Nintendo Switch 2 Direct LIVE: Price and pre-order date revealed

Mario Kart World trailer on Nintendo Switch 2 reveals massive risk

Mario Kart World was the very first game to be officially revealed for the Nintendo Switch 2 and a reveal trailer showed off a massive risk.

Mario Kart World is the latest entry into the iconic Mario Kartseries and it will launch as a Switch 2 exclusive alongside the console on June 5.

And there seems to be a brand new element to the game that has never been seen in the series before.

Read the full story here.

Switch 2 major games roundup

Switch 2 games:

• Mario Kart World
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• The Duskbloods
• Kirby AirRiders
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
• Project 007 (New James Bond game)
• Split Fiction
• EA Sports FC
• EA Sports Madden
• WWE 2K
• NBA 2K
• Sid Meier's Civilization VII
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3&4
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Enter the Gungeon 2

Switch 2 Edition games:

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A
• Super Mario Party Jamboree
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Gamecube games (available to Switch 2 players with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription):

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• Soulcalibur II
• F-Zero GX

Switch 2 console roundup 

• Release date - June 5.
• Standard console price - £395 / $449.
• Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle price - £429 / $499.
• The screen is 7.9 inches, which is much bigger than the original Switch with double the pixels.
• The handheld LCD screen is 1080p and supports up to 120fps. It also supports HDR.
• The new dock has 4K support for compatible games.
• Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage.
• Switch 2 games and select Switch games can be played on the new console, including physical copies.
• The Joy-Con controllers connect magnetically instead of on a rail. Each one can be used as a mouse.
• The SL and SR buttons are bigger, as are the left and right sticks.
• Improved sound and built-in microphone.
• Larger and sturdier stand.
• There are two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom.
• There's a built in fan that helps to keep the system cool.
• New C button on right Joy-Con is for GameChat.
• GameChat - players can communicate with friends and family without the need for a mic or headset as it's built into the console. There's a separate camera that can be purchased too.
• GameShare - some games can be shared with other Switch and Switch 2 systems that do not have the game installed.
• Switch 2 titles will use game cards. They are red instead of black and have much faster reading speeds. Switch 2 will only work with microSD express cards. Regular SD cards will not be compatible.

Roundups to follow

We'll have a couple of roundups picking out the biggest points from that jam-packed event.

The first will be about the Switch 2 itself, with the second about the biggest games confirmed to be releasing on it.

US price revealed

According to a number of reports, the Switch 2 console will cost $449 in the US.

The Mario Kart bundle is said to be priced at $499.

Pre-orders in the US start from April 9.

Price reveal

IGN has spotted the price of the Switch 2 has been revealed in the UK.

According to the publication, the Switch 2 UK store lists it for sale at £395 with the Mario Kart World bundle priced at £429.

It's available to pre-order from April 8.

Price still unknown

The price of the Switch 2 console was not revealed during the event.

That's about the only thing that wasn't though... We'll have a roundup of all the main points shortly.

Switch 2 launch options

The Switch 2 releases on June 5.

It can be purchased as a bundle that includes a digital edition of Mario Kart World or as a standalone.

The official website goes live later today.

And that concludes the Switch 2 Direct event. There's a lot to unpack there!

Brand new Donkey Kong game

There's a brand new Donkey Kong game!

It looks like a 3D platformer, like a DK version of Galaxy or Odyssey.

The trailer shows DK running, climbing and smashing his way through various different locations. There are 2D levels too. The game is set in an underground location.

Donkey Kong Bananza releases on July 17.

Last trailer

Here we go...

New Kirby game

Now it's on to Nintendo's big game reveals - and it's a new Kirby game!

The trailer shows Kirby riding a star through space and into a colourful world. It's called Kirby AirRiders.

It's out in 2025.

The Duskbloods - Bloodborne successor?

There's a big build-up to this one, the final third-party game reveal.

What a reveal it is too. A dark and moody trailer from FromSoftware, responsible for the Dark Souls games and Elden Ring, has revealed The Duskbloods.

It very much looks like a spiritual successor to Bloodborne.

That's releasing in 2026.

More Switch 2 games

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Goodnight Universe, Two Point Museum, Wild Hearts S, Witchbrook, Puyo Puyo Tetris 25, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Star Wars Outlaws are all releasing at launch or this year.

There's also Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, Fast Fusion, Shadow Labyrinth (Switch 2 Edition), RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files, Reanimal, Fortnite, Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer, Professor Layton and The New World of Steam, Tamagotchi Plaza (Switch 2 Edition)andHuman Fall Flat 2.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Remake are on their way to Switch 2.

And one that a lot of players are waiting for - Hollow Knight: Silksong is slated for 2025!

The chat has gone into meltdown.

Stream has frozen

Nintendo's official stream has frozen.

Just as Enter the Gungeon 2 was about to be shown... The stream is completely out of sync with video and audio so bear with us...

Third-party games

Back to third-party games and new Deltarune has been shown, much to the delight of a number of viewers in the comments.

Borderlands 4 is on the way to Switch 2 at launch along with Sid Meier's Civilization VII.

WWE 2K and NBA 2K are on their way as well.

Switch 2 Online to have Gamecube classics

Switch Online will be continuing on Switch 2 with an added member benefit for those with the new console, which aren Gamecube classics.

Titles at launch include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX. Games that support multiplayer will see four players be able to play locally or online.

More will be added in the future.

It's available on the same day as the console's release, along with a Gamecube controller for the Switch 2.

New Zelda game

A new Zelda game is coming to Switch 2 and it's a Tears of the Kingdom prequel.

It shows Zelda having travelled back in time to before the events of the Imprisoning War which took place in Hyrule long ago.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is coming this winter.

More third-party games releasing on Switch 2

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remastered is coming to the console, as is Yakuza 0 Director's Cut.

There are more games to come too.

Project 007

James Bond is coming to Switch 2 at some point in the future, with more details to be announced.

Third-party games releasing on Switch 2

Hades II will release on Switch 2, as well as Street Fighter 6 and Daemon x Machina.

Split Fiction is on its way to the console too, the highest rated game of 2025 so far, the day the console launches.

EA Sports FC and Madden are both heading to Switch 2 as well, along with Hogwarts Legacy.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3&4 is on the way, as is Hitman: World of Assassination.

Elden Ring on Switch 2

Wow. What a start to showing off third party games. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is coming to Switch 2.

Drag x Drive

A new game showing off the new Joy-Con 2 features is being shown. It's called Drag x Drive and shows players in what appear to be wheelchairs playing basketball in a setting that looks like Rocket League.

The mouse controls allow players to use their hands to move their wheels forward and throw the ball.

More Switch 2 Edition games - including Metroid Prime 4

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have a Switch and Switch 2 Edition upon release. There will be mouse controls included on Switch 2.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A will also have the Switch 2 Edition, with better performance.

All Switch 2 Editions can be bought digitally and physically.

Those that have already bought the game on the Switch can upgrade by purchasing it through the store.

Switch 2 Edition games

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive upgrades with improved resolution, frame rates and HDR inclusion.

There are new Switch 2 specific features called Zelda Notes too where schematics can be shared with others players among other things.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land will see an exclusive Switch 2 story added along with performance improvements.

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Super Mario Party Jamboree is being showcased with a Switch 2 Edition upgrade.

Included are mouse controls, audio integration, more expressive rumble and gameplay with camera accessory.

In single player, four players can join in with a camera. Players can see all reactions and emotions in real time. It can be used online too.

Bowser Live is where a livelier team wins, where players have to hit blocks to collect coins, guide an RC car with voice and compete in other games using full body movement.

There's a specific mouse control mode too where players have to shoot down enemies, control a player in a bouldering game and one where players have to shake a paint can and tag targets.

There will be an upgrade pack available for those who own the Switch game and want to upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition.

Switch 2 games

The console will play Switch 2 games, compatible Switch games and Switch 2 Edition games.

The latter are enhanced Switch games, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree which is about to be shown.

Switch 2 release date

The Nintendo Switch 2 will release on June 5.

More Switch 2 tech details

Switch 2 titles will use game cards. They are red instead of black and have much faster reading speeds. Switch 2 will only work with microSD express cards. Regular SD cards will not be compatible.

To transfer data, players can login to a Nintendo account to move data from the Switch to Switch 2.

There's a new Switch 2 pro controller releasing too.

The official Switch 2 website will go live after the presentation.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

A new game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is now being shown.

New features of the Switch 2 are shown and explained by performing various actions using the console. There are a lot of mini games and tech demos.

A lot of those commenting are saying this seems to be similar to Astro's Playroom on the PS5.

It's a paid digital game launching on the same day as Switch 2.

Switch 2 system details - 1080p screen, 4K support in dock

The screen is 7.9 inches, which is much bigger than the original Switch.

The thickness of the system remains the same with double the pixels of the Switch. The handheld LCD screen is 1080p and supports up to 120fps. It also supports HDR.

The new dock has 4K support for compatible games.

Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage. Switch 2 games and select Switch games can be played on the new console, including physical copies.

The Joy-Con controllers connect magnetically instead of on a rail. The SL and SR buttons are bigger, as are the left and right sticks. Each one can be used as a mouse.

Sounds from the built in speakers are more clear. There's a built-in microphone so voice chat can be done at any time.

Games have immersive, 3D sound, even without a specific 3D sound system. The stand is larger and sturdier. There are two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom.

There's a built in fan that helps to keep the system cool.

GameShare

Nintendo has introduced GameShare, where games can be shared with other Switch and Switch 2 systems that do not have the game installed.

It can only be used with compatible games.

Joy-Con 2 C button 

There's a look at the C button on the right controller which is for GameChat.

Players can communicate with friends and family while playing a game without the need for a mic or headset.

The voice is recognised by a microphone built into the system and can pick up voices clearly, even if the console is docked.

It can be used in handheld mode too.

Other players' game screens can be shared among others however there seems to be quite a dip in fps while looking at other screens.

C button pulls up a chat menu.

There's also a Switch 2 camera that can be connected so players can appear on screen and video chat while playing games together. There's also the option for players to appear within camera feeds in games.

More on Mario Kart World

Kart races are held on various regions throughout the globe in this open world Mario Kart game. Atmosphere will change depending upon time on day and weather conditions.

Racers can drive on a number of different surfaces. Grand Prix returns with four courses and players have to drive to each course in between.

There's Knockout Tour where players race from one corner of the in-game world to the other with loads of checkpoints along the way. It's like an elimination, last man standing mode.

Free roam is available, where players can learn and get to grips with courses with lots of things to discover.

It launches on the same day as the Switch 2. There's an upcoming Mario Kart Direct on April 17 at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST with more information.

Mario Kart World

Straight away, Mario Kart World is being shown. 24 cars can be seen on Yoshi Circuit.

It looks as if there are new and returning courses, such as DK Pass.

Racers can ride on rails for boosts and it seems there's a new powerup that seems tailored for individual characters.

What a start!

It will only release on Nintendo Switch 2.

Switch 2 Direct is underway

Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is now underway.

A lot of things could be announced here, including release date, price, games, tech details and loads more.

Here we go...

250k already watching

With less than 10 minutes to go, more than 250,000 people are tuned in to Nintendo's livestream on its American YouTube channel alone.

That number will only continue to grow as the start draws ever closer.

'First Nintendo Direct in 4K'

Geoff Keighley has spotted this will be the first Nintendo Direct being broadcast in 4K on YouTube.

Does that hint the Switch 2 will be able to run at 4K? It seems that way...

We'll find out officially shortly.

30 minutes to go

In just half-an-hour, there will be brand new info revealed about the Nintendo Switch 2 console.

We'll have all the latest as it happens so don't miss anything with our live blog.

One hour to go

There's 60 minutes until the highly anticipated Switch 2 console is fully revealed by Nintendo.

Keep it locked for all the latest.

Two hours to go

There's just under two hours until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event gets underway.

Loads of new details about the console will be revealed so stay tuned for all the latest as it happens.

What else we know about the Switch 2 so far

In addition to Nintendo's reveal video in January, president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed the console has entered mass production after dataminers claimed the Switch 2 was being produced heavily from November 2024 onwards.

This has led to speculation the console could release as soon as June, including from a number of industry analysts.

Huge tech details were also uncovered in an official document, including support through a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) feature that's in the right Joy-Con of the console, similar to its predecessor, which means Amiibo is expected to work with the Switch 2.

There will be faster Wi-Fi support and the console can be charged from either of its USB-C ports too.

What will be announced?

Ahead of the Direct event, in its last tease, Nintendo showed off the much speculated C button underneath the home button on the right Joy-Con along with what seems to be its sound.

Nintendo has been very coy on what it will announce so at the moment, everything is on the table, including a release date, price, games it will launch with and an in-depth look at what's new compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo made it very clear during last week's Direct event that that one was purely about new games coming out on the Switch but some of those shown off, such as Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4, could feature again here on the newer hardware.

A new Mario Kart game was seemingly teased during the official reveal so there could be news about that too, perhaps launching with the console.

In terms of new console features, there could be more of a look at how the Switch 2's Joy-Cons will work as controllers that act like a computer mouse as well as details over its technical specs, such as what resolution its output will be (in other words if it will run in 4K or HD).

Looking at the Switch 2 price, a recent Bloomberg report cited a number of analysts that all claimed the Switch 2 will cost at least $400, including Dr Serkan Toto of Kantan Games, Yijia Zhai of UBS and Robin Zhu of Sanford C Bernstein.

While Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda thinks it will cost even more than that at $499, all analysts agree the console will sell well.

Zhu believes the console will release in June and Toto said as well as new Mario, Pokemon and Metroid Prime titles, "there will also be third-party support from day one, most probably including blockbusters like Call of Duty".

None of this has been officially confirmed by Nintendo.

Nintendo Direct: Everything you need to know

The Nintendo Direct event focusing on the Switch 2 will be an hour long and starts at 2pm BST / 6am PT / 9am ET on April 2.

It will be streamed on Nintendo's official YouTube and Twitch channels.

Key details about the upcoming console will be shared following Nintendo's official reveal in January.

We'll have all the latest news, announcements and details from the event as they happen with this live blog too so keep it locked for all the latest.