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The anticipation for Nintendo fans is almost over as Nintendo unveiled details about their new upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, during a Nintendo Direct event livestream. The release date for the Switch 2 has been announced, set for June 5, 2025, with a retail price of $450 in the U.S. A bundled version with a game will also be available at launch.
Specifications of the Switch 2 include a larger 7.9-inch screen with 120 Hz gameplay, HDR support, and 256GB of internal storage. The device features a built-in mic with noise cancellation, a stand for tabletop gameplay, and two USB-C ports for accessories and charging. Game cards for the Switch 2 will be red and offer faster reading speeds, with compatibility only for microSD Express cards.
A notable feature introduced during the livestream is GameChat, a built-in video chat function allowing users to communicate while playing games. Screen sharing is also possible, with a paid Nintendo Direct membership required for access, but will be free until March 2026.
Additionally, Nintendo is releasing the Switch 2 Camera for video chat capabilities, which can also be utilized in-game for voice and body recognition features. The Joy-Con 2 controllers boast new features such as a “C” button for GameChat control, larger SL/SR buttons, and magnetic snap-in connection to the console.
Based on Nintendo’s game demos, perhaps the biggest gameplay change with the Joy-Con 2 controllers is the ability to use them like a computer mouse. Nintendo showcased a number of games that required users to utilize this feature. Nintendo also announced a new Switch 2 Pro controller with its own C button and programmable GR/GL buttons on the back of the controller. The new Pro controller will also have an audio jack.
Nintendo GameShare
Nintendo introduced a brand new feature called GameShare. GameShare will allow users to play the same game together locally on multiple Switch devices. GameShare-compatible games can be shared with up to three other systems on the same local network without each player requiring their own copy of the game.
Switch 2 games from Nintendo
Mario Kart World: Nintendo presented a slew of its own games and third-party titles for Switch 2 at the Nintendo Direct event. However, the new Mario Kart World was obviously the main event. Mario Kart World will feature the series’ most extensive number of characters in a race, with 24 players. There are all new features such as rail grinding, bouncing off walls, changing weather, and more. There are plenty of returning and new characters. The livestream chat seemed most excited about the ability to play as the Moo Moo Meadows cow. The biggest change, however, is that Mario Kart is now an open-world game. Players are free to roam all over the maps. In fact, there’s a free roam mode where gamers can explore on their own or with other players. There’s a photo mode to create snapshots of in-game moments. And a new Knockout Tour mode takes advantage of the open world by having players travel to different checkpoints from course to course in order not to fall down the rankings and get eliminated. Mario Kart World will be released with Switch 2 as a launch day title. Nintendo will even sell a Switch 2 bundle with the Mario Kart World game at launch.
Other Nintendo Switch 2 titles
Nintendo showcased other games featuring their own popular characters as well. These titles include Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment featuring Princess Zelda, a sequel to Kirby AirRide called Kirby AirRiders, a Rocket League-esque basketball game called Drag x Drive, and a new Donkey Kong game titled Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo will also launch the Switch alongside a new paid digital game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which looks like it’s meant to provide users with an intro to a console in much the same way Wii Sports did back when the Wii first launched.
Switch 2 Edition games
According to Nintendo, three types of games can be played on Switch 2:
– Switch 2 games
– Backwards-compatible Switch games
– Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games
Switch 2 Edition games are popular Switch titles that will be re-released with all-new features and gameplay exclusive to Switch 2. Nintendo fans who already have the original version of the game for Switch can save money by purchasing a Switch 2 Edition upgrade instead of having to fork over full price for the updated title. Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition, for example, will come with new modes such as Mario Party Mode, Bowser Live, and Carnival Coaster. These new additions to the game utilize the Switch 2 camera and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. In addition to upgraded graphics, the Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be able to utilize a new feature called Zelda Notes. By pairing up with the Nintendo Switch app on a user’s smartphone, Zelda Notes brings maps, voice navigation, and in-game creation sharing to the game. Nintendo also announced Switch 2 Editions for Kirby and The Forgotten Land, as well as upcoming Switch games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Nintendo Switch Online
As previously mentioned, the new Gamechat feature will eventually require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, GameChat isn’t the only new thing coming to Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo says that Nintendo Switch Online will be fully playable on Switch 2, with classic games from the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy consoles.
Nintendo Switch Online has introduced a new tier option called the Plus Expansion Pack, which is exclusive to the new Switch 2 membership. This upgraded membership will feature games from classic consoles like Nintendo 64, GameCube, and even the SEGA Genesis. Specific game titles that will be included in the service are The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. Additionally, Nintendo will be launching a new Nintendo GameCube controller with a C button.
Third-party titles for the Switch 2 were also revealed during the announcement. Numerous trailers for upcoming games from partner publishers were showcased at the Nintendo Direct event. The list of third-party titles includes Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades II, Street Fighter, Daemon X Machina, Split Fiction, EA Sports FC, EA Sports Madden, Hogwarts Legacy, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Hitman: World of Assassination, and many more. These titles offer a diverse range of gaming experiences for players of the Switch 2 platform.
List of Upcoming Nintendo Switch Game Releases
Some of the highly anticipated upcoming game releases for Nintendo Switch include:
- Nobunga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Fast Fusion
- Shadow Labyrinth
- Raidou remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somium Files
- Reanimal
- Fortnite
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- Human Fall Flat 2
- The Duskbloods
Topics Covered
Some of the topics related to these upcoming game releases include Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, and Video Games.
