Nintendo today fully revealed the details for their next console, Nintendo Switch 2, including a look at the new hardware features and games coming to the platform.
After years of build-up and anticipation, Nintendo finally revealed the successor to the immensely Nintendo Switch console. The hour presentation confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 will be an iterative console, building upon the success and features of Nintendo Switch. These include reimagined Joy-Con 2 controllers, an upgraded processor and dock, and a grab bag of features that are commonplace on their competition, including HDR and on-device chat.
More specifically, Nintendo Switch 2 will launch June 5 and will set you back $449.99. Each Switch 2 comes with a console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, HDMI cable, AC adapter, and a USB-C charging cable. Nintendo also has a Mario Kart World bundle that’ll cost $499.99 that comes with all those items plus a digital voucher for Mario Kart World.
Mario Kart World First Game Announced for Nintendo Switch 2
Many assumed it was going to be called Mario Kart 9, but Nintendo pulled that rug out from everyone during the showcase.
Tell me more, tell me more
Nintendo Switch 2, as previously stated, iterates upon the Nintendo Switch console in a handful of ways, bringing the console more in-line with what one would expect from a modern-day console. The screen is a 7.9" 1080p LCD, up from Switch’s launch 6.2" 720p display. The Joy-Con 2 controller feature larger buttons for better inputs, mouse controls, and magnets to connect the controllers to the console. A proper, freely adjustable stand replaces the flimsy stand of the original model. An improved CPU and GPU enables current-gen games to run on the hardware, enabling features like a 4K output, 120fps frame rates, and HDR. Unfortunately, the console still arrives with little storage. While vastly improved from the launch Switch’s 32GB, Switch 2 still only has 256GB, though you can expand it via microSD Express cards.
Probably the biggest new feature highlighted by Nintendo is GameChat, Nintendo’s version of on-system chat. Much like Xbox and PlayStation’s on-system chats, players on Switch 2 and a Switch Online membership can party up and chat with their friends. When combined with a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, players can also access video chat.
A Grab Bag of Games
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with quite a few games, though many of them are old and widely available on other platforms. Games like Hades II, NBA 2K, Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, Final Fantasy VII Integrade, Street Fighter 6, Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Sid Meier’s Civilization were all confirmed for the platform. Nintendo also revealed that several Nintendo Switch games will get upgrade packs to take advantage of the more powerful hardware, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. However, unlike PS4/Xbox One games that got PS5/Xbox Series X|S upgrades, these Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades won’t be free for owners of the original game.
That’s not to say Nintendo didn’t have some new games to show. In addition to Mario Kart World, they also announced Donkey Kong Bananza (launching July 17), Kirby Air Riders (2025), Drag x Drive (summer), and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (winter). They also confirmed Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will also launch on Switch 2. Perhaps the most high-profile announcement, however, was The Duskbloods, a Switch 2 exclusive game from From Software.
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch June 5 and will set you back $449.99. Nintendo also has a Mario Kart World bundle that’ll cost $499.99.
Game pricing, however, remains a mystery. Mario Kart World will apparently cost $79.99 digital, but $89.99 physical. However, Donkey Kong Bananza will apparently cost $69.99. So, it seems that game pricing for Switch 2 games is quite fluid.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5 worldwide. Pre-orders for the console go live on April 9.
