After years of anticipation, Nintendo announced the successor to its hugely popular Switch console on 16 January 2025 — the Nintendo Switch 2. And while physically similar to the previous system, Nintendo made it clear from the get-go that their new Switch 2 is bigger in just about every way. With a larger screen, wider kickstand, and taller Joy-Con controllers (that snap on magnetically).

Fast forward a few months, and the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally hit the shelves! Read on to find out more about the next-gen console, including its specs and what games you can play right now. But first up, let’s rewind to January and check out the first-look trailer that almost broke the internet…

Nintendo Switch 2 release date

The Switch 2 launched on 5 June 2025. In the spring months leading up to this date, Nintendo ran a bunch of Switch 2 Experience events all over the world to let people get hands-on with their new console early. With the first pop-ups starting on 4 April in New York and Paris, and the last ending in Seoul on 1 June.

Nintendo Switch 2 specs & features

The original Nintendo Switch launched all the way back in early 2017, if you can believe it. And it was a genuine game-changer, with its clever hybrid design letting you "switch" things up between handheld, tabletop, and TV modes so you could play however you liked. It’s no surprise why it’s Nintendo's best-selling home console ever, with more than 146 million sold worldwide!

And as they say — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Switch 2 is definitely more evolutionary than revolutionary, with a few physical changes that should make it feel more immersive and easier to play.

Bigger screen

The first thing the OG Switch 2 trailer revealed is that its screen is bigger. That means you’ll be able to see more in your favourite games when playing in handheld or tabletop modes. In fact, in their Nintendo Direct Switch 2 broadcast on 2 April 2025, Nintendo confirmed the display has been bumped up in size to 7.9 inches and offers twice as many pixels as the old Switch’s screen. Throw in HDR support and up to 120fps gameplay, and the Switch 2’s display should look much sharper, brighter, and smoother than its predecessor.

To support that wider screen, Nintendo’s also redesigned the kickstand to cover the full width of the console. And it’s adjustable too, so you can prop it up at the perfect viewing angle.

Magnetic Joy-Con controllers

The Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers have been increased in size so they’re more comfortable to use (great if you’ve got big hands). But that’s not the coolest thing about them. That’s because Nintendo has ditched the original Switch’s rail connections in favour of a magnetic snap-on design. Making these updated Joy-Cons a doddle to remove and put back on the console when you’ve finished playing.

The first reveal trailer showed that you might be able to use the Joy-Con 2 wireless controllers like mice too. This was confirmed in the Nintendo Direct livestream on 2 April, and our Switch 2 release date, price, specs & more article explains exactly what they do.

A mysterious, unmarked square button on the right (red) Joy-Con also became a big talking point after the January trailer dropped. We later found out that it launches GameChat, a brand-new feature which lets you and up to 11 of your friends talk while you play. You can share your screen in real-time too, even if you're playing different games!

Two USB-C ports

Nintendo has added a second USB-C port on its Switch 2, which is located on the top of the console. This should make it much easier to connect gaming accessories like the new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Plus, it’ll let you top up its battery when playing in tabletop mode.

Backwards compatibility

You’ll be able to play Nintendo Switch games on the new console, including both physical and digital Switch titles. But Nintendo did say that some Switch games might not be supported or compatible on Switch 2 in its first announcement trailer, which you can now check on Nintendo’s website.

Nintendo Switch Online members can continue using the service on Switch 2. And the recently announced Virtual Game Cards feature for Switch is going to make upgrading to Switch 2 a breeze — allowing you to transfer digital games from your old console onto the new model. That way, you can pick right up from where you left off.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

The Switch 2 first-look trailer showed the long-awaited follow-up to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with some YouTubers noting the unfamiliar track and a new look for Donkey Kong. And as we found out in the Nintendo Direct on 2 April, it’s called Mario Kart World. Offering a whole globe to zip across, 24-driver races, fresh modes and characters, and much more — it’s the biggest and boldest Mario Kart yet.

We’ve listed every epic title you can fire up from day one in our all Nintendo Switch 2 launch games article. Including Switch 2 Editions, GameCube classics, and what’s out later this year and beyond. Plus, don’t forget that there are plenty of cool upcoming Nintendo Switch games in 2025 that should be playable on Switch 2, thanks to its backwards compatibility.

Nintendo Switch 2 price

At the time of writing, the Nintendo Switch 2 costs £395. And for the Nintendo Switch 2 & Mario Kart World bundle, the total is £429. Let’s-a-go!