Mark your calendars: Nintendo is once again redefining on-the-go and living-room gaming with the Nintendo Switch 2, slated for release on June 5 at a suggested retail price of $449.99. This new system promises not just cutting-edge hardware, but also revolutionary online features that make playing with friends—near or far—easier than ever. From upgraded Joy-Con 2 controllers that double as mouse-like devices to a crisp new display that truly brings game worlds to life, the Nintendo Switch 2 is primed to spark a new era of memorable gaming experiences.
Hardware That Strikes the Perfect Balance
Bigger, Brighter Screen
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch HD display capable of full 1080p resolution in handheld mode, offering sharper visuals and more vibrant colors than the original Switch—without sacrificing portability. Nintendo’s improved CPU and GPU mean faster load times and smoother transitions, so whether you’re battling enemies or zooming around a racetrack, every moment looks and feels fluid.
Joy-Con 2: A Surprising Twist
Say goodbye to the standard controller experience. With the Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo has introduced magnetic connectors that snap onto the console with a satisfying “click” and also enable a novel mouse-like functionality. By sliding a Joy-Con 2 over a flat surface or even a pant leg, players can aim or direct characters in entirely new ways. From precision aiming in shooters to intuitive motion-based tasks, these controllers promise a dramatic leap forward in how we interact with our games.
Enhanced Audio and Charging Options
The Nintendo Switch 2 also boasts upgraded speakers and spatial 3D sound, making everything from an epic boss fight to a gentle soundtrack come through with extra clarity. An adjustable stand on the back of the console helps you find the perfect viewing angle in tabletop mode. Better still, a new top-mounted USB-C port means you can charge the system while it’s propped up—perfect for marathon multiplayer sessions or streaming video calls in the new GameChat feature.
GameChat: A New Way to Play Together
One of the most exciting revelations is GameChat, Nintendo’s new online communication platform. This built-in feature allows up to 12 people to voice chat and four friends to share their screens, creating a virtual couch for every game session. Those with a compatible USB-C camera (like Nintendo’s own sold-separately accessory) can take it a step further with video chat. Until March 2026, GameChat will be free for all Switch 2 owners, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required. Safety protocols and parental controls are robust, ensuring a secure environment for gamers of all ages.
More Storage and Backward Compatibility
With 256 GB of internal storage—eight times that of the original Switch—players can keep a sizable digital library right on the console. If that’s not enough, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers support for microSD Express cards, delivering faster data speeds than ever before.
Backward compatibility for Nintendo Switch games means your existing library (physical or digital) will work on the new system, though certain titles might require updates. Even your classic Joy-Con controllers and other peripherals can pair seamlessly with the Switch 2, preserving the accessories you’ve collected over the years.
Docking at 4K, Gaming at 120 fps
Connecting the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock to your TV now allows for gameplay at up to 4K resolution and 120 fps in compatible titles. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to experience Nintendo’s iconic franchises in a whole new way, the Switch 2’s high fidelity TV mode could be your dream come true.
GameShare and Virtual Game Cards
Nintendo’s tradition of fun, intuitive multiplayer expands with GameShare, a feature that lets a single Switch 2 owner share a compatible game with others—locally or online—so that everyone can join the adventure, even if they don’t own the title themselves. Plus, virtual game cards make managing your digital library easier, letting you lend or borrow games among family members and even load them onto another system without hassle.
Early-Bird Option: Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Want to jump in with a bang? Consider the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle, featuring the console, accessories, and a download code for the brand-new Mario Kart World. At $499.99, this limited edition set provides a ready-made party on launch day.
Games That Showcase Next-Gen Fun
Mario Kart World (June 5)
Race through a vast, interconnected environment where you can free-roam off the track and explore scenic spots with up to 24 racers. Or try Knockout Tour, an intense mode that tests your skills through back-to-back course challenges.
Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17)
Donkey Kong blasts into a 3D platforming action-adventure, tearing through terrain and using demolition-based gameplay to unlock new areas. Expect bananas, chaos, and the signature DK charm.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Launching on both Switch and Switch 2, the new Metroid Prime brings 4K at 60 fps or 120 fps at 1080p modes, taking advantage of the system’s enhanced graphics performance. Players can even opt to use Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for more accurate aiming.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Editions
Both iconic games receive visual and performance boosts, plus the new ZELDA NOTES app, which provides extra guidance and exclusive commentary from Princess Zelda herself.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Dive into Night City with upgraded visuals tailored for the Switch 2’s robust hardware, including faster load times and improved frame rates.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Relive Cloud Strife’s Midgar adventure with refined graphics, updated performance, and an added story chapter. It’s a fresh take on a modern classic—now on the go.
Street Fighter 6
Fight your way through all-new modes exclusive to Switch 2, including Local Wireless One on One and Gyro Battle, with support for Joy-Con 2’s advanced motion controls.
And Much More
Look forward to Hades II, EA SPORTS Madden NFL, NBA 2K, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, SPLIT FICTION, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Borderlands 4, and beyond. The launch lineup and upcoming releases are broad and diverse, ensuring there’s something for every type of gamer.
Accessibility and Parental Controls
Nintendo doubles down on inclusive design with screen readers, speech-to-text, and customizable font sizes. Parents can manage access via the upgraded Nintendo Switch Parental Control app, ensuring a secure experience when children venture online or into voice chat.
Release Date and Pre-Order Details
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in North America on June 5 for $449.99, with pre-orders opening on April 9, 2025. A wide array of accessories, including a separate USB-C camera for GameChat and a classic GameCube-style controller, will also be available for purchase.
Get Ready for a New Generation of Nintendo Magic
From the promise of 4K TV play and innovative Joy-Con 2 controls to the excitement of GameChat and the vast library of backward-compatible games, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be an unforgettable console. Between the powerful new hardware, the cheerful updates to beloved series, and fresh ways to game with friends worldwide, anticipation is at an all-time high.
Circle the date—June 5—and prepare to experience the most versatile, immersive Nintendo console yet. Your next grand adventure is just around the corner, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face the moment you hear that signature Switch “click.”
