Eight years after the Nintendo Switch console first launched, the next generation is nearly here – the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo released a first look trailer at the Switch 2 in January 2025, but left out some big details – namely the price, key specs and release date. The Nintendo Direct filled in those gaps, giving fans a thorough idea of what to expect.
Pre-orders and now live in the UK and US, but the demand is very high, and not everyone has secured a console just yet. Fortunately, they won’t have to wait much longer, as stock hits shelves tomorrow.
Here’s what you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2. Our Entertainment Editor went hands-on with the console in Paris and got to experience the new mouse mode on the Joy-Cons, the graphics and some design tweaks that make it more kid-friendly.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will arrive on 5 June 2025.
The Switch Lite launched in September 2019, with the Switch (OLED) following in October 2021.
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How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost £395.99/$449.99 for just the console, and £429.99/$499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle – one of the launch titles.
For reference, the original Nintendo Switch is priced at £259/$299, while the OLED version is £309/$349.
While a price increase on the previous generation is not welcome news, the Switch 2 still undercuts some other handheld rivals such as the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck.
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Can I pre-order the Switch 2?
Official Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are now live in the UK and US – they were delayed in America due to the tariffs announced by President Trump.
Both countries have had stock run out across numerous retailers. In the US, Walmart is continuously refreshing its stock in waves, while Best Buy and Target stock will depend on your location. The official Nintendo store allows users to register, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get a link.
If you’re in the UK, you can read our guide on how to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 for a full list of retailers.
Is there a trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2?
If you’d like a quick look at the console, there’s this two-minute trailer from January, which shows off some major design hauls, including a larger screen, new Joy-Con controllers (one in a fresh orange colour), a U-shaped kickstand and a new USB-C port:
What are the specs of the Switch 2?
- Larger 7.9-inch LCD display
- Magnetic Joy-Cons
- New C button for GameChat
- 256GB worth of storage
The Switch 2 is a larger console than its predecessor, with a 7.9-inch display – the thickness remains the same.
The base colour is black, while the controllers offer a splash of colour accents. The left is the iconic blue fans will know and love, while the right is more of a peachy orange rather than the traditional red.
There’s a much more flexible U-shaped kickstand on the back and a new USB-C port on the top of the console, allowing for gaming headsets to be plugged in while the console is docked… along with another piece of hardware that relates to the brand-new C button on the Joy-Con.
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This button is used to activate GameChat, a feature that allows up to four users to connect during gameplay, thanks to built-in microphones into the hardware with noise-cancelling technology.
This can be used both when the console is docked, and in handheld mode. This feature will be free to use until the end of March 2026 – after that, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online Membership.
Users don’t have to be playing the same title when using this feature, and they can opt to expand their game screen on the display, with all the other players screens shown below.
To compliment this feature is a new Nintendo Switch camera, so you can broadcast your own feed alongside your voice to your friends and family. This will cost extra, but we don’t know how much yet. Parental controls can be enabled for GameChat via the accompanying app, should children wish to use this feature.
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The biggest question on the specs going in April’s Nintendo Direct surrounded the display. We can now confirm that this is a 1080p panel, with double the pixels of the OG Switch. Sadly, the panel is LCD rather than OLED – but there is HDR support. It supports up to 120fps, though this may not be in 4K output.
If you use headphones, then you can take advantage of enhanced surround sound for a more immersive experience. There’s also a brand new built-in fan to keep this heavier duty console cool.
The Joy-Cons will attach magnetically rather than clicking into place, and can be used on their sides thanks to mouse support. New titles will be optimised for this feature, including the Switch 2 version of Super Mario Party Jamboree.
We also got firm confirmation that the console supports backwards compatibility for both digital and physical Switch games, so users can continue to play their old titles if they upgrade to the new model.
Nintendo also revealed virtual game cards, which allows users to loan digital games out to friends and family. GameShare can be used to share one game between up to three other systems, including older Switch consoles, though only select titles will be supported.
The console has an impressive 256GB worth of storage at launch for all your titles – a huge improvement from the 32GB seen on the original Switch. You can expand this, but you’ll need a microSD express card – not a standard microSD card.
An FCC filing has also confirmed Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support, and game cards will have faster data reading speeds.
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On launch, users will also be able to purchase a new dedicated Pro controller, as well as a GameCube-style controller – both include that new C button for GameChat functionality.
What launch games are on the Nintendo Switch 2?
The ninth main line game in the Mario Kart series was announced – this is officially called Mario Kart World. Players can drive off-road in this game, and take advantage of a brand-new knockout mode.
This will launch on the same day as the Switch 2.
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Both Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on both the original Switch and the Switch 2.
Kirby Air Riders will be a brand-new title for the Switch 2, as will Donkey Kong Bananza and Hollow Knight Silk Song.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a digital guide that explores some of the new features specific to this console, such as the mouse control.
There will also be dedicated Switch 2 versions of existing titles with enhancements. This includes Super Mario Party Jamboree which has three new modes: Mario Party Mode and Bowser Live Mode that work in tandem with the new camera, and Carnival Coaster, which takes advantage of the new mouse mode for the Joy-Cons.
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is another game that will be adapted for the Switch 2, with improved graphics and a new Zelda Notes app that can be used to navigate the map and share custom creations such as vehicles with friends.
If you already own any of these games, then you can purchase an upgrade pack – no prices were revealed at launch for this.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will also be coming to the Switch 2, which ties into the story of Tears of the Kingdom.
Third-party games coming to the Switch 2 include Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Hades 2, Street Fighter 6 and Hitman: World of Assassination.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer confirmed in late January that Xbox ports will be on the Switch 2 on Gamertag Radio with the following quote: “I’m really looking forward to supporting them with the games that we have, and I just think they’re such an important part of this industry”.
Sadly, no information about the next Animal Crossing game was confirmed, despite there being a five-year gap since New Horizons.
