Those looking forward to the Nintendo Switch 2 won’t have long to wait, as Nintendo have confirmed the console will launch worldwide on 5th June 2025. That’s not all, as a bundle including a digital copy of Mario Kart World (the latest entry into the Mario Kart franchise) will also be released on the same day, with pre-orders opening soon at retailers.
This news was shared in the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation (which streamed on 2nd April 2025), alongside a wealth of new details for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories. The presentation, which lasted for around an hour, also gave insights into upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games (such as The Duskbloods, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut) as well as a new paid ‘upgrade feature’ for selective Nintendo Switch games (such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) that not only improve the game but add additional content.
There is a lot to explore, so let’s try and sum it up… with our highlights of the showcase.
The Console:
The Nintendo Switch 2 console will launch on 5th June 2025 worldwide, and will be priced at £395.99. A bundle with a digital copy of Mario Kart World, a new open-world styled Mario Kart racing game, will be available for £429.99. Pre-Orders are currently being accepted at Amazon UK (invite only) and Argos, with other retailers expected soon. Pre-Orders on the My Nintendo Store will start on 8th April 2025 by invitation only.
In The 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
Console Features:
Same thickness as original Nintendo Switch
7.9-inch built-in LCD Screen with full 1080p display
4K resolution and 120 FPS support when docked to TV
New dock with built-in cooling
Improved CPU and GPU performance
Larger (adjustable) kickstand with second USB-C port
Spatial 3D sound support with built-in microphone
256GB Internal storage with MicroSD Express Slot for additional storage
GameShare functionality (for supported titles where users can play 2 player with only 1 game online)
GameChat functionality (up to 4 users can join a video and audio chat and play games)
Joy-Con 2 with larger buttons and analog sticks that ‘snap’ to the console
Plays compatible Nintendo Switch games
Accessories:
The Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce new accessories, namely the Joy-Con 2 (of which a pair is included with the console), Pro Controller 2 (which includes the new GameChat button), and the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for use with the GameChat function. Additional first-party accessories include console cases, steering wheel (for Joy-Cons). A 256GB Micro SD Express Memory Card will also be available.
That being said, majority of the hardware accessories released for the Nintendo Switch, namely controllers (such as the Pro Controller, Joy-Cons, retro themed controllers from My Nintendo Store, or third-party controllers) will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. Of course controllers that connected to the console (such as Joy-Cons) can not be used in handheld mode and have to be charged through a separate charger dock (or via a standard Nintendo Switch console). It’s worth noting that some Nintendo Switch controllers may not be fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 games
Game Highlights:
A console needs games, and interestingly there is a wide variety of games to expect on the Nintendo Switch 2. Sadly, a majority of the games shown during the direct are not exclusive to the platform and will be (or have been) released elsewhere. As an example FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, Cyberpunk 2077, STREET FIGHTER 6, and Yakuza 0 have all been released on other platforms, but they will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Of course, newly announced games include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Hades II, The Duskbloods, BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster, KIRBY AIRIDERS, and Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion, with the latter also being released onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and Windows PC on 5th September 2025.
Interestingly an SRP for the games has yet to be officially confirmed, and it seems at the moment publishers can decide on how much games will cost based on various factors. Nintendo for instance have confirmed that Mario Kart World will be priced at £74.99 (physical) and £66.99 (digital) while Donkey Kong Bananza will be priced at £66.99 (physical) and £58.99 (digital). For these titles at least it seems digital pricing will be cheaper than physical, but of course physical pricing can easily change over time.
In addition to these games Nintendo also confirmed paid upgrades for a selection of existing (and new) titles. Titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime: Beyond, and Pokemon Legends Z-A, will receive a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade that will not only deliver better visuals and performance, but will include additional content compared to the Nintendo Switch version. Additionally, games such as Pokemon Violet and Scarlet will receive a free update on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles to increase performance.
Physical, Digital or Game-Key Card:
The Nintendo Switch 2 will offer different ways to play games, with Physical, Digital and Game-Key Card options being available. Specifics have yet to be confirmed, but here is my understanding of what each means.
Physical: The full game is on a physical cartridge, with no download required, and is purchased from retailers. The cartridge must be inserted into the console in order to play the game.
Digital: The full game is a digital download from the Nintendo eShop, with the game installed to the internal storage (or MicroSD Express Card) on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Game-Key Card: This is a physical cartridge of the game, which is purchased from a retailer, and requires a content download from the internet in order to play. The cartridge must also be in the console in order to play the game. The theory is that Game-Key Cards will operate in a similar manner to Nintendo Switch titles that required an additional content download in order to be played (such as TONY HAWKS PRO SKATER 1-2 and Bioshock Collection). Except this time the physical cartridge only has a Game-Key (or license) to download and play the game, rather than any game data. Further details about the Game-Key Card can be found here.
Virtual Card: The virtual card is a physical Nintendo Switch cartridge that allows you to install your digital games to the cartridge. This cartridge can also be lent to friends (or family) if within the same Nintendo group. Further details about the Virtual Card can be found here.
Nintendo Switch Online:
A nice surprise during the direct is that Nintendo Gamecube titles will be coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, but only for Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to enjoy all the benefits they do now (such as online multiplayer, cloud saves, expansions for select games, and access to selective NES, SNES, GB, GBA, N64 and MegaDrive games) on both consoles, but Nintendo Switch 2 consoles will have access to Nintendo Gamecube titles. At launch only three titles will be available, which include The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker, SOUL CALIBUR II, and F-ZERO GX, but more titles will become available in the future.
Final Thoughts:
A lot of information about the console, games, and features was shared during the Nintendo Direct presentation, more so than we have time (or space) to write about, and I am looking forward to seeing more about the console. Personally I like what has been shown, and it is clear to see that the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be a successor to the Nintendo Switch, but I would like to see more new games (and possibly new IPs) rather than enhancements of already existing titles. For now, we will just have to wait and see, but things look interesting.
