The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching this week, and I am BEYOND excited. With cutting-edge hardware, reportedly blazing-fast performance, and a slew of exciting new features, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be one of the most anticipated gaming consoles of 2025. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Switch family, this next-gen console promises an upgraded experience with immersive gameplay, enhanced graphics, and a whole new world of possibilities. Here’s everything you need to know, from release dates and pricing to the latest hardware specs and upcoming game releases.

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Related: More Nintendo Switch 2 News
Check out the 15 Cozy Games releasing on the Nintendo Switch in 2025!

Release Date and Pricing

Get ready, because the Nintendo Switch 2 release date is closer than you think!

Preorders Open: April 7, 2025
Official Release: June 5, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing:

Standard Edition: $449.99 / €469.99 👉 Check out on Amazon
Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99 / €509.99 👉 Check out on Amazon

It’s a bit more than the original Switch, but it’s packing a lot more power and features.

New Features on the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces some exciting new features that take the Nintendo gaming experience to the next level:

1. Nintendo Switch Camera
Nintendo are launching the Nintendo Switch Camera, which allows games to use your camera feed for interactive gameplay. Whether it's motion controls or augmented reality, this new feature opens up so many fun new ways to play together.

2. GameChat Feature
GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2 allows players to communicate via voice chat using the built-in microphone, with noise cancellation for clear audio. It also supports screen sharing and video calls with the camera, making multiplayer sessions more interactive and social. Find out more about GameChat with my closer look!

3. Game Share Feature
Nintendo has introduced the Game Share feature, allowing you to share your games with up to three systems temporarily. Plus, this feature supports online play with GameChat, allowing seamless communication while gaming.

4. Pro Controller and Audio Jack
A new Pro Controller has also been announced designed for those who want a more traditional gaming experience. It features rear buttons and an audio jack, making it perfect for long gaming sessions, especially when using wired headphones.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Features and Specifications

The Nintendo Switch 2 hardware is a significant upgrade over the original, packed with new features including:

1. Display and Performance
The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with HDR support, delivering 1080p at 120fps in handheld mode. When docked, you can expect 4K resolution at 60fps. This improved performance will provide smoother gameplay and sharper graphics compared to the original Nintendo Switch.

2. Storage Upgrades
With 256GB of internal storage compared to the previous 32GB, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers ample space for games and apps. Plus, there’s support for microSD Express cards, allowing you to expand your storage as needed without worrying about running out of space. However, microSD from previous consoles won’t be supported.

3. Redesigned Joy-Con Controllers
The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers have received a major redesign. Not only are they larger and more comfortable to hold, but they also now function as mouse controllers. This means you can use them to point, click, and scroll, a handy feature for games that benefit from precision controls. They also feature larger SL/SR buttons and enhanced control sticks. Additionally, a new C button lets you pull up the chat menu, making it easier to communicate with friends while gaming with the new GameChat feature.

4. Audio and Communication Features
The built-in speakers on the Switch 2 provide clearer sound, and the microphone comes with noise cancellation, ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear ignoring other outside noises. Thanks to GameChat, you can chat with friends while playing different games. (Note: an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required.)

5. Improved Cooling and Connectivity
The Switch 2 is equipped with an advanced fan ventilation system, which helps keep the console cool during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, there are two USB-C ports, offering flexible charging and accessory connections.

6. Game Compatibility and Storage Transfer
The Nintendo Switch 2 supports Nintendo Switch game cards, now with a new red design. Plus, you can easily transfer your saved games and purchased titles from the original Switch to the new console with the System Transfer Feature. However, microSD cards from the original Switch won’t be compatible with the Switch 2.

Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Nintendo has announced several titles optimised for the Switch 2, taking full advantage of its enhanced capabilities:

Mario Kart World
An expansive racing game featuring open-world environments, dynamic weather, and support for up to 24 players per race. The time of day and weather changes with where you are in the world, and it looks packed with lots of new features like driving off road and exploring for the first time in a Mario Kart game.

Related: More Nintendo Switch 2 News
Read more about Mario Kart World in my First Look!

2. Donkey Kong Bananza
A new entry in the Donkey Kong franchise, Bananza brings vibrant, action-packed platforming with dynamic levels, new power ups, and innovative gameplay mechanics tailored for the Switch 2’s hardware.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Warriors – Age of Imprisonment
A new title in the Hyrule Warriors series, it acts as a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, exploring the events of the Imprisoning War. Players will get to control key characters like Princess Zelda and King Rauru to battle Ganondorf’s forces.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Updates and Upgrades

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to bring exciting game updates to a selection of Switch 1 titles, offering both free enhancements for Nintendo Switch Online members and paid upgrade packs. Popular games like Pokémon Scarlet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will receive improved graphics and smoother performance. Whether you're revisiting these games or jumping in for the first time, the Nintendo Switch 2 updates will provide a fresh and enhanced experience for all players.

Related: Want to know which Nintendo Switch Games will be getitng updates?
Check out the full a list of the games receiving updates and upgrades here

What’s New with GameShare?

Another exciting feature making its way to Nintendo Switch 2 is GameShare, an all-new way to share your games with friends, even if they don’t own the game themselves. Imagine playing a game like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker with a friend, but they don’t need to buy the game to join in.

Here’s how it works:

Locally: You can share the game on another Nintendo Switch 2 or even an older Nintendo Switch.
Online: Using GameChat, you can share the game remotely with a friend who has a Switch 2 system.

This feature is a great way to experience multiplayer fun without having to buy extra copies of the game. Perfect for those spontaneous gaming sessions with friends!

Why Upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a massive leap forward in terms of hardware, performance, and features. With a sharper display, faster performance, better storage, and a range of new ways to interact with your games, it’s clear that Nintendo is setting up the Switch 2 to be a major contender in the next generation console space. Whether you’re a fan of handheld gaming or prefer playing docked on your TV, the Switch 2 has something to offer everyone.