Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know

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On April 2nd, the much-anticipated Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2 went live, revealing exciting new features of the upcoming console and a variety of games set to be released either on or after its launch date. And here’s some great news: We now know that the Nintendo Switch 2 will officially become available on store shelves starting June 5th, 2025.

The listed price for the product is $449.99, while the Nintendo Switch 2 packaged with Mario Kart World is priced at $499.99. Pre-orders for this system start from April 9 at North American stores. If you’re interested in purchasing the Switch 2 through the My Nintendo Store, you can express your interest on their website. Should you be chosen, you will receive an email invitation to purchase the system, with the first wave of invitations scheduled for May 8.

In this write-up, you’ll find all the details uncovered regarding the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, including its specifications and the exciting lineup of games set to grace its screen.

What Are the New Features of the Nintendo Switch 2?

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 boasts an enhanced screen nearly eight inches in size, offering a clear 1080p display. Despite this larger and more powerful screen, the console maintains its original thickness. When connected to a TV, the Switch 2 can broadcast 4K video at up to 60 frames per second (FPS). However, it can reach 120 FPS when the resolution is reduced. To manage heat from improved performance, Nintendo incorporated a cooling fan into the dock of the Switch 2, ensuring stable operation.

In a notable improvement, Nintendo appears to have addressed an issue that bothered many Switch users – the fragile kickstand. The initial Switch model featured a rather feeble, narrow plastic stand for tabletop mode, which frequently broke or became unstable for some users. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a more robust and expansive stand that spans the console’s entire width, ensuring greater stability. This new stand is also adjustable, offering versatility in terms of angle adjustment from 150 degrees back. As for tabletop gaming, there’s now a USB-C port located atop the console for charging during playtime. The existing USB-C port on the bottom allows the Switch to charge even with an accessory attached.

In the updated version of the Nintendo Switch, the revamped Joy-Cons mark one of its major modifications. Unlike the original ones that slide onto a plastic track, these new Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically. The magnets in the system securely hold the SL and SR buttons, which are made from steel, when they’re snapped into place, creating a robust magnetic bond.

In the revamped design of Joy-Cons, both SL and SR buttons have been enlarged for enhanced comfort during sideways play. The L and R Buttons, along with the joysticks, are now extended for a more comfortable thumb rest. Moreover, a novel wrist strap is introduced, employing a magnetic snap mechanism for hassle-free attachment. Furthermore, the Joy-Con 2s introduce innovative gaming experiences by incorporating a mouse functionality. By positioning it on a flat surface and moving the controllers sideways, you can effectively use them like a mouse.

Instead of being black, Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridges are colored red. In comparison to the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 boasts a whopping 256 GB internal storage – that’s eight times more! Additionally, the Switch 2 will leverage microSD Express cards for improved processing speeds and an overall smoother gaming experience.

The GameChat Feature for the Switch 2, Explained

On the latest Switch 2 console, an innovative feature called GameChat has been introduced, enabling real-time interactive gaming with friends. This feature offers voice chat, screen sharing, and video conferencing options, ensuring a seamless multiplayer experience. The built-in microphone in GameChat facilitates two-way communication between you and your companions, even when other noisy appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, or vacuum are operational simultaneously during gameplay. Voice isolation technology is integrated into the mic, ensuring that your friends only hear your voice amidst the background noise.

Furthermore, you have the ability to share your screen live, regardless of the game you’re playing individually. A special “C button” on the right Joy-Con makes this feature easily accessible and initiates an online chat instantly. For video conferencing, Nintendo introduces a novel accessory called the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which unfortunately needs to be purchased separately. Simultaneously, up to four people can engage in video chats and screen shares. This camera also serves a purpose within games, such as Mario Party, where players’ reactions become visible on-screen.

Note that GameChat can be utilized exclusively by those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. To allow everyone to try it out, Nintendo is offering a temporary “Open Access Period” for GameChat. During this period, starting from the launch date and lasting until March 31, 2026, all players will have access to GameChat, regardless of their membership status.

All the New Games Announced For Switch 2: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong, New Zelda, and More

Nintendo announced a plethora of different games and game upgrades during their Nintendo Direct.

As a diehard fan of gaming, I’m thrilled to share that some of my favorite Nintendo Switch titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of Kingdom”, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond”, “Super Mario Party Jamboree”, “Kirby and the Forgotten Land”, and “Pokémon Legends Z-A” are getting upgraded editions for the upcoming Switch 2! If you’ve already got any of these games on your current Switch, you can grab an update pack to enjoy the new features. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting new titles that are in store:

Mario Kart World

On the very first day of release, you’ll find Mario Kart World, the eagerly awaited sequel to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, hitting the shelves – and it comes as a package deal with the console! Released over seven years since its predecessor, Mario Kart World presents an interconnected world for players to traverse in their karts. Different terrains and weather conditions add variety to the journey. The video below gives you a glimpse of the new gameplay modes that are on offer. Priced at $79.99, it’s ready to bring excitement to your gaming experience!

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

A fresh installment of the Zelda series is being developed! This upcoming title serves as a prequel to “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” with Nintendo and Koei-Tecmo joining forces for its creation. Initial hints suggest that players may take on the roles of Princess Zelda, King Rauru, or Mineru. At present, the creators have shared few details about the game, only confirming its winter release. For a sneak peek at the graphics and some gameplay, watch the trailer below.

Donkey Kong Bananza

In a short while after its launch on July 17, Donkey Kong Blitz hits the shelves. This is an entirely fresh 3D platform game where Donkey Kong takes center stage. The game’s synopsis reads, “Assist Donkey Kong as he navigates through the Underground World. The further he ventures, the more extraordinary locales he discovers!” Donkey Kong Blitz will be priced at $69.99. Have a look at the trailer below to catch glimpses of Donkey Kong wrecking everything!

The Duskbloods

This game was developed by FromSoftware, renowned for creating Dark Souls and Elden Ring. It’s set to debut exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the year 2026. Details about this game are scarce at the moment, but the graphics suggest a gothic setting. The protagonist appears to be a vampire based on the trailer where he seems to drink blood from someone’s neck and the title implies a connection to vampires. Here is a sneak peek of the trailer below.

Nintendo Partner Games for the Switch 2

Apart from Nintendo, several other game developers who are their partners also announced new titles. Among them is the team behind the Hitman series, working on a game themed after James Bond called “Project 007“. This unique title promises an original Bond narrative.

Some eagerly awaited games include Street Fighter 6, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Borderlands 4, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and many others. Take a look at some of Nintendo’s collaborative games listed below.

A few exciting upcoming titles are Street Fighter 6, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Borderlands 4, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and more. Check out some of Nintendo’s co-developed games listed below.

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Among the hotly anticipated releases are Street Fighter 6, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Borderlands 4, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and many others. Take a look at some of Nintendo’s partner-developed games below.

Lastly:

Some highly expected games include Street Fighter 6, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Borderlands 4, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and more. Check out some of Nintendo’s collaborative titles listed below.

Each variation conveys the same information in a slightly different way, so you can choose the one that best fits your writing style and audience.

You can find all the games Nintendo announced on its website.

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2025-04-03 18:04