History of Nintendo Switch 2 in Timeline
The Nintendo Switch 2 is an upcoming hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo. It is scheduled for release in most territories on June 5, 2025.
5 hours ago : Nintendo Switch 2: Pricing Maintained, US Retail Pre-Orders Start April 24
Nintendo is maintaining pricing for the Switch 2. Retail pre-orders in the U.S. begin on April 24. Demand in Japan is reportedly overwhelming.
2001: Release of Luigi's Mansion
In 2001, Luigi's Mansion was released. This game will be available via Nintendo Classics service on Switch 2.
2002: Release of Soulcalibur II and Super Mario Sunshine
In 2002, Soulcalibur II and Super Mario Sunshine were released. These games will be available via Nintendo Classics service on Switch 2.
2003: Release of F-Zero GX
In 2003, F-Zero GX was released. This game will be available via Nintendo Classics service on Switch 2.
2005: Release of Chibi-Robo! and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
In 2005, Chibi-Robo! and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance were released. These games will be available via Nintendo Classics service on Switch 2.
March 2017: Release of the original Nintendo Switch
In March 2017, Nintendo released the original Nintendo Switch, following the commercial failure of the Wii U. The Switch was designed as a hybrid console with multiple configurations and detachable Joy-Con controllers.
2017: Reference to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild demo at Gamescom
In July 2023, Nintendo showcased a tech demo of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017), running at a higher frame rate and resolution, at Gamescom.
2019: Industry Rumors of a High-End Switch Model
As early as 2019, industry rumors began circulating about a high-end model of the Switch, often nicknamed the "Nintendo Switch Pro" in the media.
2019: Release of My Time at Portia
In 2019, My Time at Portia was released. It's spiritual successor, My Time at Evershine, has been announced.
2019: Switch 2 Enters Development
In 2019, development began on the Switch 2, with a focus on backwards compatibility with Switch games. The console retains the hybrid design of the original Nintendo Switch, and features improved specifications such as a larger display and updated controllers.
2019: Formal Development of Switch 2 Starts
In 2019, formal development of the Switch 2 began, led by Kouichi Kawamoto, Takuhiro Dohta, and Tetsuya Sasaki. The team focused on computational performance improvements rather than significant hardware changes, expanding the console's memory and balancing performance with battery life.
October 2020: Nintendo Affirms Work on Next Gaming System
In October 2020, Nintendo affirmed to its investors that it was working on its next gaming system.
2020: Development of GameChat feature due to COVID-19 Pandemic
During the 2020's COVID-19 pandemic, Nintendo developers created the GameChat feature out of frustration with existing communication tools, drawing inspiration from their makeshift solution of using webcams to view multiple screens simultaneously. This feature minimizes system resource usage by using the same streaming technology developed for the Wii U and Wii U GamePad.
2021: Release of OLED Switch Model
In 2021, the OLED Switch model was released, incorporating many features rumored for the "Nintendo Switch Pro".
2021: Reference to The Matrix Awakens demo at Gamescom
In July 2023, Nintendo showcased a tech demo of Unreal Engine 5 demo The Matrix Awakens (2021) at Gamescom.
December 2022: Nintendo Transitions Development to Switch Successor Console
By December 2022, Nintendo appeared to have fully transitioned all development work towards the Nintendo Switch successor console.
February 2023: Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard becomes legally binding
In February 2023, the agreement between Microsoft and Nintendo to bring future Call of Duty franchise entries to Nintendo platforms became legally binding as part of Microsoft's acquisition bid for Activision Blizzard.
June 2023: Furukawa on Smooth Transition for Switch Successor
During a June 2023 shareholder Q&A, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated the company aimed for a smooth transition between the Nintendo Switch and its successor, planning to retain the Nintendo Account system, and ensure backwards compatibility.
July 2023: Nintendo Sends Out SDKs for Next Console
In July 2023, Video Games Chronicle reported that Nintendo had sent out SDKs for its next console to development partners, aiming to avoid the shortages experienced by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at launch.
2023: Nintendo Switch becomes the third best-selling gaming console overall
By 2023, the Nintendo Switch became the third best-selling gaming console overall, following the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS.
2023: Reference to the "Switch NG" in Court Reports
Court reports from the 2023 FTC v. Microsoft case included reference to Activision developing towards the "Switch NG", which is presumably the codename for the Nintendo Switch successor.
2023: Release of My Time at Sandrock
In 2023, My Time at Sandrock was released. It's spiritual successor, My Time at Evershine, has been announced.
January 2024: Survey indicates developer interest in Nintendo Switch 2
In January 2024, a survey at the Game Developers Conference revealed that 250 developers were already producing games for the Nintendo Switch 2, with an additional 32% expressing interest.
May 7, 2024: Furukawa Acknowledges Development of Switch Successor
On May 7, 2024, Nintendo president Furukawa officially acknowledged the development of the Switch's successor, with more information to be revealed later that fiscal year.
May 2024: Nintendo acquires Shiver Entertainment
In May 2024, Nintendo announced its acquisition of Shiver Entertainment from Embracer Group to bolster resources for software development and porting, especially for third-party games on Nintendo Switch 2.
August 2024: Report that the Switch 2 would not launch before April 2025
In August 2024, GamesIndustry.biz and Eurogamer reported that the console would not launch before April 2025.
September 2024: My Time at Evershine announced
In September 2024, Pathea Games announced My Time at Evershine, a spiritual successor to My Time at Portia and My Time at Sandrock.
September 18, 2024: Supposed images of the system leaked on Reddit
On September 18, 2024, supposed images of the system leaked on Reddit, with details that matched previous reports.
October 2024: Yooka-Replaylee Announced
In October 2024, Playtonic Games announced that their upcoming remaster, Yooka-Replaylee, would be released on "Nintendo platforms."
October 2024: Game Freak targeted in a data breach, revealing development for Switch 2
In October 2024, Pokémon series developer Game Freak experienced a data breach. Project plans for the tenth generation Pokémon games revealed simultaneous development for both Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.
October 2024: Game Freak Data Breach Exposes "Ounce" Codename
In October 2024, a data breach at Pokémon developer Game Freak exposed development materials, including references to the tenth generation Pokémon games and the Nintendo Switch successor, codenamed "Ounce".
2024: Microsoft announces support for Switch 2 with Xbox game ports
In 2024, Microsoft Gaming's Phil Spencer announced support for the Switch 2 with ports of Xbox games, including Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as part of their multiplatform distribution strategy.
January 1, 2025: Images of the system's motherboard appeared
On January 1, 2025, alleged images of the system's motherboard appeared, leading to speculation about the system on a chip's process node. Digital Foundry concluded that the Samsung 8nm process node is being used.
January 2025: Nintendo Switch sales data at Switch 2 announcement
By January 2025, at the time of the Switch 2's announcement, the original Nintendo Switch had sold over 146 million units worldwide, becoming Nintendo's best-selling home console.
January 2025: Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer released with early footage of Mario Kart World
In January 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer was released, featuring early footage of Mario Kart World. Mario Kart World was later announced to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.
January 16, 2025: Nintendo Reveals Switch 2
On January 16, 2025, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2. The reveal was followed by the full specifications and release details on April 2. Pre-orders in most regions began on April 5. The reveal attracted criticism for its pricing and its games.
February 2025: Analysts Predict Switch 2 Launch Price
In February 2025, Bloomberg L.P. analysts predicted that the Switch 2 would launch at a starting price of US$400 or higher, pending the impact of tariffs, projecting a strong launch due to exclusive software and backwards compatibility. The Switch 2 price would ultimately be revealed as US$449.99, drawing criticism, with select Switch 2 games announced to be retailing at US$80.
March 2025: Nintendo Announces and Launches Nintendo Today! App
During the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo simultaneously announced and launched the Nintendo Today! application for iOS and Android devices, serving as a news and calendar hub for Nintendo platforms, including daily updates on the Switch 2.
March 2025: FuturLab announces PowerWash Simulator 2 for Switch 2, then retracts statement
In March 2025, developer FuturLab initially confirmed the launch of PowerWash Simulator 2 on Switch 2 alongside other platforms, before partially retracting their statements to news outlets.
April 2, 2025: Nintendo Direct Presentation for Switch 2
On April 2, 2025, Nintendo premiered a one-hour Nintendo Direct presentation centered around the Switch 2, followed by Nintendo Treehouse presentations on Switch 2 games for the next two days.
April 2025: Publishers pledge support for Switch 2 during Nintendo Direct
During the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct in April 2025, multiple publishers, including Square Enix, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, and others, pledged support for the console. 46 games from publishing partners were confirmed, with 17 slated for the console's launch in June. Notable third-party releases were revealed such as Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Hades II, Borderlands 4 and others. Also, EA and Take-Two Interactive committed to bringing sports franchises to the platform, and Nintendo announced collaborations with partner studios on exclusive games.
April 2025: Nintendo confirms hall effect sensors are not used in Joy-Con 2
In April 2025, Nintendo confirmed that the new Joy-Con 2 controller thumbsticks do not use hall effect sensors. However, the new joysticks are designed to be "smoother" and "more reliable".
April 2025: Nintendo Releases Commercial Starring Paul Rudd
In April 2025, Nintendo released a commercial for the Nintendo console starring actor Paul Rudd, referencing a commercial promoting the SNES that he also starred in 34 years prior.
April 2025: Nintendo to introduce Virtual Game Cards
In April 2025, Nintendo will introduce Virtual Game Cards to aid users in bringing their Switch games to the Switch 2. These cards can virtually transfer digitally-purchased games or loan them out to a family member's Switch system for up to two weeks.
April 2025: Console won't launch before April 2025
In August 2024, GamesIndustry.biz and Eurogamer reported that the console would not launch before April 2025.
April 2025: Nintendo details Switch 2 backward compatibility and emulation method
As of April 2025, the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with most Switch games, both physically and digitally. Some games that require IR functionality may still be playable using the Joy-Con from the original Switch. Nintendo developed an emulation method to achieve this. Of the 122 Nintendo-developed games tested, all were found to be compatible except the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. Nintendo also announced that 20% of over 15,000 third-party-developed games had no compatibility issues.
April 24, 2025: Nintendo to Start Pre-Orders in the United States and Canada
Nintendo later affirmed that pre-orders for the console in the United States and Canada would start on April 24, 2025, with the console and console bundle with Mario Kart World remaining at the same price for launch, while other accessories saw an increase in price ranging from US$5 to $10.
June 5, 2025: Scheduled Release of Nintendo Switch 2
On June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to be released in most territories. The Nintendo Switch 2 is an upcoming hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo.
June 2025: Worldwide Events for Switch 2
From April through June 2025, Nintendo is hosting a series of worldwide events to allow players to try out the Nintendo Switch 2 console before its release.
June 2025: GameCube games to be available on Switch 2 via Nintendo Classics
In June 2025, Nintendo will launch a collection of GameCube games on the Switch 2's Expansion Pack under the rebranded "Nintendo Classics" moniker. Initial games include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II (both 2002), and F-Zero GX (2003).
September 30, 2025: Possible release date window within the first half of Nintendo's fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
Game publisher and accessory maker Nacon anticipated that the console would be released within the first half of Nintendo's fiscal year beginning in April, and ending September 30, 2025.
2025: Accessory Vendors Highlight Gear for Switch Successor at CES
In early January 2025, at the Consumer Electronics Show, several third-party accessory vendors highlighted gear slated for the Switch successor. Nintendo clarified that none of the mock-ups used at the show were official.
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