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HANDS-ON

Nintendo fans can play Switch 2 early including launch games but you have to sign up today

You can play the Switch 2 months before it's released

NINTENDO gave fans a first look at its next-generation console yesterday, January 16, and fans can’t wait to get their hands on one.

Luckily, they won’t have to wait until the Switch 2 is released as Nintendo is holding hands-on sessions for the upcoming console.

Nintendo Switch 2 console in dock.
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Nintendo recently revealed its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2Credit: Nintendo
Nintendo Switch 2 console and controller.
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It's larger than the original Switch, and features magnetic Joy-ConCredit: Nintendo
Nintendo Switch playing Mario Kart.
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People can go hands on with the upcoming console at worldwide events, and a new Mario Kart might be playableCredit: Nintendo

Nintendo did a similar event with the Switch, allowing people to play 20 minutes of launch games The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2 Switch, months before the console was released.

So far we have only seen a new Mario Kart game, and this could be playable at the event.

We expect a similar experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on event, however, given the success of the Switch, this one will likely be far more popular.

If you’re interested in trying the Switch 2 yourself before launch, here are the cities and dates when you can get your hands on one:

More in Switch 2

  • US & Canada
    • New York April 4 to April 6, 2025
    • Los Angeles – April 11 to April 13, 2025
    • Dallas April 25 to April 27, 2025
    • Toronto April 25 to April 27, 2025
  • Europe
    • Paris – April 4 to April 6, 2025
    • London – April 11 to April 13, 2025
    • Milan – April 25 to April 27, 2025
    • Berlin – April 25 to April 27, 2025
    • MadridMay 9 to May 11, 2025
    • AmsterdamMay 11 to May 9, 2025
  • Australia
    • Melbourne – May 10 to May 11, 2025
  • Asia
    • Tokyo April 26 to April 27, 2025
    • Seoul – May 31 to June 1, 2025
    • Hong Kong TBA
    • Taipei – TBA

Online sign-ups for the US events begin today, Friday, January 17, 2025, and you’ll need to be signed up if you want to grab a spot.

The sign-up page will go live at 12pm PT / 2pm CT / 3pm ET, and you have to choose the location you would like to attend before signing up.

Sign-ups will close on Sunday, January 26, 2025, and all entries will then be added to a lottery, and people will be given a spot at random.

Those who want to attend at a location outside of the US then you will need to check your local Nintendo page for when sign ups go live.

Note that you will need a Nintendo Account in order to sign up, so it’s best to set one up in advance.

If you want to read more about Switch 2 games, check out what we know about the upcoming Mario Kart game.

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