Nintendo Switch 2: All You Need To Know Before Its Release Date

After 3 months of anticipation and rumours, the Nintendo Direct held on April 2 opened the floodgates of information about Nintendo Switch 2, Big N's next generation consoles. Both during and after the showcase, we learned key details on the handheld’s features and technical aspects, accessories coming soon, games at launch, prices and, of course, how to pre-order the console from Nintendo’s site and other platforms. So we went from nothing to a sea of information in just a matter of days!

At exciting times like this, it's easy to get caught up in the FOMO spiral. But as fellow Nintendo fans, we feel it's very important to understand what we're being sold in order to make the best purchase decision. We all agree on that, right? So in this new blog entry, we want to make everything clear for you.

What's the price for Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo Switch 2 is priced differently by country, initially costing $449.99 in the United States before taxes. Japanese players will be able to purchase it much cheaper in comparison ($342 USD), while people in countries like Denmark, Finland and Sweden will pay more than $600 for the console. As for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle, North American users will pay at least $499.99. Anyway, it might be worth the spend since the game would cost $80 separately!

In a recent announcement, Nintendo warned that these base prices could change based on the tariff cost, the increase of which has been suspended for the next 3 months.

When will it be launched?

On June 5, 2025!

What specs and features does Nintendo Switch 2 have?

New dimensions. It’s the biggest Nintendo Switch model after Switch OLED, with a screen of 7.9 inches. Also, the Joy-Cons will be bigger, which is great for those players who complained about the original ones due to their reduced size. Maybe they learned a thing or two from Steam Deck!

GameChat.The purpose of the mysterious C button has been revealed. It’s a shortcut to GameChat, a Discord-style app that we can use to talk to our friends while playing together or separately. GameChat will allow voice and image sharing, if we buy the official Nintendo camera, as well as screen sharing for everyone to see what we are doing. Of course, it requires Nintendo Switch Online.

Magnetic Joy-Cons.The original Joy-Con were attached to the Nintendo Switch via a rail parallel to the screen, risking scratches and breakage from use. But on the new console, magnetism is the new king! And it’s as simple as placing the controllers on the sides of the console and just snap them. Back in 2017, Nintendo considered this feature already, so they recycled and improved the concept for Nintendo Switch 2.

Our next big question would be, will they have fixed the joystick drifting issues as well? Time will tell…

Mouse functionality. This time aimed at PC gamers who expect more precision in shooters and better playability in strategy games, like Civilization VII. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Nintendo hit a ceiling in its core market with the first Switch, and now hopes to expand further. Specifically, by attracting PC users as Microsoft and Sony have been doing in recent years. Will we ever see Nintendo Switch Online on PC, or a Steam launcher on Nintendo Switch 2?

Better graphics.Speaking of which, Nintendo said the Switch 2 to be compatible with 4K at 60Hz. We didn't see the best example with Elden Ring during the Nintendo Direct, but there's a chance it was just a poor gameplay choice and this is more than a promise.

Game-Key Cards. The video games industry is gradually moving from physical to digital format to reduce distribution costs, and Game-Key Cards are a step forward for Nintendo on this path. This is a third option halfway between the traditional game cartridge and the box with download key, compatible with lending and the second-hand market.

In this hybrid format, a Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge contains just a fraction of the game and works as an activator for the rest of it. Players require Internet connection to download the content, but it won’t be necessary again as long as the game is installed in the console – still, the cartridge will be needed every time we want to play.

To date, the only Nintendo Switch 2 games to be released in Game-Key Card format are Bravely Default, Survival Kids and Street Fighter 6. It seems to be exclusive for third-parties, but Nintendo hasn’t confirmed it yet.

256GB internal storage. Nintendo Switch 2’s internal storage increased 8x! It should be noted that the maximum capacity of a game cartridge is 64GB, so added to the fact that some games will be sold in Game-Key Card format, which only contains a portion of the product, how many titles can we really store at a time on our console?

MicroSD Express Cards.A new storage card type exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, with capacity up to 256 GB. The console will no longer support other formats but this one! At this moment they can be purchased via Nintendo and external sites. 

Extra USB-C port. Now you can charge it while it’s docked!

Backward compatibility. There is an official list of Nintendo Switch games who will be fully playable on Nintendo Switch 2, including those third-party titles who still present some compatibility issues. According to their official statistics, there’s a small part of their catalog that won’t be compatible with the new generation. You can check this information on their official website.

Game releases confirmed

The Nintendo games that will be available on Switch 2 as a part of its day-one catalog are:

• Mario Kart World
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of The Kingdom, plus Zelda Notes app – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Later releases Summer 2025:

• Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17)
• Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (July 24)
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (August 28)

2025, no date confirmed:

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• Kirby Air Raiders
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A
• Drag x Drive

As for third-party games, the selection is huge too!

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition & The Duskbloods
• Split Fiction
  
• Hades II
  
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
  
• Final Fantasy VII Remake + Intergrade
  
• Street Fighter 6
  
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
  
• EA SPORTS Madden NFL & FC
  
• Hogwarts Legacy
  
• Sid Meier's Civilization VII
  
• Borderlands 4
  
• BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster
  
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
  
• Fortnite
  
• Enter The Gungeon 2
  
• HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition
  
• Project 007
  
• STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions
  
• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
  
• DELTARUNE
  
• Survival Kids
  
• Star Wars: Outlaws

 

Nintendo Switch 2 accessories

Protective accessories

Split Transparent Ergonomic Protective Case. This hard case provides your Nintendo Switch 2 with basic protection against daily wear and tear. It’s a safe option if you’re the type of person who only plays video games at home and usually enjoys sitting on the couch or the bed. Moreover, it’s simple and elegantly discreet.

Split Protective Case. Made of tough, wear-resistant materials, this case shields your Nintendo Switch 2 from drops, scratches, and daily impacts. Its modular design offers a full-body protection, covering the screen, edges, and back.

Anti-Glare Screen Protector. A scratch on a trigger doesn't make a difference, but on the screen it can be deadly! Take care of it with this 8-inch tempered glass, whose 9h hardness will make all the difference. And it's only 0.31 mm thick! Also, its anti-glare properties will provide you a comfortable visual experience during long gaming sessions.

Gameplay enhancers

Thumb Grip Caps. Avoid rapid wear and tear of your joysticks by using our silicone covers, which are not only beautiful but also soft and comfortable to use — you'll hardly notice them while playing!

Single Joy-Con Grip. Not in the mood to spend $80 on the Pro Controller? Even if you like the feel of a thick, ergonomic controller in your hands, saving money is equally important. And that was our main reason for designing this new Joy-Con adapter, which produces the same game feel, features improved SL and SR buttons, and is less expensive. Oh, and it’s sold in a two-pack for less than $25.

Racing Steering Wheel. Same concept as the Joy-Con controller grip! A sturdy racing wheel for Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Raiders, which is sold in sets of two units.

Travel cases

Shock-Absorbent Storage Case. A custom-made rugged case that will protect your Switch 2 from impacts, dust and dampness wherever you go! In addition to its inner silicone straps, which keep the console in place, it’s equipped with a sturdy locking clasp. In addition, you can charge the console while the case is on thanks to a direct access to the console's charging port.

Hard Cover Carrying Case. There's nothing more unfortunate than breaking your console right out of the box, so you might appreciate having extra security measures. And that’s what this carrying case offers through its double-layer EVA protection! It’s not just a protective measure, but also the most convenient storage place for your accessories and games if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Combine it with the shock absorbing rigid case, or any other third-party cover of your choice.

Game Card Case. A new cartridge storage with capacity for up to 40 physical games, allowing you to organize them in three separate compartments according to your preferences. It’s fully compatible with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games, and TF storage cards.

 

Now that you learned all about Nintendo Switch 2, its games and accessories, what’s your choice? Let us know on social media when you plan to get your hands on this gorgeous handheld, and what games you are most looking forward to.