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And there goes the beans, fully spilled and in plain view. Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025 with two different bundles on offer. The first will carry an MSRP of $449.99, while the other will sell for $499.99 and come with a digital copy of Mario Kart World (which was also announced today). Take a look at the system in a bit more detail, including new features like GameChat, GameShare, and much more:
Let’s get into the gritty details, as described by Nintendo:
- Included in the Box:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
- GameChat & the C Button: Players will be able to press the new dedicated C Button on a Nintendo Switch 2 controller to initiate voice chat with other players. Not only that, but some games will even allow players to insert their faces directly into the action, either as a video chat bubble or an interactive character, via the new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Player voices will be picked up utilizing the onboard Switch 2 microphone, which is being touted as having good range and powerful sound filtering capabilities. While GameChat will normally be accessible only with a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription, it will be free from launch day until march 26 so players can give it a whirl.
- Bigger, Better Screen: Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p. The console itself maintains the original Switch’s thickness despite the new screen size and increased processing power inside.
- Magnetic Joy-Con & Mouse Controls: The new Joy-Con 2 controllers maintain the original detachability and motion sensing technology, but they also now attach to the sides of the console using magnets. They can be removed with the press of a toggle. The controllers can also be used like a mouse, with the player sliding them across a table (or even the pants on someone’s legs) for a range of new gameplay ideas.
- Better Graphics & Performance: Nintendo Switch 2 ” has significantly improved CPU and GPU performance,” although Nintendo has yet to delve into how much more, specifically. The game trailers shown off do feature graphics that look more robust than what the current Switch can pull off, but it’s hard to say how close it gets to, say, a PlayStation 5 in terms of fidelity and processing power.
- More Internal Storage, With a Catch: Switch 2 has 256 GB of internal storage right out of the box, which is four times more than the 64 GB in a Switch OLED and eight time that of a baseline Switch. However, this time around players will have to use microSD Express cards. No simply swapping your current microSD into a Switch 2, sadly. Nintendo alleges the switch (a pun!) in formats faster data reads.
- New 4K Dock: The Dock for a Nintendo Switch 2 will enable 4K resolution and 120 fps gameplay on screen and in games that allow it.
- GameShare: With a Nintendo Switch 2 and compatible games, players can wirelessly (and temporarily) share titles between their consoles. No need for an extra game cartridge.
- GameCube Comes to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Finally, fans will be able to play GameCube games via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. It will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, however. Wireless GameCube controllers (with the snazzy new C Button, to boot) will be available at launch from the My Nintendo website. The lineup at launch will be:
-
- Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- F-Zero GX
- Soul Calibur II
Pre-orders for the console will begin April 9 at select retailers. Here’s hoping measures are place to keep scalpers are at bay, but if you want one, be there day one to try and get a reservation in.
It was a packed Nintendo Direct, so look here on Nintendojo for the rest of our coverage, including exciting game announcements like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. In the interim, tell use what your interest level is down in the comments and on social media!
Source: Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Broadcast 04.02.25
