A Switch-a-Roo – Nintendo Switch 2 Revealed

After many months of rumors and speculation, Nintendo’s highly anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch aptly called the Nintendo Switch 2, was revealed on January 16th, 2025.

While details are light, the official reveal and Nintendo’s website revealed some exciting information about the upcoming console/handheld hybrid.

Nintendo Switch 2 – First Look Trailer Reveal

Nintendo shadow-dropped a trailer officially revealing the Nintendo Switch 2, looking identical to the original hybrid console/handheld, but with some minor changes.

The default design is black, with shades of blue and red on the joycons. In addition, these updated Joycons connect to the console differently from the original Switch, which has some magnetic sensors. The updated Joycons have new features, with additional shoulder buttons and the trailer seemingly teases mouse-like controller support.

Considering the new way they connect, Nintendo likely will sell adapters for Switch 1 Joycon Controllers at or around the Switch 2 launch.

Backward Compatibility with Switch 1 Confirmed

Nintendo confirmed a very critical point of interest for diehard Nintendo fans during the trailer and on their official website, stating the following regarding backward compatibility;

Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.

This is huge, as it gives the Switch 2 an immense library of games to play right from the rip. In addition, the games Nintendo mentions won’t be supported, likely the more experimental games like Nintendo Labo and Ring Fit Adventure which heavily rely on the Switch 1 Joycons. Regarding whether any Switch 1 games will get visual or performance boosts on Switch 2, Nintendo didn’t reveal anything on that front.

New Mario Kart Revealed

As shown in the reveal trailer, Nintendo also gave Switch owners a glimpse at one of the likely many first-party releases coming to the platform in 2025. A new Mario Kart was shown off, with over twelve racers driving on a western track inspired by Mario Bros.

Eagle-eyed Nintendo fans like Good Vibes Gaming pointed out some noteworthy details, such as twenty-five racers potentially being on any track at a given time and the updated character designs for Mario and friends.

Mario and crew look similar to their designs in Super Mario Wonder, seemingly kicking off the Switch 2 generation with new updated designs through this new Mario Kart. This even extends to Mario-adjacent characters like Donkey Kong, who has been rocking his Donkey Kong Country design for many games over the decades, who now looks closer to his Super Mario Bros Movie counterpart in this new Mario Kart.

Nintendo Direct and Hands-On Events Incoming

On April 2nd, 2025, Nintendo will host a Nintendo Direct going over major details for the Nintendo Switch 2. This likely will include the initial launch lineup, price point (currently rumored to be $450/500), information regarding backward compatibility, release date and so much more.

This won’t be the only place to learn more about the Switch 2, as Nintendo will hold ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Events’, letting people get hands-on time with the console and its potential launch lineup. The full list of locations can be found here, and applying for a ticket to attend one of these events begins on January 17th.

Closing Thoughts on Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal

It feels great that the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally revealed. Many people have been waiting for this reveal across the gaming industry, from hardcore Nintendo fans to third-party partners, and the general gaming landscape.

The original Nintendo Switch has shown its age in recent years, with its lackluster technology even hindering first-party titles like Mario & Luigi: Brothership and Legend of Zelda: Echos of Wisdom. With stronger, newer hardware, Nintendo can make the games they want to while third-party partners can make genuinely great versions of games for Nintendo’s platform.

Stay tuned for future updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, here at Lords of Gaming!