In case you missed it, today Nintendo hosted one of their famous Nintendo Direct events. While Nintendo sometimes surprises us with them without much warning {like the one last week!} this one was announced MONTHS ago. And for good reason- this wasn’t just a regular Nintendo Direct. This was the first official Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2!
After months {okay, years} of speculation, Nintendo finally shared some major updates about the next generation of their hybrid console. Whether you’ve had your Switch since launch day or you’re just getting into gaming, there’s a lot to be excited about!
Here’s everything we know so far about the Nintendo Switch 2, including its key features, launch games, release date, and pricing.
What Is the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED. While it keeps the hybrid concept that made the Switch so popular- letting you switch between docked and handheld play- it introduces a variety of hardware and software upgrades that make this feel like a true next-gen experience.
Some of the most exciting features include:
- A larger screen with vibrant colors and smoother visuals
- Redesigned Joy-Con controllers that attach magnetically for a more secure connection
- A new optical sensor on the Joy-Cons, enabling precise motion tracking
- An extra USB-C port for expanded connectivity
- Improved battery life for longer play sessions on the go
- A sleek new kickstand design for more stable tabletop gaming
- Accessories to enhance gameplay
New Features Worth Noting- GameShare + New Joy-Con Options
Nintendo didn’t just update the specs- they added new functionality too!
C Button: One of the biggest points of speculation has been what the brand new “C” button on the right Joy-Con does and now we have our answer! The C Button launches GameShare options, which can include screen sharing, on-camera gameplay and group chat using an embedded microphone. The microphone even has the ability to filter out background noise.
GroupShare: GroupShare features will be added to a variety of existing games with the addition of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack, including Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, Super Mario Odyssey, Big Brain Academy Brain vs. Brain and more in the future.
GroupShare will require a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership eventually, but will be available to all until March 31, 2026 to give everyone a chance to try it out.
Mouse Functionality: There’s also a new style of using the Joy-cons, where you can use them like a mouse. Some of the upcoming games have functionality for this built right into the game, like the Drag x Drive game coming this summer.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Additionally, a stand-alone camera will be for sale. It includes a built-in privacy shutter for when you’re not using it and a wide variety of ways to use it when you are! It retails for $49.99 MSRP.
Will My Current Games Work on Switch 2?
One of the biggest questions fans have had is about backward compatibility- meaning if older games can be played on the newer system. The good news? Nintendo confirmed a few months ago that most Nintendo Switch games will work on the Nintendo Switch 2, whether you have the game as a physical cartridge or a digital download.
Some games will offer something called a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack which adds in new features, modes, game play options and/or content, depending on the game. These packs will require that you already have the base game but will allow those who own them to avoid having to pay for the game a second time to access new content.
Some games confirmed to offer Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Packs include Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby & the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World, Metroid Prime 4, and Pokemon Z-A.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will receive the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom included in their membership.
Nintendo Switch Online and Classic Games
The Nintendo Switch Online service will carry over to the new console, so you can still play online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to retro games from the NES, SNES, and more.
Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 is the ability to play some GameCube titles. Some will be available at launch with more being added later. If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, you can also purchase an exclusive GameCube style controller with the added “C” button, available beginning launch day.
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Titles
During the Direct, Nintendo showed off several games launching alongside the new system.
The brand-new Nintendo games announced include:
Mario Kart World: Mario Kart is FINALLY getting a new game, and it looks like it’ll be worth the wait! You can now race with 24 competitors per race- the most ever! You can also drive off-road and explore the courses. There’s an option to drive straight through the 4 courses that make up a prix which is a fun new way to play with friends. With Knockout Tour Mode, you have to be far enough along in the race during five checkpoints or you get, well, knocked out! Available at launch on June 5 for 79.99 MSRP
Donkey Kong Bananza: Help Donkey Kong find his way through the depths of the Underground World! Pulverize things with DK’s punches on your journey to help get the Golden Bananas back! Available July 17 at 69.99 MSRP
Kirby Air Riders: This sequel to the Kirby Air Ride game is long-awaited and sure to be adorable, just like Kirby always is! Available sometime in 2025.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond- Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: The galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter, Samus Aran, must explore the mysterious planet Viewros to find a way home. Available sometime in 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: This game is designed to give you a walk-through experience of all of the new features of the Nintendo Switch 2. Available at launch on June 5, price unknown
Some of the partner-developed games announced include:
- Deltarune including brand-new Chapters 3 + 4
- Borderlands 4
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
- WWE 2K
- NBA 2K
- Survival Kids
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
- Drag x Drive
- Hades II
- Street Fighter 6: Years 1 + 2
- Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion
- Split Fiction
- EA Sports FC
- Madden NFL
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater 3 + 4
- Hitman World of Assassination- Signature Edition
- Project 007
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
- Enter the Gungeon 2
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Starseeker
- The Duskbloods
There’s something for every kind of player, whether you love fast-paced action, cozy life sims, or family-friendly platformers. And while I want to play every game RIGHT NOW, I love that they’re spread out as I know that a lot of these will end up under our Christmas tree!
Keep an eye out here for more game announcements!
Switch 2 Release Date and Price
Nintendo announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025, and it will retail for $449.99. A bundle with Mario Kart World will be available as well for $499.99.
You can register your interest to purchase one with Nintendo at this link. Note that the ability to purchase is not guaranteed.
Preorders will be available from participating retailers beginning on April 9th!
My Thoughts
As a longtime fan of the Nintendo Switch, I’m really excited to see how the Switch 2 builds on what made the original system so special. The new features look fantastic, and I can’t wait to get my hands on some of the launch games- especially Mario Kart World!
Whether you’re a competitive gamer, a casual player, or somewhere in between, the Nintendo Switch 2 looks like it will offer something for everyone.
Will you be picking up a Nintendo Switch 2? What game are you most excited about?
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