Following months of anticipation and years of speculation, Nintendo has finally unveiled detailed information about the Switch 2 in a recent Nintendo Direct presentation. This announcement addresses numerous questions that have been circulating since the console was first officially revealed in a teaser trailer this past January.
Switch 2 Launch Date and Pricing
The Switch 2 is scheduled to be released on June 5, 2025, with a launch price of $450. Pre-orders for the console will commence on April 9, 2025.
Switch 2 Hardware
The Switch 2 boasts the same thickness as its predecessor but features a significantly larger 7.9-inch display with a 1080p resolution, compared to the 6.2-inch 720p screen of the original console. Additionally, it supports up to 120fps and HDR, although it utilizes an LCD display rather than OLED.
The new Joy-Con controllers attach magnetically and have larger SL and SR buttons, making them more comfortable to use when playing with a single Joy-Con. The sticks are also larger, and each Joy-Con can function as a mouse in compatible games.
The built-in stand has been improved, and the console features two USB-C ports. Nintendo has highlighted the console’s 3D audio capabilities when used with compatible headphones, and the speakers on the console itself have been enhanced. The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of storage, surpassing the 32GB of the original model. The Switch 2 dock can output up to 4K with compatible games and includes a built-in fan to maintain a stable temperature during high-resolution gameplay.
The Switch 2 utilizes similar game cards to the original Switch but with faster speeds. However, it requires microSD Express cards for additional storage, as standard microSD cards are not compatible with the new hardware.
A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller will be available, featuring a C button to activate GameChat and customizable GL and GR buttons on the back. The controller also includes a headphone jack.
In terms of battery life, the Switch 2 is rated between 2 and 6.5 hours of gameplay, depending on the game being played. This is comparable to the original Switch, which promised 2.5 to 6.5 hours of battery life. The Switch 2 has been upgraded to Wi-Fi 6 for improved networking capabilities.
Voice and Video Chat
Nintendo has introduced a new feature on its updated Joy-Con controllers: the C button, which enables GameChat functionality. This allows for voice chat while playing, even when the console is docked, and is the first time a Nintendo system has featured voice chat. Additionally, players can share their game screens with friends, creating a more immersive experience.
The chat and screen-share features are available even when playing different games, allowing friends to hang out and play together remotely. The Switch 2 also features a camera that enables video chat, displaying the player on screen while playing. These features will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but Nintendo will offer it for free to all users until March 31, 2026.
Mario Kart World
A new entry in the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart World, has been announced. The game features familiar gameplay while introducing new elements, such as skateboard-style grinds on rails and wall jumps. The courses are larger and wider than before, with an open world connecting the various tracks. Weather and time of day will also change, adding to the game’s realism.
Players will be able to drive “virtually everywhere,” and the Grand Prix will feature 24 competitors in one race. Mario Kart World will be released on the same day as the Switch 2, June 5, 2025.
Other Games Coming to Switch 2
Nintendo has announced several other games that will be available on the Switch 2, including Eldin Ring: Tarnished Edition, Drag x Drive
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