Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know and How to Watch Nintendo Direct Online

The wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 is almost over. 

Nintendo announced the highly-anticipated follow-up for their best-selling console, the Nintendo Switch, back in January. Since then, the world has been eager for more news about the system—aside from the apparent release of a new Mario Kart game, if the trailer is to be believed.

There’ll undoubtedly be more information about the Switch 2 revealed at the Nintendo Direct that takes place on Wednesday, April 2 at 9am ET. Until then, all we’ve got is speculation and the select details we’ve learned about the system over the last few months. 

Here’s everything we know so far about the Nintendo Switch 2: 

What will the Switch 2 look like? 

If its January reveal trailer proved anything, it’s that the design of the Switch 2 has been completely revamped. It appears to have a larger main unit, with an increased size of its display and thinner bezels. 

According to leaks from third-party case makers, the console should have an 8-inch screen and resized JoyCons as well. About the JoyCons—they magnetically connect to the Switch this time instead of sliding on rails.

No official word on the ports of the Switch 2 dock, but Reddit leaks suggest that it will have two USB-A connector ports, one HDMI port, an ethernet port, and a USB-C power connector.

What's up with the C Button on the Switch 2? 

And then, there’s the new, mysterious "C" button that everyone wants to know more about. Eagle-eyed gamers noticed an extra button on the right JoyCon that had no label during the announcement. Nintendo probably won’t reveal its function until April 2, but there has been a ton of speculation about what it does. It could be used to switch the controls of the JoyCon, or the "C" could stand for "Capture," making it easier to take screenshots of your gameplay. Time will tell.

How can I preorder a Switch 2? 

So far, there’s been no news about when the preorders for the system will go live. However, Best Buy has a landing page for the console on its website, suggesting that preorders could begin soon after the Nintendo Direct event that's scheduled for April 2 goes down.

Where will I be able to watch the Switch 2 in action?

If watching trailers and leaks on YouTube isn’t your thing, you’re in luck. Nintendo announced several early hands-on events in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In the United States, these hands-on events will be in New York (April 4 to April 6), Los Angeles (April 11), and Dallas (April 25).

When is the Switch 2 coming out? 

It's been suggested that the Switch will drop in May or June by popular video game insiders — but nothing has been confirmed. 

Will I have to fight scalpers to buy a Switch 2?

Any product of cultural importance attracts scalpers—especially new video game systems—sometimes making it hard for the average person to buy one in stores. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa previously let it be clear that he believes all customers should be able to find a Switch 2 when the system comes out, without having to buy one from a third-party. 

How much will a Switch 2 cost? 

Pricing has yet to be announced but video game insiders suggested it could cost somewhere around $400. A step up in price for a system that’s a step up from its predecessor. 

Can I play my old Switch games on my Switch 2?

As far as backward compatibility, Nintendo announced that it will be updating all Switch systems in April to have “Virtual Game Cards” that act as single instances of a game a player owns. With this update, they’ll be able to swap them between the two consoles. 

Where can I watch the Nintendo Direct event to learn more about the Switch 2?

The event will be streamed live on Nintendo’s YouTube and Twitch channels at 6 a.m. PT on April 2. (9 a.m. ET, 2 p.m. BST) and is slated to run for "approximately 60 minutes," according to Nintendo.  

You can also watch the event below when it begins.