Nintendo Switch 2 — everything you need to know

The Nintendo Switch 2 is real and it's launching in June! After literal years of unverified rumors, dubious leaks and copious amounts of online speculation, Nintendo has lifted the lid on its next-generation console, and it’s the Switch sequel the majority expected (and many of us wanted).

First announced back in January and now fully unveiled during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event, the Switch 2 is an evolution of the existing Nintendo Switch console rather than a reinvention of the wheel. While the system might appear similar to its predecessor, its strength lies in its impressive assortment of first and third-party games.

Here's everything we now know about the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 latest news (Updated April 2)

• Nintendo Switch 2 mouse controls — here's how it works
• Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders start April 9
• Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch — 13 biggest upgrades
• Nintendo Switch 2 unveils GameChat — here's what the C button can do

Nintendo Switch 2 release date and price

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will begin on Wednesday, April 9 in the US. The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 console will cost $449 / AU$699. Alternatively, there will be a Switch 2 bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $499 / AU$769. The Nintendo Switch 2 will be widely available starting June 5th.

In the US, retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy have yet to launch official pre-order pages for the Switch 2, although it's likely those pages will launch soon. Best Buy is letting shoppers register interest to "receive information about when you can pre-order."

Meanwhile, GameStop has launched its Switch 2 listing page where you can "sign up to be notified when Switch 2 is available." These sign ups are free, they're worth doing now.

 Nintendo Switch 2 design and new features

On the surface, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks largely identical to its predecessor, but there is one key difference: Switch 2 is bigger!

In the handheld world, bigger is increasingly meaning better, with chunky units like Steam Deck OLED ruling supreme, and Nintendo is following the trend. Prepare your pockets because the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t a slim device.

In the original Switch 2 reveal trailer, Nintendo cleverly showcased the Switch 2’s increased size by comparing it with the current Switch. It will sport a larger display size and thinner bezels.

Another noticeable design tweak is the new kickstand. It will cover the entire back of the console and is adjustable so you can view the display from multiple angles. It’s a huge leap from the regular Switch’s restrictive (and flimsy) kickstand but comparable with the kickstand added to the Nintendo Switch OLED model in 2021.

One of the big Nintendo Switch 2 rumors was the addition of a mysterious “C button.” A brief video was posted on the Nintendo Today app yesterday. But now, during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo has officially unveiled this button, which works with the new GameChat feature.

The C button is located on the right joystick and lets you access the system’s new chat system by pressing it. The menu in question appears very similar to the one you’d see on Discord, with each player’s camera showing up as tiles on the screen.

Speaking of the Joy-Cons, Nintendo also showed off mouse-like controls for its controllers. The control scheme mirrors how a PC mouse works, where you put both Joy-cons on a table or surface and roll them to control whatever is on the screen.

There are also elements of motion controls similar to what we've already seen on the original Nintendo Switch, where you can jerk your wrist with the controller in-hand to toss a ball, or something similar.

At a glance, there might not appear to be much new, but Switch 2’s Joy-Cons won’t just be bigger, but they will also connect to the console in a new way. The railing system is out, and instead, a new connection method has been implemented. The Switch 2’s reveal video showcases this change and the way the Joy-Cons snap onto the Switch 2’s main console unit sure does look satisfying.

Nintendo Switch 2 specs and key upgrades

The Nintendo Switch 2 measures 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide and .55 inches, with a weight of 1.18 pounds with the Joy-Cons attached. It has a 7.9-inch capacitive touch LCD screen with a 1920 x 1080p resolution that supports HDR10, VRR and up to 120Hz refresh rates.

Processor-wise, all we know is that it's a custom chip made by Nvidia. The company didn't detail core counts or anything else to give us an idea of what this chip is capable of, which is usual for Nintendo. In terms of storage, the Switch 2 offers a generous (for Nintendo) 256 GB.

In docked mode, the Switch 2 can hit up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at 60 frames per second. It also supports 120 fps when 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 resolutions are selected. The system supports HDR10 and a 1920x1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode, following screen resolution.

The Switch 2 also ships with a redesigned dock. The new dock features softer, rounded edges, and more of the display is visible when docked — whether this will be used for gameplay features remains to be seen.

Nintendo says the Switch 2 will have up to 6.5 hours of battery life, depending on what games you're playing. The system will sport a pair of USB-C ports.

GameChat

The original Nintendo Switch didn’t have the same voice chat functionality as the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Because of that, the new GameChat feature is one of the most important features coming to Nintendo’s console. Here’s how it works.

The GameChat overlay looks like the Discord chat overlay. A small microphone on top of the console picks up your voice, even from a distance.

Nintendo says there’s noise canceling, so you won’t have to worry if you’re playing in a noisy environment. And as seen in the video, it appears you can press the C button to mute yourself. This works whether you’re in handheld or docked mode.

There are other functions similar to PS5. You’ll be able to chat across different games, view another player’s screen, and share your screen. There’s even a new Nintendo Switch 2 camera you can use while gaming.

Nintendo Switch 2 accessories

As expected, the Nintendo Switch 2 will support a slew of accessories.

Most notably, we were introduced to GameChat, Nintendo's new in-game chat system. This incorporates the all-new peripheral, the Switch 2 Camera, which can add your friendly face to multiplayer sessions or even incorporate your image into select titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree.

Price info for all the new Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, including controllers, carry cases, and peripherals, has now been confirmed on the official Nintendo website. You can find a full list below:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99 ($10 more than the original Pro Controller RRP)
• Joy-Con 2 controllers: $89.99 ($10 more than original Joy-Con pairs)
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of two): $19.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set (includes Switch 2 Dock, AC adapter, USB-C cable and Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable: $109.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carry Case & Screen Protector: $34
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-in-One Carry Case: $79
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29 (same as original Switch)

Overall, the new peripherals aren't much more expensive than they already were.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

A host of games are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. There were some familiar faces, some enhanced versions of Switch 1 games, some remasters, a few new IPs and a couple of genuine surprises. Perhaps crucially for Nintendo, several blockbuster third-party titles were confirmed for the console alongside Nintendo's first-party favorites.

The Nintendo Direct kicked things off with Mario Kart World, a brand new take on the popular kart racer that allows players to go off-road and explore the wider world for the first time. It followed up with a new three-on-three wheelchair basketball game called Drag x Drive (with strong Rocket League vibes) to showcase the Switch 2 Joy Con's new mouse mode.

There is a string of notable third-party releases, including the likes of Elden Ring, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Madden, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy and more. There was also the announcement of a brand new James Bond game, titled simply "Project 007" that's coming from I/O Interactive.

The stream finished on some big-hitters: a new game from FromSoftware called DuskBloods, which will launch sometime in 2026, and a new 3D Donkey Kong platformer called Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo even gave us a release date for that one: June 17.

Suffice to say, there's plenty for players to get excited about when the Nintendo Switch 2 touches down on June 5. Here's a full rundown of Nintendo Switch 2 games announced at the event.

Nintendo Switch 2 outlook

Nintendo’s mantra with Switch 2 appears to have been "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it." While the gaming titan is often praised (or lamented) for its habit of making unexpected decisions, with Switch 2 it’s stuck to its guns and appears to be iterating on what worked.

Nintendo Switch 2 is making improvements in all the right areas with a larger display and more powerful components. Alongside all the big games arriving for the system, it could well be a smash hit from day one. Of course, its $449 starting price and $80-$90 games could be a deterrent for some.

Nevertheless, at this early stage, Nintendo Switch 2 looks like it's on course to be another gaming success story. We’ll keep bringing you the latest updates on all things Switch 2 as we move closer to its June 5 launch.