Nintendo Switch 2 is official: full design revealed and first Direct date confirmed

The rumors are over. Chinese leakers are saying goodbye to their glory days. The months of leaks are behind us. Nintendo has finally stepped forward and unveiled its new console: the Nintendo Switch 2, which is backwards compatible with games from the first Switch. The countdown to saying goodbye to its predecessor has begun.

When is the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2?

Nintendo has confirmed that the first Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 will take place on April 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-release test date in America

New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Toronto are the cities designated by Nintendo to be able to test the console before launch. All you need is a Nintendo account to complete the registration process on the official website. The dates are as follows:

Chasing the Legacy of a Record-Breaking Nintendo Switch

The truth is, the successor to the Nintendo Switch faces a major challenge. The console has shattered all internal and external expectations with its unmatched sales figures. According to the latest data shared by Nintendo, the hybrid system has sold over 146 million units worldwide. It is only behind the Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2, with 154 million and 160 million units sold, respectively. If sales continue at their current pace, it could surpass both within a few fiscal quarters.

For Nintendo, the success of the Switch was a much-needed lifeline, especially given where it was coming from. The Wii U’s dismal sales performance was devastating, with just 13.5 million units sold. The hybrid concept and the unification of game catalogs were two key factors that changed the company’s fortunes in the current generation.

This hardware success has also translated into dominance in the software arena, with 1.266 billion units sold to date. This includes massive hits like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Originally released on the Wii U, its Switch edition has climbed to the top of the charts with nearly 63 million units sold, followed by Animal Crossing: New Horizons (45 million), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (34 million), and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (32 million).