Nintendo game character Mario is seen at a new Nintendo store during a press preview in Tokyo on November 19, 2019. - Nintendo opens the doors this week at its first brick-and-mortar store in Tokyo, offering everything from Super Mario mugs to Zelda handbags at a complex targeting visiting gamers and local enthusiasts. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images))

Nintendo Switch 2 announced in a not-so-surprise reveal – here's your first look

After years of speculation, and constant leaks in recent months, Nintendo has finally revealed the successor to the Nintendo Switch console.

by · The Mirror

Nintendo has finally officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2, the highly-anticipated successor to the original Nintendo Switch.

Yes, it's actually here! Today, Nintendo has revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 console; the gaming giant's first new piece of hardware since the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017. Reports from as early as last week had suggested that a Nintendo Switch 2 reveal today was likely, with industry insiders and leakers doubling down this week – and it turns out that these leaks were correct.

Nintendo showed off the new Switch 2 console in a fancy trailer that showcased the device officially for the first time. While it stopped short of confirming a release date, it did confirm the console will launch in 2025, with a Direct event planned for February 4, 2025.

The Nintendo Switch 2 looks to have upgraded magnetic Joy-Cons, which also seem to be able to be used in a mouse-like fashion, with one side being a light blue colour and the other being a peach-like colour. It also has a new kickstand at the rear, larger triggers and a new unknown button on the face, resulting in a familiar yet new design, albeit with the device looking to be slightly larger than the Nintendo Switch overall.

The trailer also confirmed that the new console will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch games. However, a short line added to the video stated, "Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2," so it looks like that might have some limitations, potentially for older titles.

Nintendo stopped short of confirming the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the trailer, but that's likely to be confirmed in the Direct, which is scheduled for next month.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.