(Credit: Nintendo)
Months after it first released a teaser trailer for the new system, Nintendo has fully unveiled the Switch 2 with a lengthy Nintendo Direct stream. Rumors and speculation were confirmed or dispelled, features were explored, games were shown off, and we finally got a price and a release date for the console. Here's the rundown of everything Nintendo revealed.
Release Date and Price
The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost you $449.99. Preorders begin on April 9 ahead of a June 5 launch, but Nintendo is also running an invite-only preorder system for longtime gamers. One question for US buyers: How will Trump's tariffs affect prices?
Hardware:
- The Switch 2's 7.9-inch LCD displays in full HD at 1080p.
- The new Joy-Con 2 controllers magnetically attach to the Switch 2 console. They have mouse controls, meaning you can slide them on a surface like a table or pair of pants, Nintendo says. The C button activates a GameChat voice chat feature. Here are more details on the accessories.
- The system has USB-C ports on the bottom and top, so players can use the included AC adapter to charge the system while playing in tabletop mode.
- There's 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD Express cards.
- Nintendo promises a "significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over Nintendo Switch, resulting in faster processing speed...more detailed graphics and faster loading times."
- Adjustable stand on the back.
(Credit: Nintendo)Features:
- GameChat is a new feature that uses a microphone on the console; no need for your phone to talk to others on your Switch 2 games. That's a pretty big step for Nintendo, even if PlayStation and Xbox have had it for three generations.
- Connect a compatible USB-C camera for video chat on GameChat.
- Connect the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock to a TV to output video at up to 4K resolution and play games at up to 120 fps, via compatible games and TVs.
- GameShare lets you share and play a game with someone who doesn't have that game.
- GameShare can also be used along with GameChat for online play and chat.
Games:
- Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive and a launch title. It looks like a full open world with different tracks between. Free Race mode lets you go anywhere. The bad news: it'll cost $80. Check out our hands on to see if it's worth the money.
- Three types of games: Switch 2 (only Switch 2), Switch 2 Compatible (Switch games), and Switch 2 Edition (Switch games with upgrades for Switch 2.
- Big third-party games include Hollow Knight: Silksong, Borderlands 4, Project 007, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Deltarune 1+2+3+4
- Metroid Prime 4, Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 editions are coming.
What's in the Box?
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable