It’s finally here, after months of hopes, dreams, leaks, and speculation. Today, the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct fully revealed the console and upcoming games. Both first and third-party titles were shown off, as well as a breakdown of the hardware specs and accessory. Let’s get right into it!
Hardware Specs
Compared to the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 sports a larger screen – going from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches. It also has 1080p resolution in handheld, offering a much smoother visual experience. The screen can support up to 120 frames per second, a vast upgrade from the original. The handheld screen supports HDR, and in docked mode can go up to 4K. Performance aside, the tablet sports two separate USB-C ports, one at the top and bottom of the console. This will make charging while playing much easier. Finally, the system comes with a built-in 256GB or storage, with SD Express card integration available.
The new Joy-Con attach to the tablet magnetically, and there was no mention of if they support Hall effect sticks to solve stick drift. As previously assumed, the Joy-Con also have mouse functionality for many games, offering new tactile and dynamic gameplay options.
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with the following:
– Nintendo Switch 2 console
– Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
– Grips for Joy-Con 2
– Straps for Joy-Con 2
– Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
– Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
– Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
– USB-C Charging Cable
As for accessories, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a peripheral that allows you to livestream your gameplay to friends with other Switch 2 systems. Some games will even have augmented reality support, like Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV.
New Features
The Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service, which allows subscribers to play retro games via their corresponding apps and gives access various other game expansions, will be transferred fully to Switch 2. You’ll easily be able to do a data transfer from your old system. Notably, GameCube titles will be coming to NSO for the first time, with games like the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soul Calibur II launching with the service.
Most intriguing is the GameShare feature (not to be confused with the Game Card sharing announced last week). Per Nintendo:
With GameShare, a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, players can share and play the same game with others who do not have the game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system.
GameChat one of the bigger surprises here, and we finally learn what the mysterious C button will be used for. It functions similarly to Discord by giving players the option to start group calls and even livestreaming their gameplay to their chat party. Personally, I’m not a fan of having this integrated on screen. What was shown in the trailer was a choppy, low-frame mess.
New First and Third Party Games
Kicking off the Direct was the newly-titled Mario Kart World. It takes a Forza Horizon open-world approach, giving players the freedom to go anywhere they’d like. This launches day and date with Switch 2. Next, Donkey Kong Bananza is a new 3D DK title coming this July that looks to also adopt an open-world design. Additionally, we’re getting Kirby Air Riders from Nintendo legend Masuhiro Sakurai. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the next installment in the series and serves as a narrative prequel to Tears of the Kingdom. One of the biggest surprises was the Duskbloods, a PvPvE Switch 2 exclusive from developer FromSoftware.
Previous Nintendo Switch titles are getting upscaled Switch 2 Editions, as well. These include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Additionally, third party offerings on Switch 2 are quite impressive. Here are some you can look forward to:
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
- Street Fighter 6
- Split Fiction
- Hogwarts Legacy
Release Date and Price
The Nintendo Switch 2 (and Mario Kart World) will release June 5, 2025. It will cost $449.99 at launch, with a bundle with Mario Kart World digital costing $499.99. Notably, Mario Kart World alone is $80 digitally, while Donkey Kong Bananza is $70 physically, following recent industry trends. Preorders start April 9. If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, you have priority for preorders. Info below, via Tom Warren at the Verge:
What do you think of the Nintendo Switch 2? Do you plan to get one at launch? Let us know on our socials and join our Discord community to talk about all these things Geek!
