Following months of eager anticipation and years of speculation, Nintendo has finally unveiled detailed information about the Switch 2. Through a Nintendo Direct presentation, the company is addressing the questions that have been circulating since the console was first officially announced in a brief teaser this past January.

Switch 2 Launch Date and Pricing

The console’s release date has been confirmed as June 5, 2025, although the pricing details have not been disclosed yet.

Switch 2 Hardware

The Switch 2 console boasts the same thickness as its predecessor but features a significantly larger display, measuring 7.9 inches with a 1080p resolution, compared to the 6.2-inch 720p screen of the original console. Additionally, it supports up to 120fps. Although it utilizes an LCD display rather than OLED, it does support HDR. The Joy-Con controllers attach magnetically and have larger SL and SR buttons for improved single-controller gameplay. The sticks are also larger, and each Joy-Con can function as a mouse in compatible games.

The built-in stand appears to be an improvement over previous models, and the console features two USB-C ports. Nintendo highlighted the 3D audio capability when using compatible headphones, and the console’s speakers are expected to be significantly better. The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of storage, far exceeding the 32GB of the original model. The Switch 2 dock can output up to 4K with compatible games and includes a built-in fan for cooling during high-resolution gameplay.

The Switch 2 utilizes similar game cards to the original Switch, but they are faster. However, for extra storage, microSD Express cards will be required, as standard microSD cards will not be compatible with the new hardware.

A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller will also be available, featuring a C button to activate GameChat and GL and GR buttons on the back that can be assigned to specific actions. Additionally, it includes a headphone jack.

Voice and Video Chat

The first new feature showcased on the updated Joy-Con controllers was the C button, which enables access to the new GameChat features. This allows for voice chat during gameplay using a built-in microphone, even when the console is docked. This is the first time a Nintendo system has included voice chat, and players can also share their game screen with friends while playing. For example, in Mario Kart, this feature provides a more connected experience, even when playing remotely, as players can see their friends’ actions in real-time.

The chat and screen-share features are available even when players are engaged in different games, allowing friends to hang out and play together. The Switch 2 camera enables video chat, displaying the player on screen during gameplay. These features require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but Nintendo will offer it for free to all users until March 31, 2026.

Mario Kart World

As anticipated, a new entry in the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart World, has been announced. The game appears familiar while introducing innovative features, such as skateboard-style grinds on rails and wall jumps. The courses seem larger and wider than before, with an open world connecting the various tracks, and dynamic weather and time-of-day changes.

Nintendo has stated that players can drive “virtually everywhere” off-course, and the Grand Prix will feature 24 competitors in a single race. This update is significant, given that the last Mario Kart game was released in 2014 for the Wii U and later updated for the original Switch. Mario Kart World will be available on the same day as the Switch 2, June 5.

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, which utilizes the Switch 2’s mouse controls, Hades II, Street Fighter 6, Split Fiction, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 +4, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Daemon x Machina.

Nintendo is also developing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, set to be released this winter, in collaboration with Koei Techmo Games. The game will feature combat-focused gameplay similar to other Dynasty Warrior-style titles.

From Software is releasing a new game for the Switch 2, titled The Duskbloods, in 2026, which bears a strong resemblance to Bloodbourne at first glance.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games

In addition to games specifically designed for the Switch 2, Nintendo will also release “Switch 2 editions” of select titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These editions will feature improved resolutions and frame rates, as well as new features that will be accessible through a companion smartphone app. However, the cost of these upgrades has not been disclosed.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land will receive a Switch 2 edition with an additional world to explore, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have both Switch and Switch 2 editions, with the Switch 2 edition capable of running in 4K at 60fps or up to 120fps at a lower resolution.

This story is developing and being updated as Nintendo releases more information; please refresh for the latest updates.