Nintendo has officially announced that its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, will launch globally on June 5, 2025. The base model is priced at $449.99, with a bundle including “Mario Kart World” available for $499.99. Pre-orders are set to begin on April 9.
Hardware Enhancements
The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces several significant hardware improvements over its predecessor:
- Display: Features a 7.9-inch 1080p screen supporting up to 120 frames per second (fps) and High Dynamic Range (HDR).
- Docked Mode: Capable of outputting games in 4K resolution when connected to a television.
- Storage: Comes with 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD cards.
- Controllers: The new Joy-Con 2 controllers connect magnetically and feature larger buttons and a rollerball for enhanced precision.
Confirmed Game Titles
A diverse lineup of both first-party and third-party titles has been confirmed for the Switch 2:
- First-Party Titles:
- “Mario Kart World”: A new entry in the popular racing series, featuring dynamic weather and open-world elements.
- “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” and “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition”: Enhanced versions of the acclaimed titles with upgraded graphics and new features.
- Third-Party Titles:
- “Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition”: FromSoftware’s acclaimed action RPG is set to arrive on the Switch 2, offering players the expansive world of the Lands Between on Nintendo’s latest hardware.
- “Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition”: CD Projekt Red’s open-world RPG will be available, optimized to leverage the Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities.
- “Hades II”: The sequel to the critically acclaimed rogue-like dungeon crawler is slated for release on the Switch 2 in 2025.
- “Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade”: Square Enix’s reimagining of the classic RPG will be available, bringing its enhanced graphics and gameplay to the Switch 2.
Additionally, titles such as “Street Fighter 6,” “Hogwarts Legacy,” and “Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition” have been confirmed, showcasing the strong third-party support for the console.
Innovative Features
Nintendo is introducing new functionalities to enhance the user experience:
- GameChat: A communication feature allowing voice and video chat, facilitated by the new C-button on the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
- GameShare: Enables local multiplayer gaming without requiring multiple copies of a game.
- Backward Compatibility: The Switch 2 supports many original Switch titles, with select games receiving updates to leverage the new hardware’s capabilities.
With these advancements and an extensive game library, the Nintendo Switch 2 aims to deliver a comprehensive and immersive gaming experience for both new and returning players.
