After a long waiting period, Nintendo held a special Direct event to present a deep-dive into theNintendo Switch 2system, offering more insight into its functionalities and how it differs from the original system – and how it is similar to the 2017 console.The new version of the hybrid console had already been confirmed by Nintendo a while back, with the initial trailer showcasing the console’s new screen and its updated Joy-Con controllers. Even though the initial announcement was limited to a teaser without many official details, there was a lot toknow about the Nintendo Switch 2.
Now, that’s truer than ever. The Nintendo Direct event dedicated to the console’s presentation was held in early April 2025, showcasing several new exclusive titles that will make it to the Nintendo Switch 2 system, both from first-party developers and publishing partners.The console’s new features, such as the GameChat function and a camera, were also presented, highlighting a deeper focus on the multiplayer experience made available with the hardware. Furthermore, theNintendo Switch 2’s release datewas finally presented, and players shouldn’t have to wait too much longer before acquiring it.
8Nintendo Switch 2 - Release Date & Price
The Prices Weren’t Shown During Nintendo Direct
The long-awaited release date for the new console was finally announced during the Nintendo Direct event held on August 09, 2025. The presentation was broadcast live on the officialNintendo of Americachannel on YouTube. As confirmed by the company, theNintendo Switch 2 will be released globally on June 27, 2025. Nintendo has confirmed that the console will initially be released with two versions: the first of them is the standard console, while the second is a bundle that contains the digital download version of thenewMario Kart World, which will be one of the console’s launch titles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Compared To Past Nintendo Consoles (Adjusted For Inflation)
With the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct revealing the price of the console, this is how the cost compares to the prior Nintendo home consoles.
During the presentation, Nintendo didn’t announce the prices. However, the company did reveal the console’s prices via a press release.The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99 in the United States, while the Switch 2 bundle withMario Kart Worldwill be sold at a suggested retail price of $499.99. The products contain the Nintendo Switch 2 console, two Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 grip, Joy-Con 2 straps, a Switch 2 console dock, an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable, a Switch 2 AC Adapter, and a USB-C charging cable; the bundle comes with a download code forMario Kart World.
7Nintendo Switch 2’s C Button - GameChat Feature
Players Can Connect With Their Friends In A Chat Room
One of the Nintendo Switch 2’s big new features in comparison to the previous hardware generation is the introduction of the GameChat function. Accessible by thebrand-new C button on Joy-Consand other compatible controllers,the GameChat feature is a built-in voice and video chat system that allows players to connect with their friends in a virtual chat room. Players can use the console’s built-in microphone, which works in both handheld and TV mode and has a noise filter to improve communication. Aside from conversations, players can also share their screens on Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat.
GameChat also has a mute function, which allows you to turn the audio capture off temporarily – even if simplified in many ways, it is very much like a built-in Discord server.
This allows players to watch what their friends are playing in real time. It’s even possible to adjust a friend’s shared screen to watch what they are playing.To expand the GameChat experience, Nintendo also announced the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which allows players to add a camera overlay over their shared game screen or simply a video conference. The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera will also be able to interact with certain games, likeSuper Mario Party. A Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat, but Nintendo has announced an open access period until June 12, 2025.
6Nintendo Switch 2 - Game Lineup (Every Title Announced)
Many Games Will Be Compatible With The New Console, Including Elden Ring & Cyberpunk 2077
A large number of games were announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 console. This includes the aforementionedMario Kart World, which will be a console exclusive and a launch title.There will also be several Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of older games, such asSuper Mario Party Jamboree,Zelda: Breath of the Wild,Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, andKirby and the Forgotten Land. Furthermore, Nintendo announced Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for upcoming games, too, such as the anticipatedMetroid Prime 4: Beyond. Apart from first-party titles, Nintendo also announced several games from publishing partners.
The list below highlights all the games presented during the Nintendo Direct event, includingElden Ringon Nintendo Switch 2:
Some of the highlights among these many games include the new first-party announcements likeKirby Air RidersandDonkey Kong Bananza. Among titles provided by publishing and development partners, a few games stand out, such asThe Duskbloods, FromSoftware’s newBloodborne-lookalike, which will be exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 system.The long-anticipatedHollow Knight: Silksongalso received a 2025 release window, even if shown briefly during the presentation.
5Nintendo Switch 2 - Hardware Specifications & Improvements
The Hardware Features Heavy Improvements Compared To The First Generation
The Nintendo Direct event also showed a deep dive into the Nintendo Switch 2’s new hardware settings and the improvements made to the original console. The new system will have a larger screen (7.9 inches compared to the Switch’s 6.2-inch screen) but will have the same 13.9-inch thickness as the previous console generation. A big improvement will be seen on the screen, asNintendo Switch 2 will offer 1080p resolution, capable of running at up to 120 FPS on an LCD screen with HDR support. The company also revealed that the Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically to the console.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will have two USB-C ports (one on the top and the other on the bottom) while also providing 4K resolution in TV mode (for compatible games). The Switch 2 dock will also have a built-in fan to keep the console cool. It’s worth noting that Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express Cards.
Regarding the Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo revealed that both the SL and SR side buttons, as well as the control sticks, will be larger compared to the original Joy-Cons. One of the big new features for the Joy-Con 2 controllers is that they will have mouse controls with compatible games. Furthermore, Nintendo Switch 2 will provide clearer sound via the built-in speakers, while 3D-audio will be supported. The stand will also be larger, encompassing the console’s entire width.Nintendo Switch 2 will also have 256 GB of internal storage (eight times more than the original Switch), which will operate faster.
4New Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller + GameCube Controller
New Controllers Have The C Button
To complement the experience, Nintendo also announced a new Pro Controller called Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. This new controller retains the previous version’s original design but is improved with new features.Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will also have the aforementioned C button that grants access to the GameChat feature, as well as new GL and GR buttons located on the grips, which can be assigned to whatever functions you may desire. This new Pro Controller will also have a built-in audio jack. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will be sold at a suggested retail price of $80.
In addition to the new Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch 2,Nintendo Switch Online members will have exclusive access to a new GameCube Controller for the upcoming console. This new controller replicates the design of the original GameCube controller but is updated with the C button. This new Nintendo GameCube Controller will be available for purchase on the My Nintendo Store on the Nintendo Switch 2’s release date.
3Nintendo Switch 2 - GameShare Function
Players Will Be Able To Share Select Games With Friends
An improvement to the original Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer function, the new GameShare feature on the Nintendo Switch 2 will allow players to share compatible games with other Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 consoles to play the same game together without necessarily requiring them to detach the Joy-Cons and lend them to friends only to play on the same console. Supporting up to three systems,the GameShare feature will allow players to play the same game together on their own systems even if the other players don’t own the game.
Zelda: Breath Of The Wild & TOTK Are Getting Their Own Nintendo Switch 2 Games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be receiving some new features and graphical upgrades on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The GameShare function also supports online play, meaning players don’t necessarily have to be together. It can also be used simultaneously with the GameChat feature, which enables voice and video chat rooms.Only select titles will be compatible with GameShare via software updates in the future. As shown in the Nintendo Direct presentation, some of these titles areCaptain Toad: Treasure Tracker,Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury,Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics,Super Mario Odyssey, andBig Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain. Some exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 games will also have support for GameShare in the future.
2Nintendo Switch Online - Nintendo Classics: GameCube (Exclusive To Nintendo Switch 2)
Three Titles From GameCube Will Enter The Expansion Pack At Launch
While the Nintendo GameCube library for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service is limited to these three titles at launch, Nintendo has already announced that more titles will be added to the benefit down the road. As was shown during the Nintendo Direct,titles likeSuper Mario Sunshine,Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance,Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness,Super Mario Strikers,Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure,Luigi’s Mansion, andPokémon Colosseumwill make their way into the service at a later date.
1Nintendo Switch 2 First-Party Games Will Get More Expensive
New Nintendo Games Have A Higher Retail Price
Another point of interest for Nintendo Switch 2 is that its first-party releases will seemingly get more expensive when compared to previous first-party titles.It has been announced thatMario Kart Worldwill cost a whopping $80 while the upcomingDonkey Kong Bananzawill cost $70. This is a major price spike when compared to the standard $59.99 price for first-party titles for the Nintendo Switch, likeSuper Mario OdysseyandZelda: Breath of the Wild. The price increases had already started withZelda: Tears of the Kingdom, sold for $69.99, but it seems like prices will continue to increase.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Promises 2025 Release During Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
Hollow Knight: Silksong will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, according to the April 2 Nintendo Direct showcased today, after a long wait.
The $80 label on the launch title can be seen on the officialMario Kart Worldpage on the Nintendo website, while the $70 retail price forDonkey Kong Bananzacan be seen on its page on the official Nintendo website. Considering how Nintendo tends to keep most of its first-party titles priced similarly, the price increase for future Nintendo releases, such asPokémon Legends: Z-A,Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, andKirby Air Riderscould be sold at more expensive costs onNintendo Switch 2.
