Nintendo has officially announced that the highly anticipated Switch 2 will launch on June 5, marking the successor to one of the best-selling consoles of all time. Fans had speculated for months before Nintendo confirmed initial details in January.
In a Nintendo Direct presentation watched by over a million viewers, the company unveiled more about the hardware and announced that the console will launch alongside Mario Kart World, a revamped version of its iconic racing franchise.
Other major game releases include Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6. The new console promises enhanced graphics, sound, and a built-in voice chat feature.
Nintendo Switch 2 Features and Pricing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.9-inch, 1080p resolution, HDR support |
| Performance | Up to 120fps |
| Design Improvements | Larger buttons and control sticks |
| Controller Features | Can function as a mouse in compatible games |
| Audio | Nintendo’s new 3D audio technology for immersive sound |
| Storage | 256GB built-in storage |
| New “C” Button | Enables in-game voice chat with noise cancellation |
| Voice Chat Interface | Displays character avatars in a Zoom-like interface |
| Base Price (U.S.) | $449.99 |
New and Upcoming Games for Switch 2
Aside from Mario Kart World, fans can look forward to Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the 2005 classic, both launching later this year. The console will support backward compatibility with select Switch titles, while others will receive enhanced versions for the new hardware.
Digital copies of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $69.99 and $59.99, respectively, on the Nintendo Store. Physical copies will cost an additional $10.
Also Read: The Best Cross-Platform Co-op Games for You and Your Friends
Third-Party Games and Exclusives
For the first time in years, major third-party titles are coming to a Nintendo console. The confirmed lineup includes:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
- Hitman World of Assassination
- Hades 2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
Additionally, The Duskbloods, a new multiplayer title exclusive to the Switch 2, launching in 2026.
Challenges Ahead for the Switch 2
The original Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units since 2017, making it the third-best-selling console ever. Its hybrid design functioning as both a handheld and home console was the key to its success.
Nintendo aims to avoid supply shortages that plagued PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at launch. President Shuntaro Furukawa previously stated that the company delayed the Switch 2’s release to ensure sufficient stock.
The ongoing trade policies introduced by former President Donald Trump could also impact manufacturing and pricing, though details remain uncertain.
With a strong game lineup and improved features, the Switch 2 is set to make a significant impact on the gaming world.