Switch 2 Nintendo Direct: Everything announced today
Here's everything you need to know from the Nintendo Direct Switch 2 event.
The wait is almost over, Nintendo fans.
During today's Nintendo Direct event livestream, we received a slew of information about Nintendo's new upcoming console, Nintendo Switch 2.
Mashable has compiled every single detail that was shared, including a release date. Here's everything Nintendo announced:
Switch 2 release date
The Switch 2 officially has a release date, and it's right around the corner.
According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 will hit stores on Switch 2 June 5, 2025.
Switch 2 price
While Nintendo did not announce a price during the livestreamed event, the company confirmed how much Switch 2 would retail for at launch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 console will cost $450 in the U.S.
A bundled version of the Switch 2 console with a game will also be released at launch. More about which game will be bundled below.
Switch 2 specs
According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 has a larger screen than the Switch at 7.9 inches. While the screen is bigger, the Switch 2 will maintain the same thickness as the original Switch.
Nintendo says the Switch 2 has double the pixels compared to the Switch, with 120 Hz gameplay on its screen. Nintendo described the display as a "vivid LCD screen" with support for HDR.
Switch 2 will have eight times the internal storage that its predecessor had, with 256GB of storage.
The Switch 2 has a built-in mic with noise cancelling technology (more on that in a second.) The Switch 2 device also has a built-in stand on the back of the device for tabletop gameplay.
There are two USB-C ports on the Nintendo Switch 2, one at the bottom and one at the top of the device, for accessories and charging. When plugged into the dock, the Switch 2 will output up to 4K resolution to TV sets.
Game cards for the Switch 2 are the exact same size as the game cards for Switch; however, to differentiate the two, Nintendo has made the Switch 2 game cards red. Nintendo says Switch 2 game cards will have faster reading speed as well.
The Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express cards for additional external storage. Regular microSD cards are not compatible with the Switch 2
Users will be able to transfer data between Switch and Switch 2 via Nintendo's system transfer feature on Nintendo's website. Some physical and digital Switch games will be compatible with Switch 2, Nintendo says.
Switch 2 GameChat
Perhaps the highlight of the livestream, feature-wise, was the introduction of GameChat.
GameChat is Nintendo's very own built-in video chat feature, which can be used to communicate with friends and family while playing a game. Nintendo's demo of GameChat showed how a user would be able to play a game while voice chatting with other Switch 2 users who are displayed in multiple-screen boxes below the gameplay.
Users will be able to screen share, too, which will display the current real-time gameplay of the users with whom you are chatting. Users will be able to screen share any game, regardless of what game the other user is playing.
According to Nintendo, a paid Nintendo Direct membership is required for GameChat. However, to encourage use at the beginning, Nintendo will make the feature free until March 2026.
Switch 2 Camera
Nintendo is also launching a new device alongside the Switch 2, the Switch 2 Camera.
The Switch 2 camera can be used in GameChat for video chat capabilities. The user's video feed will be displayed in the aforementioned chat boxes below the screen.
As shown in some of the title demos during the stream, the Switch 2 camera can also be utilized in-game. Combined with the previously mentioned built-in mic and its voice recognition capabilities, gamers can use their voice and body in games built for these capabilities.
Joy-Con 2 and Pro controllers
One of the biggest visual changes to the Switch 2's hardware may be with its new Joy-Con 2 controllers.
The Joy-Con 2 controller features a new "C" button on the right controller. The C button basically provides complete control of the GameChat function by bringing up the chat menu options anytime it is pressed.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers also feature bigger SL/SR buttons and larger control sticks.
When connected to the Switch 2 console, the Joy-Con 2 controllers now snap in magnetically as well.
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.
However, Nintendo Switch Online will now come with another tier option, the Plus Expansion Pack, which is the new exclusive Switch 2 membership. This membership will include games from consoles such as Nintendo 64, GameCube, and even the SEGA Genesis.
Nintendo shared specific game titles coming to the service, which include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX.
The company will also be releasing a brand new Nintendo GameCube controller with a C button.
Third-party Switch 2 titles
Lastly, Nintendo shared trailers for dozens of Switch 2 titles coming out from partner publishers.
Below is a complete list of the third-party titles that were announced at Nintendo Direct.
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
Project 007
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
Deltarune
Borderlands 4
Civilization VII
WWE 2K
NBA 2K
Survival Kids
Enter the Gungeon
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Kunitsu-Gami Path of the Goddess
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Story of Seasons: Gran Bazaar
Goodnight Universe
Two Point Museum
Wild Hearts S
Witchbrook
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
Star Wars Outlaws
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
