Nintendo Switch 2 Launches on 5 June 2025 *Update*

During the Direct presentation, Nintendo announced the release date for Nintendo Switch 2. The console will be released on 5 June 2025. The console will cost $449.99 in the US and €469.99 in Europe.

Nintendo Switch 2 launches on 5 June 2025. The console will cost $449.99 in the US and €469.99 in Europe. And there will be a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for a suggested retail price of $499.99 in the US and €509.99 in Europe, which includes the system and a download code for the Mario Kart World game and will be available on the day Nintendo Switch 2 launches. Pre-orders will be available from My Nintendo Store on 8 April, or earlier at retailers such as Amazon, Media Markt and Saturn.

The handheld's display is 7.9 inches, significantly larger than the standard Switch's 6.2 inches and the OLED version's 7 inches. The LCD is capable of 1080p resolution, up to 120fps and HDR. The handheld is about the same thickness as its predecessor (13.9mm). There is 256GB of built-in storage, and microSD Express cards can be used for memory expansion (up to 2 TB). The internal lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 5220 mAh. Nintendo promises improved speakers, a built-in microphone, a 4 pole stereo 3.5mm mini plug, spatial 3D audio over headphones and a more flexible stand. There are two USB-C ports on the handheld. The memory cards for physical games are the same size as their predecessors, but can be read faster.

"Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch," said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. "With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches."

The docking station for TV mode is also larger, offering 4K support up to 120 fps and HDR. A built-in fan should keep the handheld cool.

The Joy-Con 2 are magnetically attached to the handheld. There are larger SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Cons, and the joysticks are also larger. As suspected, players can also use one Joy-Con as a mouse. On the right Joy-Con 2 controller, the new C Button starts the GameChat function. This is a voice-over-IP chat for  up to 12 people. The handheld's microphone is used for input, even in docking mode. Gameplay can also be transmitted in small windows at the bottom of the screen, although the quality is not very smooth, as could be seen in the presentation. It is also possible to chat when people are playing different games. A camera will also be available as an accessory so that a video of the player can be transmitted instead of live gameplay. 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.

There will be three types of games that can be played on the Switch 2. Firstly, games that are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, such as Mario Kart World. They won't work on the predecessor. Secondly, games that will work on both the Switch and the Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility. Thirdly, updated or enhanced versions of games that will be called Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - and will be available as upgrades (likely for an upgrade fee) for owners of the existing versions. Examples include Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. These titles will support higher resolutions, higher refresh rates and, in some cases, HDR.

Nintendo: "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 easily manage all their purchased digital games, play games on two different systems, or even lend or borrow games. The virtual game card menu shows all of the digital games purchased with a user’s Nintendo Account, making it easy to access the games and load them on the system. 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."

Nintendo Switch Online will be available on Nintendo Switch 2. 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 collection of Nintendo GameCube games with clearer image quality and higher resolution than the original releases. The classic game lineup available at release will be F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soulcalibur 2.

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