Here’s how you can play the Nintendo Switch 2 early for free in the UK

Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2, and you can get the chance to play it early at a slew of hands-on events around the world.
The Nintendo Switch 2 announcement may have been light on details but it was very upfront about when you can get a chance to play it.
Nintendo’s next console features bigger Joy-Cons, additional ports, and seemingly mouse-like functionality, although its technical specifications haven’t yet been confirmed (based on leaks though, it will be around the level of a PlayStation 4).
If the reveal has made you hungry to get your hands on the console, Nintendo has announced various ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Experience’ dates around the world where you can do just that.
Where can I play the Nintendo Switch 2 early in the UK?
So far, Nintendo has only announced Switch 2 Experience dates in London in the UK. This event will take place at the ExCel London convention centre from Friday April 11 to Sunday April 13, 2025.
How can I register for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience?
For the London dates, you can register for free on Nintendo’s website here, from where you’ll be entered into a randomly selected draw. Registration is open now until Sunday, January 26 at 11.59pm GMT, so you have some time to enter.
When you register, you have to pick a specific time slot on a chosen day. You can only enter once across all days, so you can’t put yourself down for multiple draws. According to Nintendo’s FAQ page, each session is expected to last around four hours.
All entrants will need to have a free Nintendo Account. You can either register as an individual or as a group of up to six people, although the latter requires everyone to have a Nintendo Account that is linked to the same Nintendo Account family group. You can find details about how to link members into one family group here.
Children aged six and under do not need an individual ticket to attend and can join with their parent or guardian who has a ticket. If your child is aged seven and over, they need to be registered by someone who is aged 18+ as part of a family group.
Following the deadline date, those who have won tickets will be notified by email.
What are the other dates around the world?
You can check out a list of all the dates below, across the US, Europe, Asia and the rest of the world.
Nintendo Switch 2 Experience dates
Europe:
Paris, Grand Palais – April 4-6
London, ExCel convention centre – April 11-13
Milan, The Mall – April 25-27
Berlin, Station Berlin – April 25-27
Madrid, Chamartin Station – May 9-11
Amsterdam, Taets Art and Event Park – May 9-11
US:
New York, Center415 – April 4-6
Los Angeles, Television City – April 11-13
Dallas, Embarcadero Building at Fair Park – April 25-27
Canada:
Toronto, Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place – April 25-27
Oceania:
Melbourne, Centrepiece at Melbourne Park – May 10-11
Asia:
Tokyo – April 26-27
Seoul – May 31-June 1
Hong Kong – TBA
Taipei – TBA
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