Key Features:

• Larger and Improved Display: It features a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1920×1080 (1080p) resolution, offering more detail compared to the original Switch. The screen also supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR for smoother and more vibrant visuals in compatible games. The system’s thickness remains the same as the original Switch.
• Enhanced Performance: The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts significantly improved CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster processing speeds, more detailed graphics, and quicker loading times.
• Increased Storage: The internal storage has been increased to 256 GB, eight times that of the original Switch, providing more space for digital games and save data. It will use microSD Express cards for expandable storage, offering faster data transfer speeds.
• New Joy-Con 2 Controllers:

• • They attach magnetically to the console with a release button for easy detachment.
  • Feature larger SL and SR buttons for improved comfort when used horizontally.
  • The analog sticks are also larger.
  • A significant new feature is that each Joy-Con 2 can be used as a mouse in compatible games, individually or together.
• New Dock: The new dock supports up to 4K resolution output at 60fps (or 1080p/1440p at up to 120fps) on compatible TVs, along with HDR support. It also includes a built-in fan to keep the system cool during extended play sessions.
• GameChat: A new built-in feature that allows players to voice chat with friends while playing online. It can be initiated by pressing the “C Button” on the right Joy-Con 2. The console has a built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology. Up to 12 people can participate in a voice chat.
• Screen Sharing and Video Chat: Up to four friends can share their gameplay screens with each other. By connecting a compatible USB-C camera (sold separately), players can also engage in video chat during gameplay.
• New Stand: The console features a new, wider, and freely adjustable kickstand on the back, allowing for a greater range of viewing angles in tabletop mode.
• Dual USB-C Ports: The Nintendo Switch 2 has two USB-C ports, one on the top and one on the bottom, making it easier to charge the system in tabletop mode or connect a USB-C camera.
• Improved Audio: The built-in speakers offer clearer and more natural sound quality with a balanced range. The system also supports immersive 3D spatial audio in handheld and tabletop modes. The dock supports 5.1 PCM audio output.
• GameShare: A new feature that allows a player who owns a compatible game to invite others (even those without the game) to play together via local play between Nintendo Switch 2 or even with original Nintendo Switch systems. It can also be used online with GameChat between Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
• Virtual Game Cards: This new system allows players to easily manage their purchased digital games, play them on two different consoles, and even lend or borrow games digitally.
• Accessibility Features: In addition to existing features, the Switch 2 will offer new options like adjustable font size, a screen reader, and speech-to-text within GameChat.

Games:

• Launch Title: Mario Kart World will be a launch title, available on June 5th. It will feature new modes like Knockout Tour (elimination-style racing) and Free Roam, set in a vast interconnected environment with 24-player online races. This game will have a higher price point of $79.99. A dedicated Mario Kart World Direct is scheduled for April 17th.
• Other First-Party Titles:
  • Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)
  • Kirby Air Riders (2025) – Developed by Masahiro Sakurai.
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (2025) – Will feature mouse controls and Quality (4K/60fps/HDR) and Performance (1080p/120fps/HDR) modes.
  • Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (July 24, 2025) – Will include new modes utilizing mouse controls, the built-in mic, and a compatible USB-C camera.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (June 5, 2025) – Enhanced with smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (June 5, 2025) – Enhanced with smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics.
  • Pokémon Legends Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Later 2025) – Will feature improved resolution and frame rates.
  • Drag x Drive (Summer 2025) – A new online 3v3 game utilizing the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls.
• Third-Party Titles Announced: A wide range of games from global developers and publishers are also coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, including:
  • Hades II
  • SPLIT FICTION
  • Street Fighter™ 6
  • BRAVELY DEFAULT™ FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster
  • Hogwarts Legacy (Enhanced edition with Joy-Con 2 mouse support and other improvements)
  • ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition
  • Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
  • HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition
  • Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
  • Survival Kids
  • Borderlands 4
  • Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
  • Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4
  • Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII
  • Enter the Gungeon 2
  • And many more, including FORTNITE, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS FC, NBA 2K, WWE 2K, Hollow Knight Silksong, etc.
• Nintendo Switch Compatibility: The Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital games released for the original Nintendo Switch. However, some games may not be fully compatible or supported.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Editions and Upgrade Packs: For select existing Nintendo Switch games, “Nintendo Switch 2 Editions” will be available, often as bundles including the original game and an upgrade pack. If you already own the original game (physical or digital), you can purchase the upgrade pack separately to enhance the game with improved resolution, frame rates, and potentially new features when played on the Switch 2. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will get access to some upgrade packs at no additional cost (e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrade packs).
• Nintendo Classics: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will gain access to a growing library of Nintendo GameCube games on the Switch 2, with clearer image quality and higher resolution. Launch titles include F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and SOULCALIBUR II. A dedicated wireless GameCube controller will be available for purchase for Nintendo Switch Online members.

Bundles:

• A Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will be available on launch day for $499.99, including the console and a download code for Mario Kart World.

Online Services:

• Nintendo Switch Online will continue to function on the Nintendo Switch 2.
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will offer access to Nintendo GameCube games in addition to the existing libraries.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions, with some expressing excitement about the new features and others concerned about the price increase compared to the original Nintendo Switch.