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.
