A new generation of Nintendo consoles is upon us! During the 60-minute Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the gaming giant revealed new details about the system, its price, features, and launch date. Here’s a quick rundown on what happened during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
When will Nintendo Switch 2 launch?
Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, 2025. The Suggested Retail Price will be 449 USD / 499 USD with Mario Kart World included.
What are the new features of the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature upgrades compared to the original Switch. Among them include a 7.9-inch screen that can display at 1080p up to 120 fps, 256 GB of internal storage and expandable storage only supporting microSD Express cards, two USB-C ports on the top and bottom of the system, a new dock comes with 4k support, and redesigned Joy Cons. The Joy Con 2 controllers attach magnetically now with the SL and SR buttons and control sticks getting a size increase. The Switch 2 Pro Controllers will have GR and GL buttons in the rear for programmable button mapping.
A long-rumored feature was finally revealed: each Joy-Con can be used like a computer mouse. Using the gyroscope, the Joy-Con can mimic the functionality of a computer mouse and be used similarly for strategy games, first-person shooters, party games, and more.
The right Joy Con comes with a “C” button. This pulls up the Chat menu, allowing Game Chat. The built-in microphone on the console allows player to talk to each other during gameplay. Screen Sharing is also possible with the system allowing players to watch each other while playing the same or different games. Video chat is also possible with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory (Sold Separately). Games Share was also revealed. Allowing compatible games such as Clubhouse Games 51 World Classics, Super Mario Odyssey, and many more, to be shared locally with other Switch systems without them needing their own copy.
Nintendo Switch Online memberships extends to Switch 2. The Expansion Pack for Switch 2 will be able to access Nintendo Gamecube games. Launch games include Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX.
What will be the major launch games?
Mario Kart World was the first game revealed during the presentation. New to the series is the ability to drive off course in Free Roam mode, exploring where ever you want on the map. Featuring a day and night cycle along with a new weather system, new power ups that change your appearance, racers such as Pauline, and brand new vehicles. A Mario Kart World Direct will also be presented on April 17, 2025. With the massive success of Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch, it’s a no brainer that Nintendo wants to recapture that magic on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a unique kind of minigame collection. The game takes place within the Nintendo Switch 2 itself! Explore the internals of the system allowing you to learn more about the system and play mini-games that’ll showcase the systems capabilities.
Will I be able to use my old Switch games on the System?
Backwards Compatibility was also confirmed for the system for certain games. A System Transfer feature will allow Switch 1 owners transfer their data to the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games are releases of Switch 1 games upgraded with enhanced resolutions, framerates, and even new features. Nintendo Switch 2 players who already own Nintendo Switch 1 can simply purchase an upgrade pack of their compatible game from the eShop. Among the Switch 2 Edition Games include:
- Super Mario Jamboree, with new games that take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 features such as the microphone, camera, and Joy Con Mouse
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land, with a new “Star Crossed World” expansion.
- Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, with Joy Con mouse controls alongside a “Quality Mode” and “Performance Mode”, that will alter the resolution and framerate to suit the players tastes.
- Pokemon Legends Z-A
What are the new games on the system?
A new multiplayer IP from Nintendo was revealed: DragxDrive. This 3v3 wheelchair basketball game makes use of the Joy Con mouse feature. Players move by pushing the Joy Con mouse in similar fasion to a wheel chair and make basketball shots with a similar motion.
Koei Tecmo and Nintendo are collaborating once again for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, set to release this Winter. A prequel for Tears of The Kingdom, this story sees Zelda travel back in time and chronicles her adventures there.
A new game by Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby Air Riders, was revealed. A sequel to the Gamecube game, it remains to be seen if it’ll retain it’s infamous one-button control scheme.
The final game revealed was Donkey Kong Bananza. A new 3D platformer, it’s first since Donkey Kong 64, the game sees Donkey Kong smash through a mysterious underground. It will release July 7, 2025.
How strong is the Third-Party support?
The Switch 2 boasts a considerable amount of third party support from various publishers. Among the announced games include:
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Hades 2
- Street Fighter 6
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
- Split Fiction
- EA Sports FC and Madden Sports series
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
- Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition
- Project 007 (tentative title)
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remastered
- Yakuza 0 Directors Cut
- Deltarune Chapter 1+2+3+4
- Borderlands 4
- Civilization 7
- WWE2K and NBA2K
- Enter The Gungeon 2
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade
- Hollow Knight: SilkSong
- Star Wars Outlaw
- The Duskbloods by FromSoftware
- …among many others including those that were previously revealed in the previous Nintendo Direct.
More information on the Nintendo Switch 2 will be revealed in the future. You can have a hands-on experience with the console at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience.
What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below!
