The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially announced, and a few lucky people can sign up for a chance to experience the new console firsthand before its official release. The console is the new generation version of the extremely popular Nintendo Switch, released alomost eight years ago. Not much has been revealed about the coming console yet, but its announcement was long in the making, with leaks and speculations ramping up in the weeks prior to the console's reveal.

The speculation is now over, and a few lucky people will get a chance to get their hands on a Switch 2 before its release date (which is yet to be revealed). Registration opens today for US residents for a chance to try out the Switch 2 at a special hands-on experience, according to the Nintendo website. The Switch 2 experience will be held in three cities across the US:

• Center415 in NYC, April 4-6
• Television City in Los Angeles, April 11-13
• Embarcadero Building at Fair Park in Dallas, April 25-27

Fans from outside the three cities that begin registration will also be able to preview the console ahead of time, according to further Switch 2 Experience details shared on the Nintendo website. The console will also be touring pre-release in the following locations, many of which are also opening for registration soon:

Registration requires a free Nintendo and will be held for a limited time between Jan 17, 3 p.m. ET until Jan. 26 at midnight (local time for each event). Entries will then be chosen at random and notified "shortly after."

Everything We Know About Switch 2 So Far

The Preview Experience Hints At Potential Release Window

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 was announced with a preview trailer yesterday, in a mysterious new button that's sparking speculation among fans. The Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the current console, at least up to a point, as Nintendo states that some games "may not be ed on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2."

Although the company hasn't confirmed a release date or window yet (aside from sometime in 2025), the Switch 2 Experience hints at a summer release for Nintendo's Next-Gen console. All the previews must be scheduled for prior to release, and the latest experience is scheduled to end on June 1, suggesting that the console won't be hitting stores until at least past that date. Nintendo will reveal further details about the Switch 2 console in a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, according to the official website.

Our Take: Nintendo Is Finally Ramping Up For Switch 2

The Console Will Add Some Much-Request Features

The reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 makes it clear that Nintendo is listening to fans. The console's backwards compatibility will be essential to selling units, since many fans already own and love many Switch games. Making the new console only play new-gen games would alienate a huge portion of the console's fanbase, especially the cozy gaming community that might not want to shell out anywhere near the rumored price tag for the console (note that no official price has been revealed yet).

It looks like special attention was also paid to the Joy-Cons' joysticks, which have been plagued with drifting issues since launch and one of the biggest gripes fans had about the Switch. The Nintendo Switch 2 looks to be bringing out Nintendo's best side, and although the rumor mill dampened some of the trailer's reveals, Nintendo likely has a few more tricks up its sleeves. Fans can be sure to hear more information about the much anticipated next-gen from the Japanese gaming company in the coming months.

Source: Nintendo website (1, 2, 3), Nintendo of America/YouTube