Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on its long-anticipated next-generation console: the Nintendo Switch 2. After months of speculation, leaks, and wishlist-building among fans, the company has officially confirmed that the new console will launch globally on June 5, 2025, with pre-orders opening the week before.
This isn’t a small update—it’s a full refresh of Nintendo’s hybrid system that launched back in 2017. But don’t worry: it keeps the core idea of being both a handheld and a home console. Here's what you can expect if you're considering the jump (or the upgrade).
Visually, the Switch 2 doesn’t stray too far from the original formula, but there are several notable upgrades. The most obvious one? The display.
The new console sports a 7.9-inch LCD screen, slightly larger than the original model’s 6.2-inch screen. It also jumps from 720p to 1080p resolution in handheld mode.
When docked, it can output up to 4K, bringing crisper visuals to supported games on modern TVs. Frame rates have also been boosted, with up to 120 frames per second on select titles—a move that puts it more in line with current-generation systems from Sony and Microsoft.
Under the hood, Nintendo hasn’t shared full specs just yet, but earlier reports indicate that the Switch 2 is powered by a custom chip developed with NVIDIA, which should bring improved performance across the board.
The iconic Joy-Con controllers return, but they’ve been re-engineered in a few interesting ways. Instead of sliding onto rails, the new Joy-Cons attach magnetically to the console. Early hands-on reports say the connection feels sturdy and less prone to wear and tear over time.
There’s also a new “C” button on the right Joy-Con. This isn’t just a random letter—it’s a shortcut for a feature called GameChat, which brings integrated voice and video chat to the console. More on that in a moment.
Another update worth noting: the Joy-Cons can now double as a computer mouse in certain games, opening the door for point-and-click-style interactions or even creative apps.
If you’ve ever tried chatting with friends while gaming on the original Switch, you probably remember the awkward setup of using a separate smartphone app. That’s changing with the Switch 2.
The new GameChat feature lets players talk, video chat, and share their screen during multiplayer sessions—all directly from the console. It uses a built-in mic and camera (or an optional Switch 2 Camera accessory if you want better quality or added features).
Here’s something worth noting: GameChat won’t require a Nintendo Switch Online membership at launch. Nintendo is rolling it out as part of an open-access period through March 2026, after which it’ll be folded into the paid membership tier.
As for backward compatibility, yes, your existing Nintendo Switch game library will still work on the new system—both digital and physical games. However, there is a catch when it comes to storage.
First, the Switch 2 includes 256 GB of internal storage, a notable upgrade from the original Switch’s 32 GB. That should provide more breathing room for larger game downloads and updates right out of the box.
However, there’s a key shift in expandable storage. The Switch 2 no longer supports traditional microSD cards. Instead, it uses microSD Express cards—newer, faster storage cards that offer solid-state drive–like performance.
While this brings speed improvements, it also means existing Switch users will need to purchase new microSD Express cards to expand their storage or access game content. In fact, a microSD Express card is required to play any game on the Switch 2, including backward-compatible titles.
Nintendo has included a data migration tool to help users transfer content from their original Switch to the new system, but planning ahead for storage upgrades will be essential—especially for those with large game libraries or plans to download a lot of digital titles.
A console launch is only as exciting as the games that come with it, and Nintendo seems to know that. Leading the charge is "Mario Kart World," a new entry in the popular franchise that introduces changing weather, destructible environments, and new global tracks.
Other confirmed titles include:
There’s also a fresh wave of GameCube titles coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, including “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” and “F-Zero GX.” These classic games will be playable with optional retro screen filters or widescreen support.
The base Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for $449.99, with a bundle that includes "Mario Kart World" for $499.99. In the UK, pricing starts at £395.99, and in Europe, it's set at €469.99.
Pre-orders go live on April 9 in North America and April 8 in Europe. In addition to the console itself, Nintendo will offer accessories including a new Pro Controller and the aforementioned Switch 2 Camera.
