Written by Dante Uzel on 03 April 2025 11:26
Nintendo has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 during its latest Direct livestream, revealing that the console will launch on June 5. The base model will be priced at $450 in the U.S. (or £396 in the UK), with pre-orders opening on April 9 in the U.S. and April 8 in the UK.
The Switch 2 promises to offer a significant upgrade over the original Nintendo Switch, with enhanced hardware, software, and online features designed to improve the gaming experience. Here’s a look at what’s new, what’s improved, and how it stacks up against its predecessor.
Major Hardware Improvements
The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the same thickness as the original Switch but boasts several key upgrades. The most notable improvement is its 7.9-inch LCD screen, which now supports 1080p at 120fps in handheld mode, offering a smoother, more vibrant gaming experience on the go. When docked, the Switch 2 can reach 4K resolution, with an integrated fan in the dock ensuring the console stays cool during demanding gameplay.
In terms of storage, the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch’s 32GB base storage. The new system also supports expanded storage via microSD Express cards, allowing for even more games and content. A new USB-C port has been added to the top of the Switch 2, in addition to the existing one at the base of the system. This new port is specifically designed for the console’s camera peripheral, which will launch alongside the system.
The enhanced Joy-Con 2 controllers come with a fascinating new feature: a mouse interface. The controllers can magnetically attach to the handheld and be used as a mouse-like device, allowing players to interact with the screen in a more intuitive way. This feature makes the Joy-Con 2 controllers more versatile and adds a new layer of gameplay potential, particularly for strategy or simulation games.
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Online Features and GameChat
A major addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 is GameChat, an online social feature that allows players to share their screens and chat live with up to 12 people simultaneously. Accessible through the new C button on the Joy-Con 2, GameChat doesn’t require a headset, thanks to the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. This feature will be free to use until April 2026 but will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription thereafter.
The Switch 2 Camera is also integrated into GameChat, enabling the use of the player’s camera feed for in-game features or social interactions. This adds a new dimension to multiplayer and online play, which is expected to be a major draw for players who enjoy streaming or online gaming with friends.
Backwards Compatibility and Upgraded Games
The Switch 2 is largely compatible with existing Nintendo Switch games, meaning players can transfer their digital libraries and play most of their old games. However, certain titles will feature paid Upgrade Packs, which add new features like enhanced visuals and additional gameplay elements. These upgrades will be available for popular titles such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and the Legend of Zelda games Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. These upgraded versions will be available in a standalone form as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions.
Additionally, new exclusive games are coming to the Switch 2. Titles like Mario Kart World (launching on June 5) will bring a larger, more connected environment to the beloved racing series. The system will also see the release of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a digital game designed to familiarize players with the new features of the Switch 2. Other exclusive games, including Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17) and The Duskbloods (2026), are also expected to launch post-launch.
GameCube Titles on Nintendo Switch Online In another exciting addition, GameCube games will be included in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, but this will be exclusive to Switch 2 owners. The launch lineup for these classic games includes F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and Soulcalibur 2, with more titles promised in the future.
A Look at the Games The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a robust lineup of games, including new releases and third-party titles. Popular games such as Elden Ring, Hades 2, Street Fighter 6, and Yakuza 0: Director's Cut will all be making their way to the system. Other upcoming titles include Civilization VII, Borderlands 4, and Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition.
Comparing the Switch 2 to the Original Switch While the Nintendo Switch 2 retains many of the same core features as the original, such as portability and hybrid play (handheld and docked modes), it offers several key improvements:
Display: The Switch 2 has a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen, supporting 1080p at 120fps in handheld mode, compared to the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen at 720p.
Performance: The Switch 2 supports 4K resolution when docked, offering a significant graphical upgrade over the original Switch’s 1080p output.
Storage: The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, compared to the original Switch’s 32GB (expandable via microSD).
Joy-Con Controllers: The new Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a mouse-like interface, adding versatility that the original Switch controllers lacked.
Game Compatibility: The Switch 2 will feature enhanced versions of certain existing titles, as well as GameCube games available exclusively through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Online Features: The Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a live chat and screen-sharing feature for up to 12 players, along with the integration of the Switch 2 Camera.
Tags: Nintendo
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