Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025, at $449.99. The new system brings significant improvements to processing power, display capabilities, and online features while maintaining backward compatibility with most Nintendo Switch games.
The successor to the original Switch comes with upgraded hardware, including a larger 7.9-inch full HD screen and redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that connect magnetically and can function as mouse-like pointing devices. The system will offer 256GB of internal storage—eight times more than the original Switch.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated, “Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch. With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”
New Social Features Transform Online Play
The system introduces GameChat, allowing players to communicate with up to 12 friends simultaneously while playing games. Players can use the system’s built-in microphone for voice chat, and up to four friends can share their screens while additional friends can join via audio only. With an optional Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory (sold separately for $49.99), video chat becomes possible during gameplay.
GameChat will be available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 2026, after which a subscription will be required. Parents can manage children’s access to GameChat through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, with approval required for users under 16.
Another new feature, GameShare, lets players temporarily share games with others who don’t own them, either locally or online when combined with GameChat.
Technical Improvements and Backward Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over its predecessor, enabling more detailed graphics and faster loading times. When connected to a TV via the new dock, the system can output video at up to 4K resolution and play games at up to 120 fps, via compatible games and TVs.
The system will play most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, though Nintendo notes that “some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” Original Nintendo Switch accessories like Joy-Con controllers and the Pro Controller will work with the new system via wireless connection.
For digital game purchases, Nintendo has introduced “virtual game cards” that make it easier to manage, play, and even lend digital games to family members.
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Launch Games Highlight New Features
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with several exclusive titles that showcase its capabilities:
- Mario Kart World: Available at launch, this new entry allows 24 drivers to compete in races across seamlessly connected courses. A special bundle including the system and game will be available for $499.99.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: This 3D platforming action adventure arrives July 17, featuring destructible environments and terrain that can be swung around and thrown.
Several existing Nintendo Switch games will receive paid upgrade packs for Nintendo Switch 2, including enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Third-party publishers have also announced major titles coming to the system, including EA SPORTS Madden NFL, NBA 2K, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, Street Fighter 6, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, Hogwarts Legacy, and Borderlands 4. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will release on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with the latter offering Quality Mode (4K at 60fps) and Performance Mode (full HD at 120fps). From Software, creators of DARK SOULS and ELDEN RING, will release a new exclusive title called The Duskbloods for Nintendo Switch 2 next year.
Pricing and Availability
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will begin on April 9, 2025, with the base system priced at $449.99. Additional accessories include the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($79.99), Joy-Con 2 Pair ($89.99), Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($49.99), and Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set ($109.99).
More details about Mario Kart World will be revealed in a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation on April 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 for the base console. A bundle including the system and Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99. Pre-orders will begin on April 9, 2025.
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch full HD screen, significantly improved CPU and GPU performance, 256GB of internal storage (8x more than the original), and redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that connect magnetically and can function as mouse-like pointing devices. When docked, it can output video at up to 4K resolution and play compatible games at up to 120fps on supported TVs.
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatible with most Nintendo Switch games, both physical and digital. However, Nintendo notes that “some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” Original Nintendo Switch accessories like Joy-Con controllers and the Pro Controller will also work with the new system via wireless connection.
GameChat is a new online feature that allows up to 12 players to communicate while playing games. Players can use the system’s built-in microphone for voice chat, and up to four friends can share their screens while additional participants can join via audio only. With the optional Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory ($49.99), video chat becomes possible during gameplay. GameChat will be available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 2026, after which a subscription will be required.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with several exclusive titles including Mario Kart World and receive games like Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17), enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, Street Fighter 6, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, and Hogwarts Legacy. More titles from major publishers like EA SPORTS Madden NFL, NBA 2K, and others will follow.
Nintendo will offer various accessories for the Switch 2, including the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($79.99), Joy-Con 2 Pair ($89.99), Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip ($34.99), Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($49.99), Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set ($109.99), Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($34.99), Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case ($79.99), and Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter ($29.99).