Nintendo enthusiasts are in for a major treat this Wednesday as the tech giant prepares to unveil the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement, which will take place during a special Nintendo Direct, promises to give a “closer look” at the console’s features, including its new design elements and game titles.

The first official glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2 came in January, through a teaser video on Nintendo’s YouTube channel. The short clip showcased several aspects of the console’s design and offered a preview of Mario Kart 9, one of the highly anticipated games. Now, the upcoming Direct is expected to provide the concrete details fans have been eagerly waiting for, including answers to pressing questions about the device’s hardware.

Speculations are rife regarding the new button on the right Joy-Con, the size of the console’s screen in comparison to the original Switch, and whether the Joy-Cons will have the ability to function as a mouse. The event will also address questions about the Switch 2’s price and release date—details fans are eagerly awaiting.

How to Watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct will be streamed on YouTube at 6 a.m. PT (9 a.m. ET) on Wednesday and will last for 60 minutes. For those eager to dive into gameplay, Nintendo Treehouse will take over on Thursday and Friday, with hands-on demonstrations of upcoming titles at 7 a.m. PT (10 a.m. ET). The first Treehouse stream will run for four hours, while the second will last three hours, providing plenty of content for fans to sink their teeth into.

Game Predictions for the Switch 2 Direct

As the Direct approaches, the speculation surrounding potential game announcements continues to build. Among the expected titles, here are some key predictions:

1. Mario Kart 9
   Given its presence in the first look trailer, Mario Kart 9 seems a surefire inclusion for the Switch 2’s game lineup.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
   Despite the game’s long absence from major showcases, recent updates and hints suggest that Hollow Knight: Silksong may finally make an appearance at the Direct.
3. New 3D Mario Game
   Nintendo’s tradition of launching a new 3D Mario title with each console generation is likely to continue. A new entry following the success of Super Mario Odyssey could be in the cards.
4. New Pokémon Game
   With Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the horizon, a new mainline Pokémon game may be revealed, as Pokémon Legends games have been launched in parallel with other titles in the franchise.
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Sequel
   Given the immense success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a sequel or significant update could be in development, potentially arriving alongside the Switch 2.
6. Masahiro Sakurai’s New Game
   The famed director behind Super Smash Bros. has been working on a new project. Whether it’s a new installment in the Super Smash Bros. franchise or something entirely fresh, fans are eagerly awaiting news.
7. Mario Maker 3D
   The idea of Mario Maker 3D has been a popular fan theory. If Nintendo decides to bring the Mario Maker formula into the 3D realm, it would be a groundbreaking addition to the Switch 2 library.

Other titles already announced for the Switch, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, will likely make an appearance in quick montages, giving fans a sneak peek into the future of the Switch 2’s game catalog.

As the Switch 2 Direct draws near, the excitement continues to build. Fans can expect a jam-packed showcase that will not only highlight the new hardware but also reveal the next big chapter in Nintendo’s gaming legacy.