What to Expect From Nintendo Switch 2 Direct?
On Wednesday, April 2, Nintendo will finally hold its first Direct dedicated entirely to the Nintendo Switch 2. While we all already know what the console looks like, Nintendo still has a lot of questions to answer (and I’m expecting answers). Here’s what I’m looking for and where you can watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
The truth is, we don’t really know what Nintendo is going to share during Wednesday’s Direct. What we do know is that the presentation itself will last approximately 60 minutes . This is a long time for a Nintendo Direct. The company’s latest presentation on March 27, for example, lasted just under 37 minutes , meaning Nintendo must have a lot to say about the Switch 2. But beyond that, Nintendo is staying tight-lipped about the actual content of its upcoming Direct.
What we know about Switch 2
However, Nintendo has already shown off quite a bit of the Switch 2. In its initial announcement earlier this year, the company teased the new hardware, revealing a larger display and console, as well as a redesigned stand that offers steeper angles for playing in handheld mode. It also features two USB-C ports instead of one (the new one is on the top of the console), and the dock now has a “2” on it, so you know you’re playing on the latest version of the Switch.
The most noticeable change in the commercial might be the Joy-Cons: these Switch 2 controllers are more powerful, with larger shoulder buttons and a redesigned shape. If you didn’t notice these changes, you could probably tell that these Joy-Cons have a different color design than the originals, since these new controllers are mostly black, with colored accents under the joysticks and along the rails. (Of course, the Switch 1 Joy-Cons are the opposite: very colorful, with black rails and accents.) These Joy-Cons connect to the Switch 2 magnetically, as opposed to the rail mechanism of the original console. I’m sure Nintendo will reveal more about this functionality tomorrow.
The video confirmed the rumor that Nintendo would be adding a new “C” button to the console, but Nintendo did not provide further details. What is he doing? We just don’t know.
We also know that Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with Switch 1 , giving players more flexibility. Of course, Switch 1 players likely won’t be able to play Switch 2 games (though who knows), so the new Mario Kart that Nintendo teased in its announcement could just be an exclusive for the new console.
What we learned after the announcement
While Nintendo has confirmed many of the leaks and rumors that have been circulating online for some time, many questions still remain unanswered. While there are still a lot of unknowns, we’ve learned more in the months since the Switch 2 was officially announced.
In February, a Nintendo patent surfaced demonstrating a feature that would allow the Joy-Con to be used as a computer mouse. This appears to coincide with the Switch 2 commercial, which shows the new Joy-Cons dragging across a surface like a mouse. While Nintendo has yet to publicly acknowledge this feature, it could open up new types of game mechanics. (We’ll probably have support for DS and 3DS touchscreen games on the Switch 2.) Then, last month, Nintendo filed several documents with the FCC that revealed three key features of the Switch 2 : the new console supports NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and charging via both USB-C ports.
What’s left to find out
Overall, we know a lot here: we know what the console looks like, many of its features, and that there is at least one new game in development. But there is still a lot to learn.
For example, we don’t yet know the console’s true specs and we don’t know how powerful it really is. While analysts believe that the Switch 2 could be significantly more powerful than the original Switch , this is all speculation until Nintendo shows off games that can be played on the console. Could we finally get a Nintendo console that runs in 4K (preferably 60fps)?
Speaking of games, what will we actually be able to play on Nintendo’s shiny new console? Rumors suggest third-party developers are planning games such as Assassin’s Creed , Halo and Microsoft Flight Simulator , while previously announced games from Nintendo that have yet to be released, such as Pokémon Legends: ZA and Metroid Prime 4 , are likely to debut on the Switch 2.
We also don’t know about the price. Rumors suggested a suggested retail price of $399, which might seem reasonable compared to the Switch’s $299 price, but Nintendo hasn’t confirmed one way or the other. We also don’t have an official release date. I hope we will find out all these details tomorrow.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo has some surprise announcements that will create some excitement for the Switch 2. Could there be a 3D Zelda announcement? Will the company announce high-performance modes for older Switch games? It’s really a guessing game at this point. But it won’t last long.
How to Watch the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct
Nintendo will be livestreaming starting at 9am ET (6am PT) on Wednesday, April 2nd . You can watch the show on Nintendo’s official YouTube page .