Nintendo Switch 2: Price, Features, Games, And Much More
- Sahil Mankar
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2 at the latest Ninterct Direct showcase. This next-generation console promises significant improvements over the original Switch, which was released nearly 8 years ago.
Release Date and Pricing
The Nintendo Switch 2 will hit store shelves on June 5, 2025.
Pre-orders will open on April 9 in North America and April 8 in the UK.
According to Nintendo's press release, the base model will cost $449.99 (£395.99 in the UK), while a bundle including Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99 (£429.99 in the UK).
This represents a 50% price increase compared to the original Switch's 2017 launch price of $299.99. Industry analysts suggest that the higher cost reflects the upgraded components, including a custom Nvidia chip and potentially increased manufacturing costs due to tariffs.
Hardware Improvements
The new console features several notable hardware upgrades:
A larger 7.9-inch LCD screen (up from 6.2 inches on the original Switch)
1080p resolution in handheld mode (improved from 720p)
Support for 120fps gameplay and HDR
4K resolution when docked
256GB of built-in storage (eight times more than the original Switch)
An additional USB-C port on top of the system
Enhanced cooling with an in-built fan in the dock
New Joy-Con 2 Controllers
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that offer new functionality:
Magnetic attachment to the console (replacing the rail system)
Larger control sticks and bigger SL/SR buttons
A new "C" button that activates GameChat
Mouse-like functionality when placed on a flat surface (but only with few games)
Improved haptic feedback
Online Features
Nintendo is introducing several new online features with the Switch 2:
GameChat
The new GameChat system allows for voice communication directly through the console's built-in microphone. According to Nintendo, the mic can pick up voices clearly "even at a distance." GameChat will be free for all Switch 2 owners until April 2026, after which it will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Screen Sharing
Players can share their screens with up to 12 friends simultaneously, even when playing different games. This feature is activated using the new C button on the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
GameShare
Similar to the Download Play feature from the Nintendo DS era, GameShare allows multiple players to enjoy certain multiplayer games together even if only one person owns the game. This works both locally and online.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
A separate Nintendo Switch 2 Camera peripheral will launch alongside the console. This camera can be used with GameChat for video communication and will also be compatible with certain games that can incorporate the player's camera feed.
Game Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 will offer backward compatibility with the original Switch's physical and digital game library. However, Nintendo has introduced several new approaches to game distribution:
Switch 2 Editions
Many existing Switch games will receive "Switch 2 Editions" with enhanced visuals and new features. These will be available as:
Standalone physical or digital purchases
Paid digital upgrades for those who already own the original versions
Games confirmed for this treatment include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Game-Key Cards
Some physical Switch 2 games will not contain the full game data on the cartridge. Instead, these "game-key cards" will function as a license or key to download the full game from the internet.
Virtual Game Card System
A new virtual game card system will allow players to lend or borrow compatible games digitally.
Launch Games and Upcoming Titles
The Switch 2 will launch with several titles, including:
Mario Kart World - A new entry in the racing series featuring a connected setting and 24-player races
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - A digital-only game that helps players explore the console's features
Other confirmed games coming to the system include:
Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025) - A new 3D platformer
Kirby Air Riders - A new Kirby racing game
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (late 2025)
The Duskbloods (2026) - An exclusive FromSoftware multiplayer game
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Third-Party Support
The Nintendo Switch 2 has attracted substantial third-party support. Games confirmed for the system include:
Elden Ring
Hades 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Street Fighter 6
Star Wars Outlaws
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
Civilization VII
Borderlands 4
Project 007
Hogwarts Legacy
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4
EA Sports FC and Madden NFL
NBA 2K and WWE 2K titles
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Split Fiction
Nintendo Switch Online Expansion
Nintendo will add GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription tier, exclusively for Switch 2 users. The launch lineup includes:
F-Zero GX (with online multiplayer)
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Soulcalibur 2
Nintendo has promised more titles will be added in the future.
Anti-Scalping Measures
To combat potential scalping, Nintendo has implemented special pre-order rules for purchases made directly through their store. Customers must be active Nintendo Switch Online members for "at least two years continuously by March 31, 2025" to qualify. Priority will be given to members who have spent more time playing on their consoles.
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents Nintendo's biggest hardware leap in nearly a decade. With its improved specifications, innovative control features, and a strong lineup of 8+ first-party and 20+ third-party games, the console aims to build on the success of its predecessor, which has sold over 150 million units worldwide.
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