(Image credit: Nintendo)
We’re on the brink of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, poised to illuminate more details about the brand-new console which Nintendo officially announced in January. Enthusiasm has been building for the next chapter of Nintendo’s journey, and 2025 set us off with a bang with the first official trailer of the Nintendo Switch 2—and yes, it’s officially called the Switch 2, a name we’ve all been using anyway.
The upcoming showcase will highlight the console itself while reaffirming Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility. We’re also spotting intriguing new features, from an extra USB-C port to an enigmatic new button. And is that Mario Kart 9 we see? We’re convinced it is. Expect the showcase to offer even more tantalizing details about the console and perhaps a look at upcoming Switch 2 titles for our wishlists.
To gear up for all this thrilling news, here’s what you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, including start times, dates, and expectations. The Direct kicks off on April 2, 2025, at 2pm BST and 6am PDT. Verified by Nintendo’s website, this means an early morning for those in the US. While the exact duration of the Direct isn’t known, it’s likely to span 40 to 45 minutes, given that substantial presentations usually last that long.
If you’re interested in when the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct begins in your time zone, consult our list below. Although no stream details are available yet, past showcases have aired on Nintendo’s official YouTube channels, so tune in 10 minutes early and you’ll be set.
In case YouTube isn’t accessible, fret not—live coverage of the event will be available on GamesRadar+ on April 2. Keep an eye out for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience rolling out across various countries from April to June—plenty of Nintendo events to stay engaged!
The main attraction of the upcoming showcase will be a plethora of exciting upcoming Switch 2 games, possibly including exclusive titles. Rumors of Mario Kart 9 abound, but we also await official word on whether Metroid 4 and Pokemon Legends Z-A are destined for the new console. Beyond game announcements, we anticipate finally learning the Switch 2 release date since Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have been confirmed to open on April 2 alongside the Direct—exciting times, indeed!
Fans can also look forward to insights into the Nintendo Switch 2 design and how it contrasts with the current console and other handhelds. We’ll keep this page updated as more news and details about the Direct surface. Stay tuned for all the new games of 2025 headed our way!