Nintendo showed off the Nintendo Switch 2 in full during a direct presentation on Wednesday, finally providing a close look at its next-generation console. As seen in the first trailer back in January, Switch 2 is bigger, better, and an upgrade over the original Switch in every way. Nintendo Switch 2 is equipped with a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen that supports up to 120Hz refresh rate. The console also supports up to 4K resolution in docked mode. As previously hinted, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been confirmed to feature redesigned magnetic Joy-Cons that can also be operated as a mouse.
Nintendo Switch 2 price, availability
The only 256GB storage option of Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 (approximately Rs. 38,500) in the US. The console will also be bundled with a new Mario Kart game called Mario Kart World. The suggested retail price of the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle in the US is $499.99 (approximately Rs. 42,725).
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025. Pre-orders for the hybrid console will go live on April 9, 2025, at participating retailers in North America. It is worth noting that, like the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 will not be officially launched in the Indian market. However, imported units of the console should be available after launch from online retailers like Amazon.
Nintendo Switch 2 specs, features
Nintendo Switch 2 features powerful new hardware, redesigned Joy-Cons, and a new in-game communication system that supports Discord-style voice and video chat while gaming, screen sharing, and game sharing across Nintendo consoles.
Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display that supports HDR and 120fps gaming. The console supports resolutions up to 4k in docked mode. The Switch 2 is the same thickness as its predecessor at 13.9mm.
The Switch 2 will come with 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD Express card. As previously confirmed, the console will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch digital and physical games.
As previously hinted and rumored, the Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the system magnetically. The new Joy-Con also supports mouse control and the ability to slide across the surface for input.
While Nintendo has yet to reveal specific details, a press release confirmed that the Switch 2 will have “significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over the Nintendo Switch.” The console’s upgraded internals will bring faster processing speeds and enable new, visually advanced gameplay, the press release said. Switch 2 will support more detailed graphics and faster loading times. The hybrid console will also support 3D audio in both handheld and desktop modes.
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a “C” button for GameChat
Photo credit: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 also has a ton of social features, all of which can be accessed via the new dedicated “C” button on the right Joy-Con. The new online communication feature, called GameChat, will allow players to chat online with other players while gaming, much like the Discord and native chat options available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
The “C” button will open the GameChat menu and allow up to four players to share their game screen. Nintendo will also sell separately a Nintendo Switch 2 camera that connects to the console via a USB Type-C port to enable video chat.
The back of the Switch 2 has a new adjustable stand and two USB Type-C ports – one at the bottom of the console and another at the top. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with the same game card slot as its predecessor.
Nintendo also announced a slew of first- and third-party games (both old and new) that will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches on June 5. We’ll take a closer look at all the games released on Nintendo Direct individually.
