Eight years after the release of the original Nintendo Switch, we finally have the Nintendo Switch 2. Judging by the initial impressions, it seems the wait was worthwhile. Nintendo recently held a highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, which felt almost surreal after years of silence regarding the console. Although the company released an early preview a few months ago, expectations were still high for this livestream.
During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo announced the new console, highlighting several significant improvements and features in their usual straightforward manner. There wasn’t much fanfare surrounding the announcement; instead, the newness of the Nintendo Switch 2 took center stage. However, the rapid-fire series of updates during the hour-long event overwhelmed viewers with a lot of information all at once.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
Right now, the chat’s losing its goddamn mind over the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, but we’re still out here, y’all. So, Nintendo finally gave us the big release day of what’s sure to be one of the biggest console launches ever. Yes, you can officially get a Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price
Following today’s Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo announced that the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 will be $449.99. The console was fully revealed, with pre-orders set to begin on April 9.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated, “The Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can also be taken on the go, based on eight years of play and discovery that began with the original Nintendo Switch. With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant leap forward in our journey to bring smiles to the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with the following:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
We now know that the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch screen is 1.7 inches larger than the typical Switch screen and 0.9 inches larger than the Switch OLED. That display is 1080p, as opposed to 720p on the OG Switch, but like the latter, the Switch 2 sports an LCD screen. Though that’s what the rumors suggested, I’m personally a bit bummed about it, since I’ve been enjoying the OLED display on my current Switch. That said, I might get over it once I see the display in action with my own eyes—the Switch 2 supports HDR, something the first Switch did not, as well as refresh rates of up to 120Hz.
The console has a redesigned kickstand, which we knew about already; It supports a greater variety of angles, which should offer more flexibility when playing in tabletop mode. Speaking of which, you can finally charge the Switch in tabletop mode, as that second USB-C port on the top of the console is indeed a charging port as well. You can also use it to connect to the new Switch 2 Camera. (Oh yes, Nintendo will now sell you a camera for your Switch 2.)
There’s also a microphone, which you can use for GameChat, built into the console itself (more on that later). It’s noise-cancelling, which should help when using it in loud environments. Switch 2 supports “3D Audio,” which promises to make it seem like sounds are coming from where they would be in the game world. (If a monster roars behind you, you’ll hear it “behind” you.)
Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, with options for expansion via microSD Express cards. These are different than the microSD cards supported on Switch 1, so you won’t be able to use your existing Switch cards on the new console. Bummer.
