Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know
Image Credit: Nintendo
Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and we now have all the details on its price, release date, new features, and game lineup. With the official launch date set for June 5, 2025, excitement is at an all-time high. Preorders will begin on April 8, 2025.
Here’s everything we learned from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Bundles
Nintendo is offering two versions of the console at launch:
- Standard Nintendo Switch 2 – $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99 / £429.99 / AU$769.95
The bundle includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World, the biggest Mario Kart game yet.
Comparing the Switch 2 to the Original Switch
The Nintendo Switch 2 significantly improves on the original Switch (2017) and the Switch OLED (2021). Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Switch 2 | Switch OLED | Original Switch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 7.9-inch HDR LCD, 120Hz | 7-inch OLED, 60Hz | 6.2-inch LCD, 60Hz |
| Storage | 256GB | 64GB | 32GB |
| CPU & GPU | Custom SoC, Ray Tracing | Custom Tegra X1 | Tegra X1 |
| Battery Life | 6-10 hours | 4.5-9 hours | 2.5-6.5 hours |
| USB-C Ports | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Joy-Con | Joy-Con 2 with ‘C’ button | Standard Joy-Con | Standard Joy-Con |
The Nintendo Switch 2’s custom chipset brings significant performance enhancements, allowing it to run more graphically demanding games than ever before.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Upgrades
Image Credit: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings major improvements over its predecessor, including:
- 256GB Storage – Eight times more than the original Switch.
- 7.9-inch HD LCD Screen – Supports HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Two USB-C Ports – For faster charging and accessories.
- Game Cards with Faster Read Speeds.
- New System-on-a-Chip (SoC) – Powerful enough to run Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly.
- Ray-Tracing Capabilities – A first for a Nintendo console.
Performance & Battery Life
Nintendo claims that the battery life has been extended, ranging from 6-10 hours, depending on the game being played. Additionally, the new SoC is designed for energy efficiency, ensuring better performance without excessive heat generation.
New Dock with 4K Upscaling
The Nintendo Switch 2 Dock now supports 4K output through AI-powered upscaling, allowing games to look sharper on TVs. The dock includes an Ethernet port, a feature previously introduced with the Switch OLED.
New ‘C’ Button for Voice Chat & Video Calls
A new ‘C’ button is featured on Joy-Con 2, the Pro Controller, and a GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. It activates GameChat, a voice chat service that allows:
- In-game voice chat with up to four players.
- Screen sharing for gameplay streaming.
- Video calls when using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (sold separately for $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.95) plugs in via USB-C and enables video calls.
Mario Kart World: A Revolution in Racing
Image Credit: Nintendo
Nintendo’s Direct kicked off with a deep dive into Mario Kart World, which is nearly entirely open-world. Key highlights include:
- 24-player races on massive tracks.
- Dynamic weather and time-of-day changes.
- Seamless race transitions – Drive from one race directly into the next.
- Exploration elements where players can drive beyond the track.
A dedicated Nintendo Direct for Mario Kart World will air on April 17, 2025.
Switch 2 Edition Games: Enhanced Classics
Several older games are getting Switch 2 Edition upgrades, including:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
- Pokemon Legends Z-A.
Existing owners of these games can upgrade for a small fee.
GameShare: A Revived Classic Feature
GameShare is a spiritual successor to Download Play from the Nintendo DS era.
- Play multiplayer games locally without needing multiple copies.
- Perfect for local Mario Kart races with friends.
- Compatible games will be announced soon.
New Pro Controller & Accessories
Image Credit: Nintendo
A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is launching alongside the console, featuring:
- C Button for GameChat.
- Built-in headphone jack.
- HD Rumble 2 & Motion Controls.
- Customizable GL/GR buttons.
Price: $79.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.
GameCube Classics Arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 Online
Nintendo confirmed that GameCube games will be available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.
Launch titles include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
- Soul Calibur 2
- F-Zero GX
Future additions will include Pokemon Colosseum, Super Mario Sunshine, and Luigi’s Mansion.
Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive Games
Image Credit: Nintendo
Silksong & Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
- Silksong is finally launching in 2025.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will explore the Imprisoning War seen in Tears of the Kingdom.
Donkey Kong Bananza
- Releases on July 17, 2025.
- A 3D platformer with minecart rides and new climbing abilities.
Final Thoughts: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth It?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be Nintendo’s most powerful console yet. With a strong launch lineup, improved hardware, and GameCube classics making a return, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Will you be preordering the Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below!
