Nintendo Switch April 2 Direct Date, time, what games to expect?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, or at least it’s real. We don’t have any information on the console release yet, but Nintendo has set a date by which we will know more.

Just like with the original Switch, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 in a short trailer focused on the hybrid console’s updated hardware, only teasing a new Mario Kart game near the end. The next step for the company is to show off what the console can do and a range of games that will launch when it releases, and that’s where the upcoming Nintendo Direct comes in.

Alongside the Switch 2 reveal, Nintendo also confirmed that it will be hosting a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2.

No broadcast times have been given, although this presentation is expected to focus entirely on the Switch 2 as a console and the first year or so of launching games exclusively for it.

Considering that the The Switch 2 will have extensive backwards compatibility With the original Switch, it’s possible that some games will be multi-generational launches, although they will be promoted for the Switch 2 and will likely run much better on the new hardware. Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: ZA are good examples of games that will benefit from this treatment based on our current information.

We have no information on what the April 2 Nintendo Direct will show, other than Nintendo will likely give a full description of the new console and its unique features. This means we could see a comparison of how well some games run on Switch 2 and confirmation of things like 4K output when connected.

Outside of the console preview, we already know we’ll see a new Mario Kart game in the Direct. It was briefly shown on Switch 2 towards the end of the trailer, with new visuals and character designs already differentiating it from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

If a new Mario Kart is to headline this presentation, a new Mario 3D title is also expected to be presented for release in winter 2025. A recent leak has also lined up ports for games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin’s Creed Mirage and more in a potential launch lineup.

Following the Switch’s launch on March 3, 2017, Nintendo released 10 first-party games for the new console before the end of the year while continuing to support the Nintendo 3DS with several heavy hitters such as Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon , Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valencia and Metroid: Samus Returns.

With the Switch 2 release date still up in the air, there may not be a big gap for Nintendo to fill for 2025, but here’s a list of that 2017 Switch lineup so we can assess the timing and availability. ‘ladder :

Since this is a Switch 2 presentation, it’s unlikely Nintendo will spend much time on the games already revealed for the original Switch outside of brief reminders that backwards compatibility will allow these big titles to be played on the one or the other system. So, compared to the 3DS which still benefits from exclusive games while the Switch has just been launched, any Switch game will also be a Switch 2 game.

In all likelihood we should get some form of Zelda game, a port of Wind Waker or Twilight Princess is an easy call from the remaining Wii U catalog, and something from Fire Emblem. Perhaps a true revival of F-Zero, Punch Out or Golden Sun is finally on the cards if Nintendo wants to take advantage of its lesser-used IP.

Related article: Surprise Leak Teases New Mainstream Pokémon Game for Nintendo Switch 2

The two least likely surprises would be a new Animal Crossing or Super Smash Bros. since these two franchises can last a year for Nintendo alone, but anything is possible since we know almost nothing about Big N’s plans for 2025 and beyond. .