the Nintendo Switch 2 it’s finally official, and while we still don’t know when anyone will be able to own the new console, we do know when some lucky people will be able to try one for themselves. Nintendo is holding hands-on events starting on April 4 and running through June where you can try out the Switch 2 for yourself in select cities in North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia.

You can register for a “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience” event starting today, January 17th from 3PM ET / 12PM PT until January 26th at 11:59PM local time for each event location. If you plan to register, you must be 18 years or older and have a free Nintendo Account, or a Family Group Nintendo Account if you plan to be together in a group. There is no need for any kind of paid membership to Nintendo Switch Online and you don’t have to worry about family members under six having an account as long as they are accompanied by an adult who does.

Nintendo says the hands-on event is supposed to last two hours and 20 minutes, but doesn’t share what ticket holders will actually try during the experience. Maybe some Mario Kart?

It’s also important to stress, going to Nintendo’s website and registering for tickets doesn’t mean you can attend. Nintendo refers to the process as a drawing because attendees or groups of attendees are chosen at random. Signing up early does not guarantee you better entry.

Where Nintendo Switch Experience 2 events are held

Nintendo is hosting Switch 2 events for nearly three days in each city, though only hands-on locations have been announced in the first three cities.

In North America, you can register for a hands-on at:

• New York, April 4-6, 2025 at Center415

• Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025 in Television City

• Dallas, April 25-27, 2025 at the Embarcadero Building in Fair Park

• Toronto, April 25-27

For events in Europe, you can choose from:

• Paris, April 4-6, 2025

• London, April 11-13, 2025

• Milan, April 25-27, 2025

• Berlin, April 25-27, 2025

• Madrid, May 9-11, 2025

• Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025

In Oceania, there is only one event location:

Finally, in Asia, you can choose from:

• Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025

• Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025

• Hong Kong, Announce

• Taipei, Announce

How to sign up for a Nintendo Account

If you want to register to try the Switch 2, you need to have a Nintendo Account, and if you don’t already have one, it’s easy to set them up.

Head to Nintendo Account website to begin with. Then click “Create a new Nintendo Account.” From there, enter your date of birth and decide if you want to create your account using a Google or Apple account, or by entering your information from scratch.

If you choose the latter, enter a nickname, email address, date of birth, country of residence and timezone. Then agree to the User Agreement and Nintendo’s Privacy Policy by checking their respective boxes and hitting “Submit.” You will receive a verification code by email that you must enter in the empty verification code field and click “Verify.” If you do, you’ll be all set.

The process is the same whether you use an Apple or Google account. Nintendo will ask you to enter a nickname, date of birth, country of residence and timezone. You must also agree to the User Agreement and Privacy Policy, and submit a verification code. The key difference is that once you do, you can use your Apple or Google account to log in instead of an email.

How to add a child to your Nintendo Family Account Group

If you’re planning to check out the Switch 2 with young friends or family who aren’t old enough to have their own Nintendo Account, you can create one for them under the Nintendo Family Account Group.

To start, you need to log in yourself Nintendo Account. Then click on “Family group” and then “Add a member.” From there you can select “Create an account for a child.” Enter the child’s date of birth, and then enter your Nintendo Account password and click “OK.”

You will need to enter a nickname, a child account sign-in ID (a username, importantly) and a sign-in password. Agree to the User Agreement and Privacy Policy, then click “Submit, and then “OK” to create the account.

Update, January 17, 2:20PM ET: Added details on the duration of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience.