Following Nintendo’s April 2 Direct presentation, we now have more information about the Switch 2 than ever before, including its release date (June 5) and price ($450!). We are also closely monitoring how the recently announced tariffs in the United States are impacting Nintendo’s launch plans — the company has already paused pre-orders in the US that were set to take place on April 9.
Thanks to Nintendo’s January 16 teaser trailer, we’ve known what the Switch 2 will look like and that it will arrive in 2025 — over eight years after its predecessor. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a similar design to the original system, but with a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons, and a sleeker design. The company has also confirmed that the upcoming console will be backwards compatible with Switch games.
If you’re looking to catch up on everything we know about the Switch 2, keep reading.
What are the key new features of the Nintendo Switch 2?
Display and dock
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 1080p 7.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh and HDR compatibility. It also supports up to 4K output at 120Hz (with variable refresh rates) when docked.
Joy-Con and Pro Controller
The new Joy-Con 2 for Nintendo Switch 2 attaches magnetically with a button to release them. They have larger SL and SR buttons to make playing multiplayer games on individual Joy-Cons more feasible. These buttons are also made of steel and attach to the Switch 2’s magnets.
The analog sticks are no longer tiny nubs and are closer in size to those found on a PS5 or Xbox controller. However, they do not have Hall effect sensors, which can minimize the risk of the “stick drift” issue that affected the original Joy-Cons.
The Joy-Con 2 have what Nintendo calls “HD Rumble 2” built in, which seems to be a refinement of the original vibration function. Additionally, each Joy-Con 2 has an optical sensor that allows you to use it as a mouse, and a C button.
The new Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with everything you’d expect based on the refreshed Joy-Con 2: Namely HD Rumble 2 and the C button. There are also remappable GL/GR buttons around the back and a standard audio jack for connecting a headset.
Both options come with Amiibo support built in. The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Con 2, and additional pairs are priced at $90. The Pro Controller will cost $80.
The C button stands for “chat”
The new C button is a dedicated way to enter a chat session with friends. As well as the standard features you’d expect from voice chat, Nintendo has built a Discord-like video-sharing feature, which lets you show your gameplay to others and see other people’s screens while you’re playing.
The GameChat function works with a mic built into the console, though headsets are also supported. Nintendo will also sell a $50 camera that plugs into the USB-C port on the top of the console, which will allow you to stream your face along with your game.
