some third-party games that will be on Nintendo Switch 2!
Yep, that sure isElden Ringon Nintendo Switch 2.
We’ve also gotHades 2, what a treat!
This excellent roguelike has been a favorite of mine in its current PC early access state.
Capcom has arrived, withStreet Fighter 6!
This will be joined by newStreet Fighteramiibo figures, which will be compatible with the game.
We’ve now got quite an original looking sci-fi game with mechs?Daemon X Macina Titanic Scion!
Okay here’s a big hitter!Split Fictionis coming to Nintendo Switch 2!
Now we’re seeing a new trailer forTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4,which features some kind ofSpongebobcrossover.
A new version ofHitman: World of Assassinationis going to hit Nintendo Switch 2!
And we’re now seeing a teaser for that previously announced James Bond game.
We now know that moreYakuzagames will be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in future.
A new Hyrule Warriors game is coming!
A newThe Legend of Zeldagame developed in collaboration with Keoi Tecmo?
ATears of the Kingdomprequel withWarriorsstyle combat.
It’s calledHyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment.
Nintendo Switch Online news!
That’sWind Wakerconfirmed, plusSoulcalibur 2,andF-Zero GX.
More titles are coming in the future.
The GameCube library will be there day one on Nintendo Switch 2.
We’re also getting a dedicated Nintendo GameCube Controller, with wireless controls and a C button.
It’s a sizzle reel of more games!
The sizzle reel continues… but the stream is… frozen?
Swapping over to the UK stream for now.
The Nintendo UK stream is still fully functional!
Ahem… On with the sizzle reel then.
Woah!Cyberpunk2077is coming to Nintendo Switch 2!
This is not something that I saw coming.
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.
This definitely looks like a newDevil May Crygame… A newKirby Air Ridegame?
That’s it and it’s titledKirby Air Riders.
Not much to report beyond a basic trailer and the fact it’s being directed bySmash Bros.legend Sakurai.
And with that we’re on to our last trailer…
It looks suspiciously like a newSuper Mario…
It looks like a new 3DDonkey Konggame and it seems pretty incredible!
We’re seeing some 2D segments thrown in here and there, plus lots of interesting character designs.
We now have a title,Donkey Kong Bananza.
It’s coming out on July 17 and features a massive open world.
We have multiple hardware options available at launch, including a bundle with the newMario Kartgame.
Though we’re only getting one color, it looks like.
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?
The price is official!
We’re now getting pricing information in via regional Nintendo websites.
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.
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?
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.
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct reactions are flooding in on social media.
There seems to be lots of hype surroundingThe Duskbloodstoo.
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.
Wait… TheNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourcosts money?
I was really, really hoping for a proper pack-in experience this time around.
A digital copy is then 66.99, or about $80.
I’m really hoping that this pricing won’t be the norm going forward.
“Nintendo and Square got me good.
Crestfallen, I returned to work, with my ears open for more announcements of interest.
20 minutes later, Nintendo did it again.
Then came the big announcement:Final Fantasy 7 Remakewas coming to Switch 2.
Hurray, a game pretty much everyFinal Fantasyfan already owns.
Where’s myFinal Fantasy 9 Remake, Square?
Yes, you read that correctly.
“Can you believe its been nearly eight years sinceSuper Mario Odysseyreleased?
Switch 2 exclusive woes
“First Bloodborne, now this?
I can’t believe From Software is releasingThe Duskbloodsas a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
I hate exclusive titles.
Not to mention, I would much rather game on the Steam Deck I already have.
hey Nintendo, stop hiding behind exclusivity so I can start giving you my money.”
Has Nintendo changed its approach to graphics?
It looks very familiar, but with a few interesting new twists.
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.
A little more from Jamie now, this time on a game he is looking forward to.
New Amiibo are on the way!
Nintendo has just revealed loads of newThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomamiibo launching on June 5.
Each one will unlock some in-game content, namely fabric for your paraglider.
you might see them all in the Twitter / X post below.
Each one can unlock a fabric for Links paraglider, as well as weapons and materials for your adventure.
But not before handing over to our US team to keep the coverage going.
It was a fantastic reveal event overall, with plenty of surprises.
With that, I’ll see you tomorrow for even more Nintendo goodness.
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.
So let’s keep it going with more details we’re uncovering or spotting and some further reactions.
That’s one day after Nintendo has said it would start pre-orders.
This way, you might pick up your Switch 2 and get to playing as quickly as possible.
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.’
Here’s how it breaks down:
The Nintendo Switch 2 starts at $449.99.
Pre-orders start April 9th.
Here’s some good news, though.
And that’s really terrific news.
With the tool, you could search by state and select a store to see if it’s participating.
However, the Switch 2 is a more powerful console with a larger screen.
Oh, the price you pay.
And I don’t think we’ll get that much over 2 hours wheneverCyberpunk 2077launches for the Switch 2.
You’ll also be able to download games from theeShop.
It’s an interesting concept, but surely not everyone will be pleased with this.
The cartridge will just trigger a download via the newly branded “Game-Key Card” system.
What a garbage concept.
Is it enough to make me pre-order a Switch 2?
That makes some of the compatibility a little more tricky.
Dash here to continue our live coverage extravaganza.
What’s in the Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream?
Wondering what to expect later?
Not familiar with the Nintendo Treehouse: Live format?
Will we see more Silksong?
Will moreHollow Knight: Silksongbe shown today?
It’s not likely, as it wasn’t teased by Nintendo.
You are now able to request an invite to purchase the console for395.99 at Amazonin the UK.
An Amazon account is needed to request an invitation.
Pre-orders begin at some UK retailers
Big news!
Right now you might secure the Nintendo Switch 2Mario Kart World Bundlefor 429.99 at the retailer.
I don’t expect stock to last long here, so act fast if you want one.
With Argos putting pre-orders live, I’m expecting lots of other retailers to follow shortly.
Argos has it up for pre-order now at retail price.
A quick pre-order update for those in the UK here.
Argos has put pre-orders live for just the console on its own.
Nintendo Switch 2 stock is in a flux at Very right now.
A third-party webcam has been spotted
Okay, now this is adorable!
See you soon, gamers.
No sign of accessories in the early UK pre-order chaos… Something to keep an eye on for sure…
Two hours (or so) to go!
Get in position, it’ll be here before you know it!
If you thought you’d seen the last of Dash, then you were sorely mistaken.
Another update on the pre-order situation over in the UK.
Fancy a quick summary of everything announced at yesterday’s Nintendo Switch 2 event?
Here are the big game announcements:
Our Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on has landed
Yep!
We’ve tried it!
We’ve also a detailed video from our hands-on time.
Mario Kart World?
Don’t miss our hands-on impressions of these innovative new controllers over on Tik-Tok.
Time check: just 30 minutes to go
Here’s a quick reminder for you.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live event kicks off in just 30 minutes!
Here’s a quick video of our first thoughts from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct yesterday.
Time check: just ten minutes to go
Get ready!
It’s just ten minutes to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live.
Stay tuned…
And we’re live!
We’re seeing the character select screen, which looks really excellent.
Mario, Luigi, Toad, everybody has a gorgeous model with great animations.
Next up is the vehicle selection.
You don’t have to select individual parts any more!
It’s all pre-made vehicles here.
The Grand Prix is beginning and we’re seeing a cool fly-through view of the first track.
The presenters are reiterating the fact that this game features 24 racers, increasing the chaotic feel of races.
Our first new item!
It looks like they’re almost their own little races!
That’s quite a novel idea.
I’m honestly quite surprised by just how enjoyable the race here looks!
We’re not entering a city, which seems incredibly detailed.
A blue shell just hit right before the final lap…
Some free roam gameplay now!
There’s nothing stopping you from driving anywhere and everywhere on the map.
Other racers roam the open world and it looks like it’s crammed with cool details.
We’re now moving on toDonkey Kong!
The new controls are being explained.
DK has a punch and a swing attack.
We’re also learning a little bit about the plot…
There’s some kind of mysterious new material that seems like it’s going to be pretty important.
We’re getting a better look at the world inDonkey Kong Bananza.
We’ve got talking rocks!
They’re pretty cute.
The stream chat has been absolutely flooded by fans demanding that Nintendo drop the price of the Switch 2.
What started at around 120,000 viewers has now fallen to just over 89,000.
Are people losing interest given the high asking price?
On to someMetroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Editiongameplay.
This is the environment we’ve seen in the last few trailers.
The presenter is playing the game in quality mode, which runs at 4K resolution at 60fps.
Little gameplay tidbit here, you could scan enemies and objects in the environment to learn useful information.
Morph Ball mode is also being shown off, which plays in third-person in traditionalMetroidfashion.
There’s a boss fight on screen!
That’s enoughMetroid, it seems.
We’re about to go back toMario Kart World.
We’re about to see a differentMario Kart World, the Knockout Tour mode!
It’s basically a 24 player battle royale with racers eliminated in waves at race checkpoints.
Just like whenMario Kart Worldwas shown off earlier, the gameplay here looks really enjoyable.
I adore the city environment that we’re seeing now.
There’s just something so cool about seeing these more grounded, realistic environments in aMariospin-off game.
Another intermission… we’ll be moving on toNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tournext.
It would be a cool little pack-in bonus, but I’m absolutely not paying for this.
This is just boring, at this point.
We’re seeing a quiz on screen right now, with questions about the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
This doesn’t seem like a game, this just looks like homework.
Finally, another intermission.
Okay, now we’re going to see someDrag X Drive!
We’re learning a bit more about the game’s controls and mechanics.
It looks very smooth to play and I think the character designs are strong overall.
Hopefully there will be a decent amount of customization and some strong online modes to back it up.
Drag X Drive looks good in mutliplayer
An online match is currently unfolding on screen.
This looks like it could be a pretty enjoyable time with friends.
I was a huge fan ofArmswhen it launched back on the Nintendo Switch and this definitely has similar vibes.
And with that, I think I’m going to head off for the day!
We’re back inDonkey Kong Bananzato take a further look at the rich level design and dynamic environment.
The scale of this game really does look bananas.
All Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, of course.
Anyways, time for an intermission.
Meanwhile, the cries for Nintendo to “Drop the price!”
in the live stream chat show no signs of stopping well over three hours into the event.
At least we have some funky Nintentunes to jam out to.
Onto some chat about GameChat.
This is pretty cool; I could see myself using it to mog my friends inMario Kart World.
Super Mario Strikersgot an audible “no way” from me as the memories came flooding back.
Don’t let me lock Luigi or its Lui-gg.
Aaand that wraps it up for today’s Nintendo Treehouse event!
Can we address the elephant in the room?
TheNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourabsolutely should not cost money.
Not a great look.
On a more positive note, it’s nice to see another handheld breach the 120Hz refresh rate barrier.
Until now, we’ve only had the Asus ROG Ally (andROG Ally X) fit that bill.
I also think the freedom to choose between 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz is a great idea.
This is almost exactly what I do with my own PC setup.
You get the best of both worlds with the Nintendo Switch 2.
I’m back
You thought you’d seen the end of Dash, did you?
Well I’m back for our third day of Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and Nintendo Treehouse: Live coverage!
Like the first day, I’m expecting a comprehensive look at plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 games.
How does the Switch 2 compare to the OLED?
Currys is now accepting in-store pre-orders
A little pre-order update for those in the UK.
We now know that national retailer Currys is accepting Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders ahead of the June 5 launch.
There is a catch, though.
you’re able to find your nearest location via theCurrys website.
TitledCyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, it contains both the original game and its expansionPhantom Liberty.
It will cost $69.99 in the US.
Here are some of the most interesting takeaways… ## Our first Nintendo Switch 2 accessory deal?
With codeSPRING, an officially licensed 256GB model from Samsung is just 47.
This is a pretty great price, especially this early on.
Time check: two hours to go!
Here’s a little time reminder for you.
The second Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream takes place in just two hours time!
The 1TB model offers space for plenty of games, though there are also 512GB and 256GB options available.
The TB model will retail for $199.99, with the 512GB option coming in at $99.99.
The 256GB variant is then $49.99.
It’s lunch time for me gamers!
I’ll be heading off for a little food, before returning to continue our coverage.
I had a lovely sandwich and a cheeky cup of coffee to keep me going.
The second Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live stream starts in just 15 minutes.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse: Live day 2 stream is about to begin!
Okay, the stream is beginning!
We’re starting withSuper Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV!
Okay, now we’re seeing some new mini-games!
And they take full advantage of the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls which is pretty cool.
This could be a great way to introduce new Nintendo Switch 2 owners to the hardware.
I’m liking the new lighting effects.
Birdo looks particularly shiny.
Even more camera functionality being shown off, with the presenters appearing in the game.
This seems like it could be a pretty fun time with friends.
One player has just been knocked out and has been put into what looks like a spectator mode.
you could see the view of every other player, plus their appearance on the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.
I hate to say it, but the quality of the screen sharing here looks pretty poor.
It seems fairly laggy, which is a let down.
TheMario Kart Worldsegment has now ended.
Next it seems we’re going to be taking a look atBravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster.
ForgetBravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, we’re getting some breaking news coming in.
It seems like Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will be delayed in the US.
I’ll keep you up to date as details emerge.
Nintendo will update timing at a later date.
The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
I’ve just had confirmation from Nintendo that this statement is indeed real.
Oh, just back to the Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream quickly.
We’re currently in an intermission, which gives me some breathing room.
We’re back inMario Kart World!
I feel like we’re seeing an awful lot of this game.
And with that, I’m heading off for the day!
The stream is still ongoing, with roughly thirty minutes of footage left to go.
Hope you all have good weekends, gamers :).
