On June 5th, 2025, Nintendo will release their new system, Nintendo Switch 2. Here is everything you need to know:
The System
The Nintendo Switch 2 has stepped up a lot of aspects from the original Nintendo Switch. The LCD screen is now about 30% bigger than the original Nintendo Switch, but it maintains the same thickness. There are now double the pixels, allowing for 1080p resolution and up to 120 fps on compatible games. It also supports the use of HDR. On select games, when docked, the system is capable of 4k graphics.
In addition to a better screen, this system has improved the amount of storage space. While the Nintendo Switch holds only 32 GB of internal storage, the Nintendo Switch 2 holds eight times as much with 256 GB. The system has also changed how it uses external storage MicroSd cards. With the Nintendo Switch 2, you will ONLY be able to use MicroSd Express Cards, NOT the MicroSd cards you were using with your previous Switch. You will be able to transfer your Nintendo Switch data onto your new Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new design for its kickstand that allows the user to prop the system up at different angles. Additionally, they have added a second USB-C port allowing it to charge while playing in tabletop mode. The speakers on the switch have also improved to give the player a more immersive experience.
A new dock is available for the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s roughly the same as the old one, but this one fits the Nintendo Switch 2, and has a built in fan to keep the system cool. There is also a new pro controller available that has an audio jack as well as new GL/GR buttons that essentially work as backpedals.
The new Joy-Con 2s attach to the system using magnets connecting to the now bigger SL/SR buttons made of steel. There is a release button on the back of the joycons to detach them from the system. While detached, the joysticks can now be used like a computer mouse, which is compatible with a selection of Nintendo Switch 2 games. Additionally, the joysticks are now larger, allowing for easier play.
The Joy-Con 2s AND the new pro controller also feature a new “C” button, which will open Nintendo’s new GameChat feature. GameChat works essentially like the app Discord, allowing users to call their friends and family. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a built-in microphone that will pick up your voice, and you can use a USB-C Camera and video chat as well. Nintendo is separately selling it’s own Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for this purpose. You can also share your screen, allowing others to watch you play even when playing different games. Nintendo advertises this as an opportunity to connect with the people you care about, even when far away. Some games will use the microphone and camera as part of their gameplay.
With the new GameShare feature, Nintendo Switch 2 systems will be able to locally “share” select games with either other Nintendo Switch 2s or Nintendo Switches. Only one Nintendo Switch 2 will have to own a copy of the game for everyone to play with them. Up to three additional switches will be able to play using the GameShare feature.
Nathaniel McClure, a staff member, a former video game developer for Activision who currently runs a course based around careers in gaming at Belleville High School, shares his thoughts on the new system: “The core excitement still lies in the technical advancements: the potential for higher fidelity graphics through DLSS and ray tracing, the sharper and smoother visuals on the 1080p 120Hz display, and the increased storage. These improvements directly translate to more ambitious and immersive game development possibilities. The confirmed backwards compatibility is also a major relief and ensures a smoother transition for players.” He then went on to discuss potential issues with the console. “My perspective as a former game developer brings some potential criticisms to mind regarding a “Switch 2.” My primary concern would be the extent of the hardware upgrade. While the Switch’s unique concept is compelling, a significant leap in processing power and graphical capabilities is crucial for it to remain competitive and truly shine on modern displays. If the successor doesn’t offer a substantial improvement in performance, it risks falling behind and limiting the types of games and experiences it can deliver, potentially hindering its long-term appeal.”
The Games
The Nintendo Switch 2 will offer multiple games at launch and in the months following.
To explain all the features of the system, Nintendo is putting out a game titled Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Welcome Tour offers a a virtual walkthrough of the console and its features, explaining the mechanisms and how they work. This game is a paid game that you buy separately from the system. While they have not released a price for the US, in Japan it is being set at ¥990, which is said to translate to roughly 10 American dollars. It will be released on the launch date.
Mario Kart World is another title that will be released with launch. The game offers many new characters, maps, and game modes. It takes a more open-world approach to traditional Mario Kart games. This game encourages you to explore the maps with your friends and family. This game will soon have its own separate Nintendo Direct where more details about the game will be exposed. Mario Kart World can be purchased on its own for $80, or for $50 when bundled with purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2.
A game that will really utilize the new Nintendo Switch 2 features is Drag X Drive. Using the new mouse controls on the Joy-Con 2s, you will be able to play 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball. It is said to have online capabilities so you can play with others. The game will be released summer of 2025.
Nintendo is also releasing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, The Duskbloods, and Donkey Kong: Bananza soon for the system.
For those with the Nintendo Online Expansion Pack, retro games from the Nintendo GameCube are being added. The games releasing on the Nintendo Switch 2 launch day are Legend of Zelda: Windwaker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. With this, Nintendo is producing GameCube controllers to be used with the Nintendo Switch 2. They will be able to be used wirelessly and will have the new “C” button.
There are six games that Nintendo has said will be receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. These games will be games that have been seen by Nintendo Switch that will receive additional content using the features of the Nintendo Switch 2 console. If you already have any of these games for the Nintendo Switch, you still will have to pay extra to access the Nintendo Switch 2 features.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Pokemon Legends Z-A
In addition to Nintendo’s games, their partner developers have also announced games that will either be available at launch or within the next year or so.
- Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RIDER
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
- Civilization VII
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
- DELTARUNE
- EA Sports FC
- Eldin Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Enter the Dungeon 2
- Fast Fusion
- Fortnite
- Goodnight Universe
- Hades II
- Hitman World of Assassination
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Human Fall Flat 2
- Final Fantasy VIII Remake Intergrade
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Madden NFL
- MARVEL Comic Invasion
- NBA 2K
- No Sleep For Katame Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES
- NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition
- Professor Layton and The New World of Steam
- Project 007
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- REANIMAL
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Shadow Labyrinth
- Split FIction
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Starseeker Astroneer Expeditions
- STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar
- Street Fighter 6
- Survival Kids
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3+4
- Two Point Museum
- Wild Hearts S
- Witchbrook
- WWE 2K
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
The Nintendo Switch 2 will also support backwards compatibility with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Physical games for the Nintendo Switch 2 will come in a red game cartridge and will be unable to be used with your Nintendo Switch system. The old black game cartridges will be able to be used with both systems.
The Cost
Unfortunately, the new Nintendo Switch 2 will not be free. The console itself has a price tag of $449.99, and when bundled with Mario Kart World the price increases to $499.99. Nintendo fans are currently disappointed about the price.
Accessories for the system are estimated to be priced as follows:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Controllers: $89.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Straps: $12.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Wheels: $19.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99
To buy everything listed and the Nintendo Switch 2 bundled with Mario Kart, the total price is $1,031.90.
These numbers are just the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
To preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 or its accessories, you need to go to the Nintendo website and log in, from there you will register your interest. You must be 18 years old in order to register. You will receive an invitation email that will be valid for 72 hours. They will prioritize people who have 12 months of Nintendo Online Membership and 50 gameplay hours as of April 2nd, 2025 on a first-come-first-served basis, then the remaining eligible individuals will be considered still on a first-come-first-served basis. Preorders opened April 9th. In just the USA, due to President Trump’s tariffs, there is a delay on preorders until they have figured out how the tariffs will impact their prices. Many predict that prices in the USA will increase.
Will you be getting the Nintendo Switch 2?
