Nintendo spilled the beans on its shiny new Switch 2 in their Nintendo Direct livestream a couple of months ago. And boy, was there a lot to chew over. Not only did we get a release date - we also got a deep dive into the hardware, plus all the games you can play at launch and beyond. Mario Kart World, anyone? And now finally, the Nintendo Switch 2 is actually here!
We’ve compiled all the coolest moments from the broadcast and revealed some extra stuff you should know before unboxing your Switch 2. Let’s-a-go…
Nintendo Switch 2 specs
The devs were adamant that the console’s been designed completely from the ground up, and isn’t just a better Switch with a few more bells and whistles. So, before we get into all the neat little details, here’s how the Switch 2 looks at a quick glance. And we’re really liking what we see…
| Specifications | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.5" x 10.7" x .55" |
| Weight | .88 lbs |
| Screen | Capacitive touch screen, 7.9" wide colour gamut LCD screen, 1920 x 1080 pixels, HDR10 support, VRR up to 120 Hz |
| CPU/GPU | Custom processor made by NVIDIA |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Ports | x2 USB-C ports (one on the top, one on the bottom) |
| Battery life | 2 - 6.5 hours (depending on what you play) |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours (while in Sleep Mode) |
| Internal battery | Lithium-ion battery/5220mAh |
| Speakers | Stereo |
| Microphone | Built-in microphone (with noise and echo cancellation) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope and mouse sensor in Joy-Con 2 controllers, brightness sensor in console |
| microSD Express card slot | Compatible with microSD Express cards only (up to 2 TB) |
| Game card slot | Both Switch 2 and Switch games can be used |
| Audio jack | 3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug |
| Communication features | Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth |
| Video output | Output vis HDMI connector in TV mode, max of 3840 x 2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps (TV mode), supports 120 fps when 1920 x 1080 / 2560 x 1440 resolutions are selected, supports HDR10, max 1920 x 1080 resolution in tabletop and handheld modes |
| Audio output | Supports linear PCM output 5.1", output via HDMI connector in TV mode |
How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
At the time of writing, the Nintendo Switch 2 costs £395. Or, you could go for the Nintendo Switch 2 & Mario Kart World bundle. It packs the new system in alongside the latest Mario Kart game — giving you something to play straight out of the box. It’ll set you back a little bit more, coming in at £429. But when you compare that to what it'd cost to buy the console and a copy of the game separately, it's a nice little saving.
What’s new with Nintendo Switch 2?
A whole lot. Nintendo’s livestream on 2 April 2025 gave us our first proper in-depth look at the Switch 2. And there’s tons to be excited about…
Screen size, resolution and refresh rate
First off, let’s talk about the screen. It’s been bumped up in size to 7.9”. But that doesn’t mean it’s heavy in your hands. In fact, it’s still the same thickness as the Switch was — you’ll just be able to see more of the action.
And that’s not the only thing that’s putting the original Nintendo Switch to shame. The high definition 1080p display has double the pixels now, letting you play games in greater detail than before. Mario’s tache has never looked this glorious!
That screen’s LCD too. Pair it with the added HDR support, and you’ll have better contrast between the light and dark parts of the image. You’ll notice a big difference when it comes to horror games especially. Who knows what might be lurking in those shadows now…
Oh, and you won’t be lagging behind in the frame rate department either. Up to 120fps gameplay is supported on selected titles. So, your picture will be ultra-smooth even while you’re whizzing round the racetrack.
Joy-Cons
Dubbed Joy-Con 2, each one attaches to the side of the screen using a set of magnets. Gone are the days of sliding them on and off (and losing them down the back of the sofa). Instead, the magnets are seriously strong and lock each Con solidly in place. If anything, it’ll be impressive if you do somehow manage to leave them somewhere you shouldn’t. And when you do need to remove them for a bit of two-player co-op — it’s easy. Hit the release button on the back, and you’ll be good to go.
But this next thing might be the coolest part of the Switch 2’s improved controllers. Mouse mode. Yep, you heard that right. Each Joy-Con also works exactly like a normal mouse does. This is a literal game changer, especially on strategy games where that extra level of control is the key to victory. It won’t work for everything, but we can’t wait to see which upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games they’ll click with.
GameChat
Since the initial reveal, everyone was wondering what that tiny ‘C’ button on the right Joy-Con does. And now we know. It’s your one stop shop for all things GameChat. Like it sounds, this feature lets you speak with friends and family while you game. Hit the button, join a chat, and have a good chinwag. Or if you’re more of a multiplayer trash talker, that’s fine too. We don’t judge.
You won’t need to buy a separate mic to get involved either. There’s a microphone built into the Switch 2 itself, and it’ll pick up your voice clearly even if you’re sat on the sofa while it’s in Dock Mode next to the TV.
GameChat’s for more than just chatting as well. Turn on screen sharing and get your mates to help you through that tricky boss battle in real-time. Hopefully they’ll have some tips to get you through the fight in one piece. Failing that, they might just laugh at all your epic fails instead.
You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use GameChat long term. But Nintendo have said they’ll let you give it a go for free for a limited time. So try it out, see if it’s for you, and sign up for a subscription if you fancy it.
Storage
If you regularly ran out of room on your Switch, that’s not going to be an issue here. Nintendo’s fitted the Switch 2 with a whopping 256GB of internal storage. That’s eight times bigger than the memory on the first Switch. Woah.
This means you’ll have way more space for all your save files. And when it comes to downloading digital games, you’ll have more than enough storage — and won’t have to keep deleting your faves to make room for that new title.
Plus, that bumped up storage is designed to read all this data at speeds even Sonic would be proud of. Which in theory, should make everything load up a whole lot faster. Put it this way, you shouldn’t be sat staring at a loading screen for too long!
But wait, there’s more…
The shiny new features don’t stop there:
There’s bigger SL and SR buttons — giving you more comfort and control while using the Joy-Cons horizontally.
Larger control sticks on both sides make it easier to move your character or vehicle, especially during those hectic set piece moments.
Improved speakers make your games sound clearer, with more natural sound. While 3D audio adds extra space and really immerses you in whatever you’re playing.
The new dock comes with 4K support and HDR while you’re hooked up to your telly.
A built-in fan in the dock keeps the console cool. So, hopefully it won’t overheat and sound like a jet plane that’s about to take off.
Need more storage? Slot in a microSD Express card and bump up your memory even further.
GameShare lets you play together locally on multiple consoles using just one copy of a game. Link up to three other Switches together and compete with your friends for the ultimate bragging rights.
The attached stand is a lot sturdier, and you can move it around to find the best possible angle.
Use the System Transfer feature to carry over digital games, save files and more from your old Switch to Switch 2.
You’ve got two USB-C ports — one on the top and one on the bottom. You’ll need them for connecting the new USB camera and topping up your battery in tabletop mode.
A built-in mic lets you chat with your mates while you play. And the handy noise-cancelling keeps your voice loud and clear, even when your partner decides to start doing the hoovering.
Switch 2 accessories revealed
Like with any good console launch, Nintendo have announced some interesting accessories too…
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: When the Joy-Cons aren’t cutting it, the Pro Controller should be your go-to. New GL and GR buttons have been added to the back, which can then be assigned to existing buttons. And that’s handy when you’ve got your own specific playstyle. Throw in an audio jack for your headphones, and you can game right into the night without waking anyone up.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Connect this to the console while you’re gaming, and video chat with your mates at the same time. Some titles will even use your camera feed as part of the gameplay — you’ll literally appear in the game!
GameCube Controller: This is based on the retro look of the iconic controller, but there’s nothing else that’s old about it. For a start, it’s now wireless. And remember that ‘C’ button we spoke about earlier? That’s here too.
Switch 2 launch games
So, that’s the system and accessories covered. But what about the console games, we hear you cry? Well, Nintendo showed off a whole slate that we’ll be playing in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve listed every epic title you can fire up from day one in our all Nintendo Switch 2 launch games article. But there were three absolute bombshells we have to speak about though…
Mario Kart World (5 June 2025)
It wouldn’t be a proper Nintendo release without a new Mario game, would it? Mario Kart World is a huge (gear) shift for the series. Like the name suggests, you won’t only be tearing up the tarmac on a few different tracks. Instead, there’s literally a whole globe to race across.
Each region is going to really mix up the gameplay. Storms (of the snow and sand variety) might roll in and completely cover the circuit. And this can happen at any time too, entirely on the fly. You’ve really got to be ready for anything here! The competition is hotting up too, with 24 drivers in each race now — the most in series history.
With brand new modes, vehicles, characters and more to try, this is shaping up to be the best Mario Kart yet. You can find out more about the game in the trailer down below:
The Duskbloods (2026)
If you’re itching for another Souls-like, you’re in luck. From Software are back with The Duskbloods. Now, we don’t know much yet about this dark, gothic quest yet. But it looks like the devs have built another epic universe for us to explore, and their trademark style is on full display here. Terrifying monsters. Punishing combat. And boss fights (that make you want to launch your controller across the room) all make a return. We wouldn’t change it for the world.
Sorry PlayStation, PC and Xbox players. This one’s exclusive to the Switch 2. If you want to get your beast-slaying boots on, you’ll have to make the switch.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (winter 2025)
Step aside, Link. There’s a new hero in Hyrule. Or should we say, heroes. Again, there’s not a ton of details to go off just now (beyond a short teaser trailer) but we do know it’s a prequel to the incredible The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
From what we can tell, you’ll be playing as Zelda. But you won’t be alone. You’ll be joined by a squad of fierce fighters to defeat the dastardly Ganondorf and his army. And if it couldn’t get any better, it’s coming this winter too. Happy days.
The best of the rest
As for the rest, here’s just a small snippet of what you’ll get to play on Switch 2 from the get-go and in the future…
Street Fighter 6 (5 June 2025)
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster (5 June 2025)
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut (5 June 2025)
Hogwarts Legacy (5 June 2025)
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (5 June 2025)
Sonic X Shadow Generations (5 June 2025)
Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition (5 June 2025)
Split Fiction (5 June 2025)
Civilization VII (5 June 2025)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (11 July 2025)
Donkey Kong Bananza (17 July 2025)
Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV — Switch 2 Edition (24 July 2025)
EA Sports Madden NFL 26 (14 August 2025)
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World — Switch 2 Edition (28 August 2025)
Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion (5 September 2025)
Borderlands 4 (3 October 2025)
Pokemon Legends: Z-A — Switch 2 Edition (16 October 2025)
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (2025)
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Switch 2 Edition (2025)
007 First Light (2026)
Hades II (TBC)
What are Switch 2 Edition games?
There are three types of titles to play on the Nintendo Switch 2. You’ve got your exclusive Switch 2 games — titles that you’ll only be able to experience on the new console. There are your backwards compatible ones from the classic Switch. And finally, there’s Switch 2 Edition games.
These are special, updated versions of original Switch games that are made to take full advantage of the extra power and upgraded features of the Switch 2. In a nutshell, they’re the same adventures from before, just with a fresh lick of paint — from better graphics to more unique ways to play. They’ll look (and run) better than you remember!
Nintendo GameCube: Nintendo Classics
This was one we definitely weren’t expecting. When you buy a membership to Nintendo Switch Online and add on the new Expansion Pack, you’ll be in for a treat. It’ll give you access to the Nintendo GameCube: Nintendo Classics library. And it’s exactly what it sounds like.
It’s chock full of old-school bangers from the GameCube era. Want to play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker with better image quality and resolution? Now you can. Fancy a brawl in Soulcalibur II using custom controls? Go for it. It’s perfect if you’re after a hit of gaming nostalgia but prefer more modern visuals and control schemes.
