The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to redefine hybrid gaming with its official launch on June 5, 2025. Building on the massive success of the original Switch, which sold nearly 150 million units since 2017, this next-generation console promises enhanced performance, a larger display, and innovative features like magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers. With a suggested retail price of $449.99, the Switch 2 aims to deliver vivid visuals and seamless gameplay, whether you’re at home or on the go. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the console’s specs, pricing, games, and what makes it a leap forward for Nintendo fans and gamers alike.
Key Takeaways
Launch Date: The Nintendo Switch 2 releases worldwide on June 5, 2025.
Pricing: The base model costs $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle at $499.99.
Display: Features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate.
Innovations: Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse-like functionality and a custom Nvidia chip.
Backward Compatibility: Supports most original Switch games, both physical and digital.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to the original Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that revolutionized gaming by blending handheld and docked gameplay. Announced in January 2025, the Switch 2 retains the hybrid design but introduces significant upgrades, including a larger 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen, enhanced graphics, and new social features like GameChat. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa described it as “the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go,” emphasizing its role in expanding gaming experiences.
Contents
A Brief History of the Nintendo Switch
The original Switch, launched in 2017, became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 140 million units by 2025. Its versatility and strong game library, including titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, made it a household name. The Switch 2 builds on this legacy, addressing user feedback with a more powerful processor, improved controllers, and backward compatibility to ensure a smooth transition for existing Switch owners.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specifications and Features
The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a host of hardware improvements that enhance both performance and user experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key features.
Display and Design
The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, supporting HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR) for smoother visuals. While some fans hoped for an OLED panel, Nintendo’s choice of a high-quality LCD helps keep costs down. The console maintains the same thickness as the original Switch (0.55 inches) but is slightly larger overall, measuring 4.5 inches tall and 10.7 inches wide, with a weight of 1.18 pounds with Joy-Cons attached.
The redesigned dock supports 4K resolution at 60fps when connected to a TV, making it competitive with modern consoles like the PlayStation 5. A new U-shaped kickstand offers 150 degrees of adjustability, improving stability in tabletop mode. Additionally, the Switch 2 includes two USB-C ports—one at the top and one at the bottom—for charging flexibility and potential future expansions.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers
The Joy-Con 2 controllers are a standout feature, attaching magnetically to the console for a secure yet easy-to-detach connection. Unlike the original’s rail system, these controllers use electrically activated magnets, reducing wear and tear. A new “C” button enables GameChat functionality, and the controllers can be used as a mouse by sliding them on a surface, offering precise control for games requiring aiming, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The Joy-Cons also feature subtle blue and orange accents on the joysticks, moving away from the original’s bold neon colors.
Performance and Storage
Powered by a custom Nvidia chip, the Switch 2 delivers a significant performance boost. While Nintendo hasn’t disclosed detailed specs, the console supports 1080p at 120fps in handheld mode and 4K at 60fps when docked, thanks to technology similar to Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling. The CPU clocks at 998MHz in docked mode and 1101MHz in handheld mode, with the GPU at 1007MHz docked and 561MHz handheld. A custom file decompression engine reduces load times, enhancing the gaming experience.
Storage is another upgrade, with 256GB of internal storage compared to the original’s 32GB. Users can expand this up to 1TB using microSD Express cards, ensuring ample space for digital games.
Backward Compatibility
A major selling point is the Switch 2’s backward compatibility with most original Switch games, both physical and digital. This includes nearly 5,000 titles available at launch, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Some games will receive “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” upgrades with enhanced graphics and performance, like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Original Switch Joy-Cons and peripherals, like the Pro Controller, are also compatible via wireless connection.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Bundles
The Nintendo Switch 2 retails at $449.99, a $150 increase over the original Switch’s $299 launch price in 2017. While some have criticized the price hike, it reflects the console’s advanced hardware and inflation since 2017. A Mario Kart World bundle is available for $499.99, including a digital copy of the game, saving $30 compared to buying it separately at $79.99. Other launch titles, like Donkey Kong Bananza, are priced at $69.99, aligning with the industry trend of higher game prices.
Pre-Order Details
Pre-orders were initially set for April 9, 2025, but Nintendo delayed them in the U.S. to assess tariff impacts, with a revised start date of April 24 at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. Many retailers sold out quickly, but restock notifications are available through Nintendo’s website and select retailers. Nintendo has emphasized efforts to prevent scalping, a problem that plagued earlier console launches.
Launch Titles and Games
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches with a robust lineup of first- and third-party titles, ensuring something for every gamer.
First-Party Titles
Mario Kart World ($79.99): This open-world racer introduces 24-player races and extensive customization, drawing inspiration from Forza Horizon. It’s a flagship title exclusive to the Switch 2, leveraging its enhanced hardware for vibrant visuals and smooth performance.
Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99): A showcase of the Switch 2’s power, this game offers lush environments and dynamic gameplay, appealing to fans of platformers.
Kirby Air Riders: A reimagined version of the GameCube’s Kirby Air Ride, blending racing and action with modern enhancements.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A digital-exclusive title featuring minigames to showcase the console’s features, available at launch.
Third-Party and Enhanced Titles
The Switch 2 supports a growing library of third-party exclusives and enhanced versions of existing Switch games:
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment: A prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, releasing in winter 2025.
The Duskbloods: A multiplayer title from FromSoftware, creators of Elden Ring, exclusive to the Switch 2.
Hades II, Borderlands 4, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition are among the third-party titles optimized for the Switch 2’s hardware.
Enhanced “Switch 2 Edition” games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A offer improved resolution, frame rates, and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for precise gameplay.
Why the Nintendo Switch 2 Stands Out
The Nintendo Switch 2 differentiates itself through its blend of portability, power, and innovative features. The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, dual USB-C ports, and GameChat functionality create new ways to play and connect. The console’s 4K docked output and 120Hz handheld display bring it closer to competitors like the PlayStation 5, while its hybrid design remains unmatched. Industry analyst Joost van Dreunen noted that Nintendo is “building on the massive success of the original Switch while adding just enough improvements to justify the upgrade.”
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to the Steam Deck OLED (7.4-inch display) or Lenovo Legion Go S (8-inch), the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch LCD offers a balance of size and affordability. While it lacks the OLED panel of premium handhelds, its HDR and VRR support ensure crisp, smooth visuals. The custom Nvidia chip positions it as a strong contender against other portables, with performance rivaling mid-tier PCs in docked mode.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its promise, the Nintendo Switch 2 faces challenges. The decision to use an LCD over an OLED display has disappointed some fans, though Nintendo may release an OLED variant later. The $449.99 price point, while justified by the hardware, has sparked debate, especially in markets like Canada, where it matches the launch price of the PlayStation 5 ($629.99 CAD). Supply chain concerns and potential tariff impacts could also affect availability, though Nintendo aims to produce 20 million units in the first year to avoid shortages.
Summary
The Nintendo Switch 2, launching June 5, 2025, for $449.99, is a significant evolution of the original Switch. Its 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, custom Nvidia chip, and magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers deliver enhanced performance and innovative gameplay. With backward compatibility, a robust launch lineup including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, and features like 4K docked output and GameChat, the Switch 2 caters to both new and existing Nintendo fans. While the price increase and LCD display have raised some concerns, the console’s versatility and strong game library make it a compelling choice for hybrid gaming enthusiasts.
FAQs About the Nintendo Switch 2
When does the Nintendo Switch 2 release?
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches worldwide on June 5, 2025.How much does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The base model retails for $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99.What is the screen size of the Nintendo Switch 2?
It features a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen with 1080p resolution, HDR, and a 120Hz refresh rate.Does the Nintendo Switch 2 support backward compatibility?
Yes, it supports most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, with some receiving enhanced “Switch 2 Edition” versions.What are the new features of the Joy-Con 2 controllers?
They attach magnetically, support mouse-like functionality, and include a new “C” button for GameChat.Can the Nintendo Switch 2 output in 4K?
Yes, it supports 4K resolution at 60fps when docked, thanks to a custom Nvidia chip.What games are available at launch for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Key titles include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, alongside third-party games like Hades II.Why did Nintendo choose an LCD over an OLED display?
The LCD helps keep costs down, though an OLED version may be released later.Where can I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2?
Pre-orders began April 24, 2025, at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop, with restock notifications available.Will original Switch accessories work with the Switch 2?
Yes, original Joy-Cons and peripherals like the Pro Controller are compatible via wireless connection.
