‘Redesigned from the ground up:’ The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5 for $449
After several months of conjecture following the Switch 2 reveal, Nintendo has disclosed an array of technical specifications and indicated that the console has been “reimagined from the ground up.”
During a special Nintendo Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct, the company affirmed its new handheld-hybrid will feature a larger 7.9-inch display boasting nearly double the pixel count of the original Switch while maintaining the same thickness.
The display will support up to 120fps for enhanced gameplay fluidity and is touted as a “vivid” 1080p LCD screen equipped with HDR support.
New Pleasure-Con 2 controllers will attach magnetically to the console, with Nintendo claiming they will be “securely fastened to the system,” and feature improved SL / SR buttons and analog sticks.
Players will also have the capability to use both Pleasure-Con 2 controllers as a mouse to engage in appropriate games seamlessly.
Nintendo demonstrated this feature in action with the reveal of an upcoming title called Poke x Drive, which may require players to move both controllers across a surface to navigate their wheelchair in-game.
The addition of two USB-C ports will enable charging while in tabletop mode or allow players to connect peripherals.
The Switch 2 will come equipped with 256GB of internal storage right out of the box—eight times more than the original Switch. Reading and writing data will likely be swifter, while an enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 dock will support up to 4K resolution and HDR for compatible titles in TV mode.
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The dock features a built-in fan to help keep the system “stable.”
Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridges will have significantly faster data-reading speeds than their predecessors and will sport an enticing red color scheme. However, it is currently unclear what the actual design will be.
‘C’ is for Camaraderie – Camera, Chat, & Controller News
A new Nintendo Switch 2 premium controller is set to be released with additional features including an audio jack, a ‘C’ button, and extra inputs.
Speaking of the ‘C’ button, this mysterious nub will allow players to activate a new ‘Game Chat’ feature that utilizes the Switch 2’s built-in microphone.
Nintendo states that the mic will minimize background noise while focusing on the player’s voice. Users will also have the potential to share their game screen using the Game Chat feature—even while playing other titles—and can access a chat menu by pressing the ‘C’ button. Nintendo believes this will be handy for users wanting to silence themselves quickly.
A Switch 2 owner utilizing Game Chat / Image by Nintendo
Moreover, the company revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which will allow Game Chat users to stream their reactions to other players.
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be necessary to use Game Chat—even though there could be an opportunity to try out the feature during a limited-time open access period.
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The company will also be releasing an expanded version of its online subscription service called Nintendo Switch Online +, which may provide access to classic GameCube titles such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II.
Another new feature, GameShare, will enable Switch and Switch 2 owners to share and play compatible multiplayer titles locally on their respective systems.
What to Expect from the Switch 2’s Release Lineup?
As anticipated, Nintendo will be backing its new console with a robust first-party software lineup.
Mario Kart World, presented as a more expansive iteration of the racer, features themed areas with day-night cycles and variable weather conditions. Nintendo revealed that the title will allow up to 24 players to “drive pretty much anywhere” in the world—encouraging them to race to the next course as part of the competition.
Kirby Air Riders
, helmed by the creator of Ravishing Fracture Bros., Masahiro Sakurai, was also unveiled alongside the 3D platformer Donkey Kong: Bananza. Both titles are expected to release in 2025.
An image from Mario Kart World displaying players racing across a vast environment / Photo by Nintendo
Several existing titles, such as Ravishing Mario Party Jamboree, will also receive significant updates, introducing ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ versions that utilize new hardware features like the microphone and camera.
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Upgraded versions of The Story of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild are also set to be introduced, featuring new elements such as voice navigation, HDR improvements, and more.
Players who have already bought Nintendo Switch 2 Edition compatible games on the original Switch will likely have the opportunity to upgrade by acquiring an ‘upgrade pack.’
Anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A are expected to launch on both the Switch and Switch 2—albeit with enhanced performance on the latter.
Support from third-party developers has also been impressive, with Nintendo incorporating a lineup of high-profile games for the platform including Elden Ring, Hades II, Street Fighter 6, Split Fiction, Madden NFL, Hogwarts Legacy, Hitman World of Assassination, Mission 007, Deltarune (Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4), Borderlands 4, Enter The Gungeon 2, Civilization VII, Cyberpunk 2077, and more.
The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, priced at $449.99. Customers will have the option to purchase the standalone console or a package that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World.
About the Author
Data Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer data editor Chris Kerr is a celebrated journalist and writer with over ten years of experience in the gaming sector. His work has appeared in prominent print and online publications, including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, Global Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events like GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel for The Develop Star Awards multiple times and has appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.