Nintendo announced on Wednesday what millions of gamers have been waiting to hear. The Switch arrives on June 5, and it costs $449.99. The announcement was made during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation for the Switch 2, where hardware details were revealed and a host of new games coming to the Switch’s successor. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin on April 9th in North America from participating retailers and in European markets on April 8th.
The Nintendo Switch 2 packaging includes the console, Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R), Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, a Switch 2 Dock, HDMI Cable, AC Adapter, and a USB-C Charging Cable. Nintendo is also selling a Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle for $499. Mario Kart World is a newly announced launch title for the Switch 2, and the bundle will include a download code for the game.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch LCD display. The display is more significant than the original Switch, which has a 6.2-inch screen. Nintendo says the thickness is the same, so the console will not feel bulkier. The Switch 2 has more pixel density than the original Switch, and it supports HDR and up to a 120Hz refresh rate, which means the display is more vivid and sharper, and gameplay is smoother. The display is locked at 1080P but supports up to 4k in docked mode with compatible TVs.
The Switch has 3D audio, which enables sounds from all angles, and Nintendo says the speakers now deliver much better audio quality. The Switch 2 has a built-in mic that filters noise, especially during GameChat, a new feature with the C button. There are now two USB-C ports, and the kickstand for the Switch 2 has also been improved.
Nintendo has bumped up the internal storage of the Switch 2 to 256GB, 8 times the storage of the original Switch. You can add additional storage through microSD Express cards, which is supported by the Switch 2. The microSD Express cards provide faster data reading speeds than the previous microSD models designed for the original Switch.
Nintendo says it has “significantly improved” CPU and GPU performance over the Switch, resulting in “faster processing speed and enabling new visually enhanced gameplay.” During the Nintendo Direct presentation, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was shown to run better on the Switch 2.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers
The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers magnetically attach to the Switch 2 console. The controller can be operated like a mouse by sliding it on a flat surface or even on your pants, possibly opening a new type of game/gameplay for the Switch 2. The Joy-Con 2 can be used in multiple ways and for games that require aiming.
As expected, a new Pro Controller for the Switch 2 is also available as part of the new accessories.
GameChat and C Button
GameChat is a new online feature that lets people play games together and talk as if they were in the same room. A new C button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller is dedicated to GameChat.
The Switch 2’s built-in mic can be used to voice with up to 12 people in different locations. Up to four friends can share their screen, and if they connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), they can also video chat. Additional friends can join the chat via audio only. Nintendo said GameChat could be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 2026. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be required.
Virtual Game Cards and Nintendo Switch 2 Games
Nintendo is introducing a new virtual game card feature for digital games. Virtual game cards let you manage all your digital games, lend or borrow games, and play games on two different systems.
Some games coming to the Switch 2 include Mario Kart World, which launches on June 5 for $80, Donkey Kong Bananza on July 17, and many more.
