For Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, it’s all about being together − anytime, anywhere.
The successor to their popular Switch will drop this summer, and it promises easier ways to connect, share and play with friends. More details were revealed Wednesday about the new console in the company’s Direct showcase, including release date, some of the new games that will be available at launch and other key features.
Here’s what to know about the Nintendo Switch 2.
When will the Switch 2 be released?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit stores June 5.
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How much will the Switch 2 cost?
The Switch 2 will have a $449.99 price tag, much more than the $299 cost of the original Switch at launch and the $349.99 Switch Oled edition. Purchase options will be the console or a bundle with a digital copy of the new Mario Kart World.
What’s different about the Switch 2?
While the Switch 2 builds on the foundation of the original − and the body of the device has the same thickness − it has a larger screen, larger joysticks and the SL and SR buttons are bigger. Also bigger is the internal storage, which will be 256 GB. For additional storage, users can add a microSD Express card, but note that other microSD cards or ones that were used with the original Switch will not work with the Switch 2.
The Joy-Cons have been redesigned to attach magnetically to the Switch 2, and they can also be used like a mouse by sliding on a surface
The console will have a new built-in mic and an additional USB-C port on top of the device to either attach a camera or charge while playing. A Nintendo Switch 2 camera, sold separately, is also a new accessory for the console.
What is that new C button on the Switch 2?
One of the biggest new features for the Switch 2 is GameChat, which offers a number of chat and communication options. Using the C button on the right Joy-Con, players can access a chat menu, communicate with up to 12 other people. Up to four people can share their game screen, even while playing different games. With a compatible USB-C camera connected, players can also appear on screen, using it more as a video chat.
GameChat will require Nintendo Switch Online, but until the end of March 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will not be required so more gamers can try the new features.
What games are coming for Switch 2? Some release dates announced
Several new games will be available for the Switch 2 at launch or soon after the console’s release, and it will be backwards compatible with physical and digital games for the original console.
The highly anticipated Mario Kart World will release the same day as the Switch 2 and will allow players to go off the racetrack and go anywhere in the game’s world, even on scenic drives with friends. More details for Mario Kart World will be unveiled in a dedicated Nintendo Direct showcase April 17.
Other Switch 2 games include Donkey Kong Bananza, which will release July 17, and Kirby Air Riders will release before the year’s end. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will release for both Switch 2 and Switch, and several games for the original Switch will have Switch 2 editions, with enhanced graphics and for some games, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree, new content or gameplay. Players who already own the original games can purchase a Switch 2 Edition upgrade for the game.
Now that the release for the Switch 2 is set, more game titles are expected to be announced or receive firm release dates for the year.
