Nintendo has officially announced details about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, marking its first new console release since the original Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $450. It will be sold separately and in a bundle with Mario Kart World, an exclusive game for the new console.
Enhanced Design and Features
Building on its predecessor’s hybrid design, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be larger with a bigger 1080p LCD screen supporting 120fps and HDR. While some users may miss the OLED display, the dock will support 4K output for enhanced visuals on TVs.
Key design upgrades include:
- 256GB of storage (8x more than the previous model).
- Support for microSD express cards (instead of standard microSD cards).
- Heftier Joy-Con controllers, now magnetically attachable to the console’s sides.
- A sturdier kickstand for tabletop gaming.
- USB-C charging ports on the top and bottom of the device.
The classic colorway is matte black with light red and blue accents, paying homage to the original Switch design while offering a sleeker look.
New Joy-Con Functionality & GameChat Feature
The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons introduce new features, including:
- Motion control enhancements via an improved gyroscope.
- Functionality similar to a computer mouse for certain games.
- A “C button” for GameChat, Nintendo’s new in-game voice and screen-sharing chat system.
GameChat enables players to communicate with friends and share game screens within the console—even if they’re playing different games. The right C button offers additional chat controls, including mute options. However, after March 31, 2026, GameChat will require a paid online membership.
Launch Accessories & Nintendo Switch Camera
Nintendo also revealed a Nintendo Switch Camera, which attaches to the console and integrates with GameChat. It allows players to overlay their faces on games, making it perfect for multiplayer experiences like Mario Party Jamboree.
Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will be available at launch, incorporating the new C button for seamless gameplay interaction.
Game Lineup: New Titles & Upgrades
- Exclusive launch title: Mario Kart World – a semi-open world version of the classic racing series.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, set for release in winter 2025.
- Kirby AirRiders (2025) – a remake of the GameCube classic Kirby Air Ride.
- Donkey Kong Bananza – launching on July 17, 2025.
- The Duskbloods (2026) – an exclusive FromSoftware title.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will also support games from third-party developers, including:
- Hades II
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Street Fighter
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Deltarune (Chapters 3 & 4) (available at launch).
Nintendo is also expanding Nintendo Online services to include GameCube classics like Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Luigi’s Mansion, Pokémon XD, and Super Mario Strikers. A remastered GameCube controller with a C button will be available for purchase.
For existing Switch users, paid upgrades will be available for enhanced versions of select titles, such as:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Pokémon Legends Z-A
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Mario Party Jamboree
With strong hardware upgrades, innovative features, and a promising game lineup, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a major player in the next generation of gaming.
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