Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart 9 and launch titles, Mouse-Con functionality, release window, pre-orders, more

It finally happened folks…the Switch 2 has arrived and the countdown to release starts now. Nintendo finally unveiled the first look trailer for the next-generation console this morning, as you likely already know, promising what sounds like a complete rundown of its feature set in early April. But we can already deduce a number of details about the console, the Switch 2 launch title(s), as well as a launch window, among other things. Head below for everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 as of right now. 

When is Nintendo Switch 2 releasing? 

Nintendo Switch 2 is releasing in 2025…this we know for sure. As far the exact date is concerned, that’s another question entirely. We all assumed Switch 2 would release in 2025 after Nintendo said it would officially reveal is next-generation console before March of this year, and that it did, but it hasn’t given much more than the broad year-long release window at this point. 

That said, and with an official Nintendo direct showcase seemingly dedicated to Nintendo Switch 2 scheduled to land in early April, we suspect pre-orders will start on either April 2 or shortly thereafter, with the Switch 2 release date landing well before holiday 2025 at the latest. 

There’s a series of hands-on Nintendo Switch 2 experience events scheduled to run right up until June 1, so chances are the actual release won’t land until after that. 

When is the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showcase?

Nintendo has announced that there will be a Nintendo Direct Showcase seemingly (likely) dedicated purely to the new Switch 2 going live on April 2, 2025. 

When do Nintendo Switch preorders start?

We don’t know for sure yet, but Best Buy already has a sign-up landing page ready and some have suggested it could be right after the Direct showcase, if not in the following days or weeks.

Backwards compatible: Can you play Switch games on Nintendo Switch 2?

This is a question just a bout everyone asks just about every time a new console comes out, and the answer when it comes to Nintendo Switch 2 is yes…sort of. By the sounds of it just about all Switch games will be playable on Nintendo Switch 2, but some will have limited functionality. 

Here it is in Nintendo’s own words:

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.

Can Nintendo Switch 2 play both digital and physical cartridges? 

Yes, yes it can. We see imagery of cartridges in the first-look trailer and Nintendo has confirmed as much: “Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch game.” 

Can the magnetic Nintendo Switch 2 controllers be used like a mouse?

Rumors and leaks suggested a set of new sensors on the inside of edge of the Joy-Con – the side that magnetically attaches to the console itself – would support the Joy-Con being slid along a flat surface and used like a mouse. Judging by some of the in-motion teaser imagery in the first-look trailer, it would seem that Nintendo is all but confirming this. 

We might very well all just be tricking ourselves into thinking they can support this just because some folks said they would be able to, and the fact that Nintendo has renders of the controllers seemingly racing along the surface in the teaser video, but it does look like Joy-Mouse…Mouse-Con action is real. 

What is the new square button on the Switch 2 Joy-Con?

I don’t know! In fact no one seems to at this point. Perhaps it has something to do with the mouse functionality mentioned above, but it is indeed still a mystery. There were early reports and leaks that this button was called the “C” button, but it is indeed unmarked so we are unsure of that is still, or was ever, the case. If it is though, some have suggested it could have something to do with casting the Switch, screen sharing-style. 

What are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games?

Nintendo hasn’t officially said anything just yet – this information or at least some kind of teaser pointing at the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games will likely hit during the Switch 2 Direct in early April. 

Mario Kart 9 appears to have been teased in today’s first-look trailer (more on that below) and, curiously, we have seen mentions to the effect of “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, New 3D Mario, New Mario Kart, A Legend of Zelda Remake/Remaster, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Pokemon Legends: Z-A” mentioned on retail listings as 2025 Switch games – it’s likely safe to assume some of these titles will land in and around the launch of Switch 2. 

Mario Kart 9?!!

During the Switch 2 first look trailer, the only game we saw in action was a Mario Kart title…it very much appeared to be a new one too. This was likely Mario Kart 9, or whatever it might be called when the time comes, and it better not be Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 2 HD remake 2.0, if you know what I mean. 

There’s indeed a ton of evidence pointing to the game we saw in today’s trailer being a new Mario Kart game entirely though. 

Firstly, it very much appears as though there will as many as 24-player racers judging by this quick look at the starting line. 

The course on display here is indeed an entirely new one as well – although it wouldn’t be odd for Nintendo to add loads of new courses to an existing Mario Kart title (please let this not be true). 

The Donkey Kong character model seems to be resigned entirely by the looks of it and the actual karts themselves appear to be different from 8 Deluxe. 

Only time will tell, and while the wait until April might feel like longest 3 months ever for some, it won’t be much longer now,

Subscribe to the gadgetnewsonline YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!