During the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo revealed the release date, price, and launch games for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, with a suggested price of $449.99. Pre-orders begin April 9. [UPDATE 4/04/25: Nintendo has delayed the pre-order date for US customers due to the “potential impact of tariffs.” The release date is unchanged.]
The Switch 2 includes the new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, along with grip, plus a dock, HDMI cable, AC adapter, and USB-C charging cable.
The Switch 2 features a larger screen size at 7.9 inches, and double the pixels. Additionally, the handheld mode now supports up to 1080p, while docked mode supports 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. The handheld screen also features an LCD screen that supports HDR.
The storage has expanded from the meager 32 GB of the original Switch to an internal storage of 256 GB. The Switch 2 only supports microSD Express cards, however.
The new Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically, which looks like a big improvement over the awkward slide of the original. Plus, the Joy-Con 2 can act as a mouse by sliding one or both halves on a surface.
Nintendo also revealed what the mysterious new C Button does on the right Joy-Con. It’s for GameChat!
GameChat is a new online social feature that supports voice chat, screen sharing, and even webcams via the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately). GameChat supports up to 12 players, with up to four players sharing their screen along the bottom.
Children under the age of 16 will need parent’s permission to use GameChat, with an update coming to Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is normally required to use GameChat (also required for online play anyway). However, GameChat will launch with an “Open-Access period,” allowing anyone to use GameChat until the end of March 2026.
Switch 2 players can also share select multiplayer games via the new GameShare feature. A single game can be shared locally between Switch 2 and Switch systems, or online with other Switch 2 systems.
The Switch 2 launches alongside Mario Kart World. Mario Kart World is an all-new entry in the racing series featuring connected courses, off-roading free roam, and 24 drivers. A full Mario Kart World Direct will offer more details on April 17.
A bundle featuring Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World will be available at launch for $499.99 (includes download code for Mario Kart World).
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct also revealed several Switch games that are getting new Switch 2 editions: Super Mario Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The Switch 2 versions will benefit from the graphical upgrade of the Switch 2.
The new edition of Super Mario Jamboree also features additional AR game modes that utilize the Switch 2 camera.
Owners of the existing Switch versions can purchase Upgrade Packs for the Switch 2.
Most Switch games will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, though we haven’t found a definitive list yet.
Upcoming Nintendo games Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch for the Switch and the Switch 2. The Switch 2 versions will enjoy higher resolution and frame rate. Metroid Prime 4 also supports mouse control aiming with the Joy-Con 2.
Nintendo also announced a new exclusive Switch 2 game with Donkey Kong Bananza. Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D platforming adventure with Donkey Kong smashing through the world on a quest for bananas. It’s launching July 17.
Third party launch titles for the Switch 2 include Hogwarts Legacy, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, Street Fighter 6, and Civilization 7.
FromSoftware also announced new multiplayer action game The DuskBloods, coming exclusively to Switch 2 in 2026.
Are you planning on getting a Switch 2 at launch? Let us know in our social media channels, and sign up for our weekly newsletter!
