Nintendo Switch 2 Launching in June

Nintendo held a special Direct presentation dedicated to its new Nintendo Switch 2 console. In addition to revealing the console’s features and a variety of games coming to it, the presentation revealed it will release on June 5, 2025. The console will be priced at $449.99, with pre-orders beginning on April 9, 2025.

Update (April 4): Nintendo announced that pre-orders for the US will be delayed to assess market conditions following the recent tariff announcement.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the same thickness as the Nintendo Switch but features a larger 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that supports 1080p resolution, while the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock allows TV video output for up to 4K resolution and 120 fps. The Joy-Con 2 controllers magnetically attach to the console, and either Joy-Con 2 controller can be operated like a mouse. The system will come with 256GB of internal storage, with players able to use microSD Express cards to expand the storage.

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with two new social features. GameChat allows players to chat with friends using the console’s built-in microphone and makes use of the new “C” button on the Joy-Con 2. Up to twelve players can chat at once, with up to four also able to share their screen. Compatible USB-C cameras (including the separately sold Nintendo Switch 2 Camera) can also be used for video chat and other potential in-game features. A Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat after March 2026. Another feature is GameShare, which lets players share a compatible game with other systems who do not own it for local play sessions. In addition, the virtual game card system allows players to manage purchased digital games, including playing games on two different systems, as well as lending or borrowing games.

Games playable on Nintendo Switch 2 are divided into three primary categories. First and second are dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 games and compatible Nintendo Switch games. Third are new Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of existing Nintendo Switch games, which feature enhanced graphics, additional content, and new gameplay features. These games will have upgrade packs that can be purchased by those who own the original games. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be two games to have Nintendo Switch 2 Editions available at launch. The editions will include smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics, as well as compatibility with the new Zelda Notes functionality coming to the Nintendo Switch App for mobile devices that gives players assistance for the game and other features.

A few other RPGs primarily covered in last week’s Switch-focused Nintendo Direct will also have dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 versions: Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and Witchbrook. News about other Nintendo Switch 2 RPG releases will be covered in separate articles.

In addition, the Nintendo Switch Online service will expand to include Nintendo GameCube titles playable on Nintendo Switch 2. These games will require an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to play, with titles available at launch including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. There will also be a dedicated wireless controller based on the original GameCube controller available to purchase.