Nintendo has finally pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, during a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2nd, 2025. The new console is set to launch globally on June 5th, 2025, promising significant upgrades in hardware and a compelling lineup of new and enhanced games.
Key Highlights:
- Release Date: June 5th, 2025
- Price: Standalone console from $449 USD. Bundle with Mario Kart World from $499 USD.
- Display: Larger 7.9-inch 1080p screen with HDR and up to 120fps.
- Storage: 256GB internal storage, expandable via Micro SD Express cards.
- Controllers: Redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers with magnetic attachment and mouse functionality. New ‘C’ button for integrated GameChat.
- Dock: Supports 4K video output and includes a cooling fan.
- Launch Games: Includes exclusive titles like Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, alongside upgraded “Switch 2 Editions” of popular games and a strong showing of third-party support.
- Online Services: Nintendo Switch Online continues with the addition of a GameCube game library for Expansion Pack members. New GameChat and GameShare features introduced.
Hardware Powerhouse:
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a significant leap in hardware capabilities. The upgraded 7.9-inch screen offers a sharper 1080p resolution, vibrant HDR support, and a silky-smooth refresh rate of up to 120 frames per second. Storage has been substantially increased to 256GB, addressing a common concern with the original Switch. The inclusion of two USB-C ports, a noise-cancelled microphone with 3D sound, and a redesigned dock with 4K output and a cooling fan point towards a more powerful and versatile console.
The innovative Joy-Con 2 controllers connect magnetically and can even function as a mouse in certain games. A dedicated ‘C’ button provides instant access to the new GameChat voice communication system, which supports up to 12 players, with video capabilities for four via an optional camera.
A Galaxy of Games Awaits:
Nintendo is launching the Switch 2 with a strong mix of exclusive titles and enhanced versions of fan favorites. The highly anticipated Mario Kart World leads the charge, promising an open-world experience with dynamic weather, a massive 24-player racing mode, and a new battle-royale style “Knockout Tour”. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will guide new users through the console’s features. Mouse control will be a key feature in the exclusive Drag x Drive, arriving in summer 2025.
Existing Switch hits like Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokémon Legends Z-A are all receiving “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” upgrades, promising enhanced visuals and new features.
Third-party support appears robust, with major titles like Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Hades II, Street Fighter 6, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, and Hogwarts Legacy all announced for the new console.
Online and Social Gaming Enhanced:
Nintendo Switch Online will continue on the new console, with Expansion Pack members gaining access to a library of classic GameCube titles, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. The new GameChat feature, along with GameShare for local multiplayer, aims to create a more connected gaming experience.
Pre-orders Expected Soon:
While official pre-order dates vary by region and retailer, eager fans can expect to secure their Nintendo Switch 2 starting as early as April 8th in the UK.
| Region | Retailer | Pre-order Start Date | Available Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | Nintendo | April 9th, 2025 | Standalone Console, Mario Kart World Bundle |
| US | Best Buy | April 9th, 2025 | Standalone Console, Mario Kart World Bundle |
| US | GameStop | April 9th, 2025 | Standalone Console, Mario Kart World Bundle |
| UK | Nintendo | April 8th, 2025 | Standalone Console, Mario Kart World Bundle |
| UK | Amazon | Currently Accepting Invitations | Standalone Console |
| UK | Argos | Currently Open | Mario Kart World Bundle |
Full List of Games Announced:
In-house Games:
- Mario Kart World (Launching June 5)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (Launching June 5)
- Drag x Drive (Summer 2025)
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025)
- Kirby Air Riders (No specific launch date)
- Donkey Kong Bananza (Launching July 17)
- Survival Kids (Launching June 5 – Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive)
- The Duskbloods (2026 – Nintendo Switch Exclusive)
Publisher/Developer Partner Games:
- Elden Ring Tarnished Edition (From Software) (This year)
- Hades II (Supergiant Games) (This year)
- Street Fight 6 Years 1-3 Fighters Edition (Capcom) (June 5)
- Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion (Marvelous) (September 5)
- Split Fiction (Hazelight) (June 5)
- FC (EA Sports) (No specific launch date)
- Madden NFL (EA Sports) (No specific launch date)
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 (Activision) (Summer 2025)
- Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition (IO Interactive) (June 5)
- Project 007 (IO Interactive) (No specific launch date)
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster (Square Enix) (June 5)
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut (Sega) (June 5)
- Deltarune Chapters 3 + 4 (June 5)
- Borderlands 4 (Gearbox) (This year)
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (Firaxis Games) (June 5 – Upgrade pack available)
- WWE 2K (2K) (No specific launch date)
- NBA 2K (2K) (No specific launch date)
- Enter the Gungeon 2 (Dodge Roll) (No specific launch date)
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (Devolver Digital) (Coming soon)
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (CD Projekt Red) (June 5)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Square Enix) (No specific launch date)
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Capcom) (June 5)
- Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry) (No specific launch date)
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) (Marvelous) (June 5)
- Goodnight Universe (Skybound Games) (2025)
- Two Point Museum (Sega) (No specific launch date)
- Wild Hearts 2 (Koei Tecmo) (July 25)
- Witchbrook (Chucklefish) (Holiday season)
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S (Sega) (No specific launch date)
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) (Marvelous) (No specific launch date)
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Dotemu) (Holiday season)
- Star Wars Outlaws (Ubisoft) (This year)
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition (Koei Tecmo) (June 5)
- Fast Fusion (Shin’en) (June 5)
- Shadow Labyrinth (Bandai Namco) (July 18)
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (Sega) (June 19)
- Reanimal (THQ Nordic) (This year)
- Fortnite (Epic Games) (June 5)
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer (Hamster) (June 5)
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (Level-5) (2025 – Also for Nintendo Switch)
- Tamagotchi Plaza (Bandai Namco) (June 27)
- Human Fall Flat 2 (Devolver Digital) (No specific launch date)
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games (Upgraded Versions of Existing Switch Games):
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Pokémon Legends Z-A
