Nintendo Switch 2 launches in June

Nintendo has announced the complete details about the new Switch 2 console.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be launching on June 5 2025, for $449.99 USD / $629.99 CAD. The launch bundle will contain the Switch 2 console, Joy-Con 2 controllers with grips and straps, a Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, HDMI Cable, AC Adapter, and USB-C Charging Cable. A Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will also be available for $499.99 USD / $699.99 CAD, which includes a system and a download code for the Mario Kart World game, available from Nintendo Switch 2 launch day.

The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen with 1080p resolution, while maintaining the same thickness of Nintendo Switch. By connecting the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock to a TV, users can output video at up to 4K resolution and play games at up to 120 fps, via compatible games and TVs. Joy-Con 2, the newly designed controllers, magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. In addition, either Joy-Con 2 controller can be operated like a mouse by sliding it on a surface.

The angle of the new stable stand on the back of the Nintendo Switch 2 system can be adjusted freely. While Nintendo Switch has one USB-C port on the bottom of the system, Nintendo Switch 2 has a port on the top of the system as well, which makes it possible for players to use the included AC adapter to charge the system while playing in tabletop mode. It is also possible to connect a compatible USB-C camera, like the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory.

The new console also promises significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over Nintendo Switch, resulting in faster processing speed and enabling new visually advanced gameplay. It also makes it possible to achieve more detailed graphics and faster loading times. The internal storage of Nintendo Switch 2, where digital games and save data are stored, is 256 GB, which is 8 times the storage capacity of Nintendo Switch. For additional storage, Nintendo Switch 2 only uses microSD Express cards, which have faster data reading speeds than previous microSD models. The audio output is also said to be improved.

In software, a new online feature GameChat will allow people can play games and talk. Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller. The system’s built-in mic can be used to voice chat while playing games with up to 12 people in different locations. Up to four friends can share their screen, and if they connect a compatible USB-C camera, they can also video chat. Additional friends can join the chat via audio only. Until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be used without the need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

On Nintendo Switch 2, players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be able to use features like GameChat along with existing online features. In addition, for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics will be released right at the system’s launch. Players with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and a Nintendo Switch 2 system will be able to access a growing collection of Nintendo GameCube games with clearer image quality and higher resolution than the original releases.

With GameShare, a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, players can share and play the same game with others who do not have the game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. Between Nintendo Switch 2 systems, GameShare can also be used along with GameChat for online play, so that players can chat with others while all of them play the same game.

With virtual game cards, players can manage all their purchased digital games, play games on two different systems, or even lend or borrow games. Once a virtual game card is loaded onto a system, it can be played even if the system is not connected to the internet, and other users who are on that system can also play the game. Additionally, digital games can be lent and borrowed among members of the same Nintendo Account family group in the form of virtual game cards via local wireless communication. In addition to Nintendo Switch 2 games, Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital games released on Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers and peripherals, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, will also be usable on Nintendo Switch 2 by connecting them wirelessly to the system.

As for the games themselves, the console promises a strong library. From brand new titles and system exclusives, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, to third party games like EA SPORTS Madden NFL and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, to upgraded versions of Nintendo Switch games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Sid Meier's Civilization VII, the publisher promises much to share and play. Other games include SPLIT FICTION and ELDEN RING, sports entries like NBA 2K, and upcoming games like Hades II and Borderlands 4.

The original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 and went on to sell over 150 million consoles to date.

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