Published on: April 27, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: Official Nintendo Magazine Returns in Japan with Special Issue
As excitement builds for the imminent launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is taking a nostalgic turn to commemorate this milestone.
The iconic Kyoto-based developer has announced it will reintroduce the Official Nintendo Magazine in Japan, available in both digital and physical formats.
This dedicated magazine issue will provide fans with exclusive insights and information about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, reaffirming Nintendo’s tradition of celebrating its major hardware releases with unique content experiences.
Reviving an iconic publication for a new era
The Nintendo Magazine, once a staple among Japanese gamers, is making its return at a pivotal moment in Nintendo's hardware history.
Nintendo revealed that the "Nintendo Magazine Special Issue," focused entirely on the Nintendo Switch 2, will be made available as a downloadable digital edition on the official Nintendo website.
Concurrently, a physical version will be distributed across Japanese retailers, with shipments beginning around May 9, 2024.
This approach marks a blend of digital accessibility and the tactile nostalgia that physical gaming publications evoke.
According to a formal statement from Nintendo, the magazine will largely emulate the edition previously offered to attendees at the "Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Event"—a hands-on showcase held in Japan to offer select fans an early introduction to the new console.
Official communications confirmed, "The digital version of the 'Nintendo Magazine Special Issue' featuring the Nintendo Switch 2 will soon be available on Nintendo’s website, and shipments to nationwide retailers are expected to start from May 9th.
The publication’s content closely mirrors the special issue distributed at the current 'Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Event.'"
Nintendo has not elaborated on whether similar distribution plans are in place for North American or European audiences.
Historically, regional releases of Nintendo’s publications have varied, and while the revival of the Official Nintendo Magazine will undoubtedly stir nostalgia among global fans, there is currently no indication that a Western version will accompany the Japanese launch.
A milestone moment for Nintendo Switch 2
The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 marks the next chapter in Nintendo’s hardware evolution, building on the remarkable success of the original Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 130 million units worldwide since its 2017 debut.
Nintendo’s renewed investment in print and digital media to promote the Switch 2 highlights its commitment to fan engagement and immersive launch experiences.
Gamers based in Japan can look forward to this special magazine as both a collectible and a source of detailed coverage about the Nintendo Switch 2.
With anticipation surging ahead of the new console's arrival, the Official Nintendo Magazine’s return underscores Nintendo’s unique approach to community-building and product launches.
As more details about the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive magazine become available, fans worldwide will be watching closely for any announcements regarding international availability.
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