Nintendo enthusiasts, the moment you’ve been waiting for is almost here. The gaming giant has officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in 2025. But you won’t have to wait until then to experience it firsthand. Starting this April, Nintendo is hosting the “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience,” a global tour offering fans an exclusive opportunity to test the new console ahead of its release.

The Nintendo Switch 2 promises to build upon the success of its predecessor, which has sold over 146 million units worldwide since its 2017 debut. While specific details about the new console are still under wraps, Nintendo has teased several exciting features:

• Enhanced display: Rumors suggest a larger, approximately 8-inch screen, potentially offering a 1080p resolution for a more immersive gaming experience.
• Magnetic Joy-Cons: The new controllers are expected to attach magnetically, possibly incorporating Hall-effect joysticks to prevent the notorious “drift” issue.
• Backward compatibility: Good news for current Switch owners—Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will support both physical and digital games from the original Switch library, though some titles may have limited compatibility.

Eager to get your hands on the Switch 2 before its official release? The Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour is your chance. Kicking off in April 2025, the tour will visit major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Here’s the full schedule:

North America:

• New York, April 4-6, 2025
• Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
• Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
• Toronto, April 25-27, 2025

Europe:

• Paris, April 4-6, 2025
• London, April 11-13, 2025
• Milan, April 25-27, 2025
• Berlin, April 25-27, 2025
• Madrid, May 9-11, 2025
• Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025

Oceania:

• Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025

Asia:

• Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025
• Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025
• Hong Kong, To be announced
• Taipei, To be announced

How to register for free tickets

Attending one of these exclusive events requires a bit of luck. Tickets will be distributed through a free-to-enter, randomly selected drawing. To participate, you’ll need a Nintendo Account. Registration for the drawing opens on January 17, 2025, and closes on January 26, 2025. Winners will be notified via email with further details.

What to expect at the event

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Experience the Switch 2 hardware: Get a feel for the new console’s design, including the updated Joy-Cons and enhanced display.
• Play upcoming titles: Be among the first to try out new games, including the highly anticipated next entry in the Mario Kart series.
• Engage with the community: Connect with fellow Nintendo fans and share your impressions of the new system.

Looking ahead

In addition to the hands-on events, Nintendo has scheduled a Direct presentation for April 2, 2025, where more detailed information about the Switch 2’s features, pricing, and exact release date will be unveiled.