Only two weeks remain until the highly anticipated Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, where the gaming giant is expected to unveil crucial technical details about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. As of now, Nintendo has not disclosed an official release date for the next-gen console. Speculation has been rampant, with rumors suggesting potential launch windows ranging from April right after the Direct to as late as the 2025 holiday season.
The most recent rumor surrounding the Switch 2 suggests a release date much sooner than previously thought. This speculation, shared by ThunderStash Gaming via Nintendo Life on social media platform X, posits that the new console could be available to consumers starting on May 15. ThunderStash emphasizes that this theory is grounded in logical deductions, community research, and observable patterns rather than insider information or leaks.
ThunderStash cites three significant clues that he believes support the May 15 release date theory. First, there are several major game launches scheduled for that period. Notably, Doom: The Dark Ages is set to release on May 15 and is speculated to be a launch title for the Switch 2. While Nintendo's history with the Doom franchise is well-established, it may not necessarily guarantee a tie-in with the new console.
Another key factor is the Nintendo Switch 2 experience event, which will take place in major cities across the United States and other countries from April 4 to May 11, before resuming in Seoul, Korea on May 31. ThunderStash suggests that this 20-day window could be the perfect time for Nintendo to launch its new console.
Additionally, a collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo is set to debut a new, expansive Mario Kart set on May 15. Traditionally, LEGO releases new sets at the beginning of the month or on weekends, making this mid-week drop particularly intriguing. This set is expected to be exclusive to LEGO.com initially, with broader retailer availability starting on July 1, potentially linking the release to Mario Kart 9, which could coincide with the Switch 2 launch.
On the same day, Nintendo will also unveil a new flagship store in San Francisco, which could serve as a strategic marketing move to coincide with the console launch. ThunderStash further notes other events happening around May 15, such as the opening of Donkey Kong Country at the Universal Super Nintendo World park, which is also slated for Memorial Day weekend.
Further supporting this speculation, reports indicate that a Vietnamese manufacturing facility shipped nearly 400,000 Switch 2 consoles to North America in January. ThunderStash argues that it would be unlikely for Nintendo to store these units until June or later, suggesting that a May release could be more plausible.
The reasoning behind this theory appears sound. Although some may doubt the connection to the LEGO partnership, the pattern of spring releases for major titles by Nintendo cannot be overlooked. Historically, significant titles like Mario Kart 8, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Splatoon have all seen May launches. Last year, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was released in mid-May, reinforcing the trend of spring releases for major games.
While the speculation regarding the Switch 2 release continues, it is clear that Nintendo has been preparing for this console for several years. Whether the gaming giant opts for a quick turnaround or a more extended wait remains uncertain. For now, gamers eagerly await the Nintendo Direct on April 2, and you can stay updated by checking out our Switch 2 hub for all the latest information.
