The day that most gaming enthusiasts have been waiting for is finally here. During the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, the iconic company finally released the price, game lineup, and more specifics about the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to put Nintendo into the current console generation, the game’s first-party launch titles have gotten a price hike, the system is taking on online gaming in a way Nintendo hasn’t before, and we finally have a release date.

“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa in a press release to outlets about the news. “With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”

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The Nintendo Switch 2 also offers Nintendo’s most powerful processing speeds, helping the sequel console deliver better visuals via a bigger screen. The console will have a large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p while still maintaining the same thickness of the Nintendo Switch.

Joy Con 2

The Switch 2 also brings along new elements to the Nintendo ecosystem. The Joy-Con 2 controllers take the concept that the console became known for and can now be used as a mouse in compatible games, yes, both of Left and Right Joy Con 2 can do that. The Joy Con 2 also has a new snap to the system feature made possible by magnetic connectors.

Joy-Con 2, the newly designed Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, magnetically attach to the console hopefully reducing that pesky drift. In addition, the Joy Con 2 controllers can also be used in multiple ways, including for games that require aiming,

GameChat

While playing Nintendo online has been a running joke, the company is tackling it head on with the new GameChat feature. Which makes sense given the expansion of FPS and other multiplayer games on the console. Nindeo promises that GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2 will allow people to play games and talk like everyone is in the same room.

Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller. With this, the system’s built-in mic can be used to voice chat while playing games with up to 12 people in different locations, reshaping how multiplayer experiences are on a Nintendo console. Additionally, GameChat also allows up to four friends to share their screens. And, if they connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera, they can also video chat through the platform. Additional friends can join those chats via audio only.

But you’re probably asking if you need an online subscription to GameChat. The answer is no, not right now. From launch until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

GameChat will also have safety controls. When initiating a GameChat session, the user invites people from their friend list. Safety features are in place to help players have a safe and secure chat experience, such as the ability to report a person while in a chat session. Additionally, children under 16 years old will need their parent or guardian to approve their use of GameChat with an updated version of the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App.

Adjustable USB-C Port

The charging port on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been the bane of my existence, and apparently, Nintendo knows that. The angle of the new stable stand on the back of the system can be adjusted freely so that players can find their preferred viewing angle.

While Nintendo Switch has one USB-C port on the bottom of the system, Nintendo Switch 2 has a port on the top of the system as well. This allows players to use the included AC adapter to charge the system while playing in tabletop mode. Players can also connect a compatible USB-C camera, like the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory, to enjoy video chat on GameChat.

Internal storage of 256 GB

The internal storage of Nintendo Switch 2, where digital games and save data are stored, is 256 GB, which is 8 times the storage capacity of Nintendo Switch. For additional storage, the console only uses microSD Express cards, which have faster data reading speeds than previous microSD models.

Reverse Compatability

In addition to Nintendo Switch 2 games, the sequel console can play compatible physical and digital games released on Nintendo Switch. Some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.

And suppose you’re not looking to upgrade every bit of your Nintendo tech at launch. In that case, Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers and peripherals, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, will also be usable on Nintendo Switch 2 by connecting them wirelessly to the system.

GameShare & Virtual Game Cards

With GameShare, a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, players can share and play the same game with others who do not have the game. Suppose one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare. In that case, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their console. Between Nintendo Switch 2 systems, GameShare can also be used along with GameChat for online play, so that players can chat with others while all of them play the same game.

With virtual game cards, players can easily manage all their purchased digital games, play games on two different systems, or even lend or borrow games easing the need to download. The virtual game card menu shows all of the digital games purchased with a user’s Nintendo Account. This is an aim to make it easier to access the games and load them on the system.

Once a virtual game card is loaded onto a system, it can be played even if the system is not connected to the internet, a rarity in this console generation even for single player titles. Other users who are on that system can also play the game. Additionally, digital games can be lent and borrowed among members of the same Nintendo Account family group via virtual game cards via local wireless communication.

Nintendo Switch 2 Core Details:

• Release Date: Nintendo Switch 2 system arrives June 5
• Price: $449.99 USD is the current suggested retail price.

If you drop the $449.99 on the new console here’s what you can expect to get in your box:

• 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

Switch 2 Bundle:

The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will sell for a suggested retail price of $499.99 USD, which includes a system and a download code for the Mario Kart World game, available from Nintendo Switch 2 launch day on June 5.

Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for pre-order in North America beginning April 9, 2025.