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

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 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:

• 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
  • Madrid – May 9 to May 11, 2025
  • Amsterdam – May 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.