Nintendo is poised to confirm everything about its feverishly-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console in a 60-minute showcase streamed online from 2pm in the UK today (April 2, 2025).
But ahead of the next Nintendo Direct presentation, several retailers have launched preorders to reserve your spot in the queue — despite no confirmation of the Nintendo Switch 2 release date or UK price yet.
Popular video games retailer ShopTo is offering a 1p Nintendo Switch 2 preorder ahead of the announcement. It warns: "This item has a high demand, therefore we are allocating 1 per customer."
The listing is a way for the retailer to register the amount of interest in the successor to the Nintendo Switch, which first launched in March 2017. ShopTo customers can choose the "Pay on Dispatch" option, so you'll only need to pay the full amount for the console when it's ready to ship to your address.
If you pay the 1p upfront preorder fee, that amount will be removed from your final balance, ShopTo has confirmed. It will send an email to those who have paid the 1p fee with full details about the UK price, release date, and preorder quantities when the Switch 2 has been announced in the coming hours.
Preorder Nintendo Switch 2 for 1p
Popular game retailer ShopTo has launched its preorder page for the Nintendo Switch 2 — despite no confirmation about the UK release date or price from the Japanese gaming firm yet. Pay just 1p to secure a spot in the queue and ensure you're on the list to hear about the console when ShopTo is ready to start shipping the sequel to the bestselling Nintendo Switch. Shoppers will pay the full UK price on dispatch
ShopTo is the only UK retailer charging Nintendo fans for the privilege of registering their interest in the new console, but it's far from the only one with a listing for the incoming console.
Currys has launched a dedicated page on its online store for the next Nintendo Switch, where it asks gamers to enter their forename, surname, email address, and mobile number to continue to receive new details about the console as they're announced. It reads: "Nintendo Switch 2 announced!
"Register your interest below to be kept up to date on the latest Nintendo Switch 2 news."
Likewise, EE has launched an online portal to register their interest in the console. The mobile network will contact those who have entered their details once it has confirmation of the Switch 2 price, release date, and the upcoming games. It reads: "The next Generation of Nintendo is coming. Register your interest today and we'll let you know when the it's ready to order. Keep an eye out for an email from us."
Get ahead of the queues...
- Pay 1p to kickstart preorder process at ShopTo
- Register your interest with Currys
- Register your interest with EE
Watch Nintendo Switch 2 Direct below
In just a few hours, we'll finally get our first proper look at Nintendo's hotly-anticipated new console: Nintendo Switch 2. After months of rumours, the Japanese gaming firm will reveal all in a special Nintendo Direct presentation, which is schedule to begin at 2pm UK time today.
Ninteod shared a brief teaser of its next system back in January, but since then, it's remained shtum about the follow-up to the Switch, which is in Bronze Medal position just behind the Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console in history.
The presentation is expected to last around 60 minutes, giving plenty of time to showcase the console's features, games, and that mysterious "C" button that's sparked so much curiosity.
Industry analysts are predicting the Switch 2 could have one of the most successful launches in video game history, following in the footsteps of its predecessor which has sold over 150 million units since 2017.
The Switch 2 appears to be a more grown-up version of its colourful predecessor, sporting a sleek black finish with subtle blue and red accents on the edges of the Joy-Cons. You'll notice it's significantly larger than the original Switch, with reports suggesting an 8.4-inch display compared to the original's 6.2-inch screen.
One of the biggest upgrades comes to the Joy-Cons, which now attach magnetically instead of sliding into rails. This could finally solve the dreaded Joy-Con drift issue that plagued the original console.
The mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con has been the subject of much speculation.
Nintendo recently confirmed the letter but hasn't revealed what it stands for, with many suggesting it could be for a new chat or community feature. The console will feature two USB-C ports, one on top and one on the bottom, offering more flexibility for charging and accessories.
So far, we've only seen a brief glimpse of a new Mario Kart game in the January teaser, which seemingly features up to 24 players racing at the same time on wider tracks.
Nintendo recently announced "Virtual Game Cards," allowing users to share digital games between devices linked to the same Nintendo Account. Interestingly, the fine print mentioned "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games," suggesting certain existing Switch titles will receive enhanced versions optimised for the new console.
Industry insiders speculate a new 3D Mario game could release in December 2025.
Both Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 are scheduled to launch in 2025, making them likely candidates to launch on the console — as well as its predecessor.
Third-party support is expected to be stronger than the original Switch, with rumours suggesting games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Assassin's Creed Mirage could make their way to the system.
Xbox is widely tipped to bring several of its titles to the platform, including recent cross-platform hits like Hi-Fi Rush, Diablo 4, Fallout 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, to name just a few possibilities.
Based on recent leaks, you can expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to be priced between £325 and £350, slightly more expensive than the current Switch OLED model which retails at £309.99.
An Italian retailer briefly listed the console at €389.99 (approximately £325), aligning with Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa's comments about prioritising "affordability" despite inflation pressures.
The console is expected to launch in June 2025, according to multiple industry insiders.
This timing would make sense, as Nintendo's worldwide "Switch 2 Experience" events conclude in early June, suggesting a release shortly after.
Pre-orders are rumoured to open on 9th April, one week after today's presentation. Best Buy Canada accidentally published (then quickly deleted) a blog post confirming this pre-order date, though Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed these details yet.
You can watch the Nintendo Direct presentation on Nintendo's official YouTube and Twitch channels at 2pm UK time today. The livestream is expected to reveal more details about the Joy-Con's rumoured mouse functionality, which was briefly teased in the January trailer.
We've also embedded the live feed from Nintendo below, so you can stay tuned for the latest announcement without moving a muscle.
Patents suggest the controllers can be used like computer mice when sliding across a surface, potentially opening up new gameplay possibilities.
The presentation may also clarify which original Switch games will be compatible with the new system. Nintendo has confirmed backwards compatibility — but noted that not all titles may be fully supported.
Expect Nintendo to have a few surprises up its sleeve too – the company is known for its innovative approach to gaming hardware.
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