Nintendo has finally revealed its cards! During the recent Direct on April 2, the company announced the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, which will go on sale on June 5. Pre-orders for the next-generation console will start on April 8. (Not in the US).
Hardware That Impresses
Switch 2 received a notable upgrade compared to the original. The new console features an enlarged 7.9-inch display with 1080p resolution, which is significantly better than the previous 6.2-7 inches with 720p. Players will enjoy support for up to 120 FPS in compatible games, and HDR technology will provide brighter and more vibrant colors.
Nintendo took memory seriously, installing 256 GB of built-in storage - 8 times more than the original! Storage expansion is also available via memory card, however, the console will only support microSD Express standard cards; unfortunately, old SD cards won't work. The updated dock now outputs 4K at 60 FPS on TVs, and the built-in fan will prevent the console from overheating during long gaming marathons. 3D sound technology will immerse players deeper into the gameplay experience, even without headphones or special speakers.
Joy-Con 2 controllers have become more comfortable and now attach magnetically for a secure connection. A new "C" button has been added for the GameChat function - you can chat with friends right during the game through the built-in microphone with noise cancellation! In some games, controllers can function as a mouse, opening up new control possibilities.
Additionally, Nintendo introduced a new Switch 2 Pro controller equipped with additional back buttons with remapping capabilities, as well as an audio jack for headphones. The GameShare software update will allow sharing games on a local network, and a separate device — a camera for Nintendo Switch 2 — will enable video chats and even integrate streaming into some games.
Games, Games, and More Games!
Nintendo showed a ton of games for the new console. Switch 2 will support three types of games: brand new exclusives, backward compatible games from the original Switch, and enhanced versions of existing hits.
Mario Kart World will be the main launch title. This game goes beyond traditional Mario Kart racing - now we have an open world, changing seasons, weather effects, and up to 24 players in one race! You can even freely explore the world between races or in co-op with friends.
The Duskbloods is an exclusive game from FromSoftware (creators of Dark Souls and Elden Ring), which will be released in 2026. It's a dark fantasy with a deep storyline and cool visual style, created specifically for the new console.
Donkey Kong returns in Donkey Kong Bananza - a new platformer where our beloved hero has received an updated look for the first time in a long time. Now he wears pants with suspenders and can smash obstacles, opening new paths. The game will release on July 17, 2025, priced at $70.
For The Legend of Zelda fans, there's excellent news too. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will get updated versions with improved graphics, higher frame rates, and HDR support. And the prequel Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will tell the backstory of Tears of the Kingdom events, with release planned for this winter. The project is being developed in collaboration with Koei Tecmo.
Nintendo's Bill Trinen confirms BotW and TotK upgrade packs will cost $10 for existing owners, while being included free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
Full $80 price only applies to new buyers who don't already own the games on Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 6, though US preorders remain postponed due to tariff concerns.
Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 2 will support 4K at 60 fps, as well as a new control mode - Joy-Con can be used as a mouse for aiming!
Drag x Drive. This competitive racing game will release on Switch 2 in summer 2025. Players will be able to use Joy-Con controllers as a mouse for control.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This game will give players the opportunity to learn all the details about the new hardware and Switch 2 functions. The game will be paid and will release on June 5, simultaneously with the console.
Ports from Third-Party Developers
Third parties didn't stay away either. Switch 2 will get Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades II, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, Hitman World of Assassination (June 5), a James Bond game from IO Interactive, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Civilization VII, and even Hollow Knight: Silksong!
Price and Bundles
Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99, which is $150 more than the original Switch ($299.99). A special version of the console bundled with Mario Kart World will also be available for $499.99.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to transfer their accounts to the new console, and Expansion Pack owners will get access to the GameCube games library, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX.
Nintendo is preparing for a new era of gaming, and Switch 2 looks like a worthy successor to one of the most successful consoles in history. The wait isn't long - just two months until release!
FAQ: Everything About Nintendo Switch 2
Q1. When is the Nintendo Switch 2 release date: The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025. Pre-orders begin April 8, except in the US where they've been postponed due to tariff concerns.
Q2. How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost: The standard Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99, while the special bundle with Mario Kart World will be priced at $499.99.
Q3. What are the major hardware improvements in Nintendo Switch 2: The Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display (up from 6.2-7 inch 720p), 120 FPS support for compatible games, HDR technology, 256GB built-in storage, 4K 60FPS TV output, enhanced cooling, 3D sound, and magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with a new GameChat "C" button.
Q4. Will Nintendo Switch 2 be backward compatible with original Switch games: Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 will support three types of games: brand new Switch 2 exclusives, backward compatible games from the original Switch, and enhanced versions of existing Switch hits with improved graphics.
Q5. What exclusive games are coming to Nintendo Switch 2: Launch titles include Mario Kart World (June 5), The Duskbloods (2026) from FromSoftware, Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17), Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025), Metroid Prime 4, Drag x Drive (Summer 2025), and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
Q6. What third-party games are coming to Nintendo Switch 2: Third-party titles include Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades II, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, Hitman World of Assassination, a James Bond game from IO Interactive, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Civilization VII, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Q7. Will my microSD cards work with Nintendo Switch 2: No, the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express standard cards. Existing SD cards from the original Switch won't be compatible with the new console.
Q8. What new features do the Joy-Con 2 controllers have: Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically, include a new "C" button for GameChat functionality, feature an integrated microphone with noise cancellation, and can function as a mouse in compatible games.
Q9. Is there a new Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch 2: Yes, Nintendo is releasing a Switch 2 Pro controller with additional back buttons that can be remapped, plus an audio jack for headphones.
Q10. What is the GameShare feature on Nintendo Switch 2: GameShare is a new software update that will allow sharing games on a local network with other Switch 2 consoles.
Q11. Will there be a camera accessory for Nintendo Switch 2: Yes, Nintendo is releasing a separate camera accessory that will enable video chats and integrate streaming functionality into some games.
Q12. What benefits do Nintendo Switch Online subscribers get: Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can transfer their accounts to the new console. Expansion Pack subscribers will gain access to GameCube games including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX.
Q13. Will Zelda games get upgraded for Nintendo Switch 2: Yes, both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive upgraded versions featuring improved graphics, higher frame rates, and HDR support.
