Nintendo Switch 2: Price, Release Date, and Features Revealed
The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled, bringing major upgrades and exciting new features. Here’s everything we learned from the latest Nintendo Direct.
Release Date & Pricing
Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will launch worldwide on June 5, 2025. The standard edition will retail for $449.99, while a bundle including Mario Kart World will be priced at $499.99. Pre-orders start on April 9, 2025.
Technical Specifications
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports 1080p in handheld mode and 4K when docked. The display also features HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.
Other notable hardware upgrades include:
- 256GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD Express)
- Enhanced Joy-Con controllers with magnetic attachment and a new “C” button
- Improved speakers for clearer in-game audio
- A built-in cooling fan in the dock for better heat management
- New Pro Controller designed for the Switch 2
New Features
GameChat & Screen Sharing
A new GameChat feature allows voice communication during online play. The built-in microphone will filter out background noise, ensuring that only the player’s voice is transmitted. Players can also screen share their gameplay with party members. GameChat requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
GameShare
Nintendo introduced GameShare, a feature that allows users to share their games with up to three other Switch consoles, including older models like the Switch and Switch Lite. This feature is limited to select titles.
Camera Support
The Switch 2 will support an optional camera accessory, enabling video calls while gaming. The camera will launch alongside the console.
Games & Third-Party Support
First-Party Titles
At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature:
- Mario Kart World
- Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)
- Kirby Air Riders
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom)
Third-Party Titles
Nintendo confirmed several major third-party games:
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Hades II
- Street Fighter 6 (bundled with an Amiibo collection)
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (September 2025)
- Borderlands 4 (2025 release)
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4
- Split Fiction
- Madden NFL 25 and EA Sports FC 25
- Civilization 7, WWE 2K, NBA 2K
Additionally, IO Interactive announced that both Hitman: World of Assassination and their upcoming James Bond game will be available on the Switch 2.
FromSoftware revealed an exclusive new souls-like game, The Duskbloods, launching in 2026.
Nintendo Switch Online Expands
Nintendo is expanding the Switch Online library with GameCube classics such as:
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
- SoulCalibur 2
- F-Zero GX
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness (coming later)
Subscribers will also be able to purchase a new GameCube-style controller.
Demo Events & Hands-On Experience
Nintendo will host Switch 2 Experience events in major cities before launch. Additionally, Nintendo Treehouse Live will stream extensive gameplay showcases over the next two days.
With these upgrades, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks to redefine the hybrid gaming experience for both casual and hardcore players.
