Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch day came and went on June 5, 2025. After years of speculation, leaks, and rumors, Ninty's latest machine was finally unleashed onto the world and managed to sell 3.5 million units in the subsequent four days of release. Now, the Switch 2 has become Nintendo's fastest-selling console to date, and its new lifespan has just begun.

The Switch 2 has an MSRP of $450 / £395.99, and was available at launch with a Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99 / £429.99, where it introduced 256GB of internal storage, magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers, a GameCube NSO game library, mouse controls, a bigger 7.9 inch 1080p 120Hz LCD display, and a wealth of new games, including Switch 2 Enhanced versions of older releases.

Our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker shared in her Nintendo Switch 2 review that we're in for an "excellent generation" with the new handheld, and that while its battery life isn't ideal and its HDR needs a little tuning, the device is a "leap" from the previous Switch. Many more of us now finally have a Switch 2 of our own, too, and are getting to grips with the changes from its predecessors. But with more upcoming Switch 2 games being announced all the time, we're continuing to gather every bit of news and details about the Switch 2 so you can find out the latest about Nintendo's newest machine, or decide if buying a Switch 2 is right for you.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch date & price

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The Nintendo Switch 2 released worldwide on Thursday, June 5, 2025, for $450 / £395.99. At launch, both the standard console and a Mario Kart World bundle (with a digital copy of the game) were available to purchase, with the bundle costing $499.99 / £429.99, respectively.

The release date for the upcoming handheld was unveiled during the April 2 Nintendo Switch Direct presentation, with the price shared through official channels shortly afterward. Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders went live in the UK on April 8, 2025, just days after the April 2 Direct from the official Nintendo website and selected retailers.

In a likely bid to prevent resellers getting hold of the new console across the globe, the opportunity to pre-order the Switch 2 from the official My Nintendo Store was initially limited and offered on an invite-only basis to selected Nintendo Switch Online members. To be one of those lucky few, you had to match a series of criteria, which included being a Nintendo Switch Online member for at least two years continuously by March 31, 2025, and having an active NSO subscription on the day of pre-orders.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a monumental upgrade from its predecessor inside and out, but using what we know from past Nintendo Switch 2-centered Directs, supplementary tech specs provided officially by the Nintendo website, and information provided by those directly involved in its manufacture, like Nvidia, the overall specs are:

• 401g weight (534g with Joy-Cons attached)
• Custom NVIDIA Ampere GPU
• 128-bit/LPDDR5
• 256GB internal storage
• 7.9-inch LCD  1080p 120Hz display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Dock with 4K and HDR (in TV mode) support
• Magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse controls
• MicroSD Express card reader (compatible up to 2TB)
• Built-in microphone (with noise and echo cancellation, and auto gain control)
• 2 – 6.5 hours battery life

On June 2, 2025, just days before launch, Nintendo of America dropped a special edition of Creator’s Voice video on its YouTube Channel, featuring Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Huang stated that the launch of the Switch 2 was a "big moment" for everyone at Nvidia, and that they had to "reinvent everything" for the brand new handheld. According to Huang, the Switch 2 chip is "unlike anything" they've built before, and features the most "advanced graphics ever in a mobile device" which includes full ray-tracing, HDR for brighter highlights and deeper shadows, and a backwards compatibility supporting architecture.

Huang also shared that the Switch 2's chip had dedicated AI processors to sharpen and enhance gameplay in real-time, and that Nvidia optimized its semiconductor processing tech to ensure high-performance in the brand-new handheld.

The Digital Foundry YouTube Channel released a deeper dive into the specs of the new Switch 2, confirming that the handheld is integrated with a custom Nvidia T239 chip with an Ampere-based GPU. Digital Foundry also revealed that VRR is only available in handheld mode. As of now, the tech, which helps synchronize the frame rate of your display with the frame rate of your Switch, won't work with your gaming monitor or smart TV. The handheld also features a custom file decompression engine, designed to help improve the load times of games.

If you're into the nitty and gritty details, the Switch 2 CPU has a clock of 998MHz in docked mode and a 1101MHz clock in handheld mode. Meanwhile, the GPU is rated for 1007MHz docked and 561MHz in handheld mode.

Display

The Nintendo Switch 2 is armed with a larger 7.9-inch 1080p 120Hz screen with HDR abilities, while its docking station allows players to ramp things up to 4K on external gaming TV and monitors. To pull off those enhanced resolutions, the dock also has a built-in fan to keep the system cool, which makes sense, seeing as even the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally will struggle to deliver UHD visuals in newer games.

Just like the OLED Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 features a film layer that acts as a screen protector. Its existence on the new handheld was discovered by The Verge, and as per Nintendo's instructions in the official Switch 2 manual.

Storage

The Switch 2 has 256GB of storage (with around 7GB of that being used for the operating system), which Nintendo claims is faster than the 32GB flash memory used by the original system.

It helps improve load times in more demanding games or existing adventures like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced Edition. It also opens the door for bigger, bolder outings since the handheld will be able to pull data much faster than before. The caveat is that the new game cards are now simply keys that allow you access to a download, which ties in the idea of faster memory beyond the old cartridges.

When it comes to additional storage, the best Nintendo Switch SD cards are not compatible with the new device, and instead, you'll have to grab one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards for $49.99 / £49.99 to get an additional 256GB worth of storage. Officially licensed Samsung and SanDisk 256GB Express Card available through the official Nintendo website and other retailers, which feature red Super Mario branding. However, iconic storage brands Lexar and SanDisk have 128GB and 256GB compatible cards available to purchase from select retailers.

The official Nintendo website states that inserting a microSD card that has been previously used on a Nintendo Switch into a Nintendo Switch 2 console will not allow you to save or load digital games or save data. That being said, you can transfer over screenshots and game captures with an older microSD card, generally, and through the system transfer process.

Joy-Con

The brand new Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Switch 2 are very similar to their predecessors, but feature all-black colorways with dabs of the iconic blue and red iconic Switch-branded colors poking out from around the sticks and magnetically connecting edges.

The new controllers are the same width as before but are now half an inch taller and feature a brand new 'C' button (on the right Joy-Con 2) to activate the new 'GameChat' feature - a Discord-like chat system that allows Switch 2 users to chat to their friends and share gameplay footage. This new C button will be a paid-for feature in the future, though. Players can use it via a free trial that expires on March 31, 2026, after which they'll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use it. Without a membership, the C button will be useless and provide no function.

One of the biggest changes with the new Joy-Con controllers is that they can be used upside down and are integrated with mouse gameplay mechanics. These brand-new mouse controls are included in both controllers and, when held on their side against a flat surface, can be dragged just like a gaming mouse. Within the Ask the Developer Vol. 16: Nintendo Switch 2 — Part 2 blog post, producer Kawamoto stated that the mouse controls can be used to "move your character around with the control stick, while using the right Joy-Con 2 as a mouse to aim and shoot" in games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond.

Despite not using stick-drift eliminating tech like hall effect sticks, the brand-new sticks are larger and more durable, with "smoother movement", according to producer Kawamoto, and the L and R buttons have also been lengthened for comfort. They can also be customized by purchasing replacement color panels, however, as of typing, only third-party accessory manufacturers currently have different colored panels available for the new controllers.

amiibo

Nintendo released brand-new Street Fighter 6 and The Legend of Zelda amiibo figures on June 5, 2025.

Fighters Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly received their own amiibo figures, which launched alongside the Switch 2 version of Street Fighter 6 Fighters Edition and unlock "exclusive in-game content" and the ability to save and load your favorite character's outfit, control style, and button settings.

Alongside the figures, 22 amiibo cards featuring a range of Street Fighter 6 characters are also available. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom also received more amiibos of its own, with figures based on Tulin, Yunobo, Riju, and Sidon. These launched on June 5 too, and unlock fabric for Link’s paraglider, as well as weapons and materials like previously existing Zelda amiibos.

Nintendo Switch 2 design

The design and overall look of the Nintendo Switch 2 are similar to that of the original Switch. The brand-new console features an all-black colorway, with hints of the original blue and red design visible on the side of the controllers and around their sticks.

The Switch 2 is still 13.9mm thick, just like the original, but it now wields a 7.9-inch screen. It also has longer gamepads (known as the Joy-Con 2 controllers) that connect magnetically to the side of the device, although there are connecting pins - which hopefully won't be subject to damage in the long run like the mounting rails of the original console. The new Switch also features an updated kickstand design, which, similar to that of the Nintendo Switch OLED, is a lot bigger than the classic Switch and offers up more angles for its tabletop gaming mode.

Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility

The Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with original Switch games, including physical game carts, digital downloads, and the official Nintendo Switch Online game libraries.

However, the official Nintendo website states that due to the difference in hardware between the two consoles, "some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2" but that the tech giant is continuing to improve compatibilty including by " working with publishing and developing partners."

You can check the official Nintendo backwards compatibility list full an in-depth look at every game that's affected by the change of hardware. Additionally, some original Nintendo Switch games still require the use of the older Joy-Con controllers, and we've gathered them all below:

• Ring Fit Adventure
• 1-2-Switch
• Everybody 1-2-Switch
• Game Builder Garage
• Nintendo Switch Sports
• WarioWare Move It!
• Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit
• Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit
• Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit

Just as we suspected, games like Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Labo are effected, namely as of their reliance on the old Joy-Con controllers. Ring Fit Adventure is only playable by using an existing Joy-Con controller, as the Joy-Con 2 is not compatible with the Ring Con, and is too large for the leg strap. The new controllers also don't feature an IR Motion Camera, so the older versions of the Joy-Con are required to play games like 1-2-Switch and Everybody 1-2-Switch.

On the positive side, a number of original Switch games received free upgrades to "enhance the gameplay experience" on the Switch 2. This included ARMS, Big Brain Academy Brain vs. Brain, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, Clubhouse Games 51 Worldwide Classics, Game Builder Garage, New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe, Pokemon Scarlet, Pokemon Violet, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, and Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom and Link's Awakening.

These free upgrades include everything from HDR support, the ability to share locally and online via GameChat, and visual optimizations and frame rate improvements. For example, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which were infamous for their performance on the original Switch, will have "improved and smoother movement" on the Switch 2, along with more optimized resolutions to help improve performance.

The Nintendo Switch 2 also features a new Virtual Game Card system. These new virtual game cards replace the icons of digital Switch games with icons that look more visually like physical game cards. With these digital game cards, you can lend Switch games to any members of your Nintendo family group.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

There were a number of Nintendo Switch 2 launch games available to play on day one, and we've gathered them all below:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• Mario Kart World
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
• Split Fiction
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Street Fighter 6
• Sid Meier's Civilization 7 (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
• Sonic X Shadow Generations
• Fortnite
• Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition
• Deltarune
• Survival Kids
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
• Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
• Suikoden I & II HD Remaster for Nintendo Switch 2 Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars

Out of these launch party titles, we first got a look at Mario Kart World during the big April 2 Nintendo Direct. The latest iteration of the iconic kart racer takes things up a notch by being the first open-world Mario Kart game to date, and it was available on launch day, 2025. The latest kart racer is host to a ton of new tracks, new modes, and even new characters like the Moo Moo Meadows Cow, and a series first with 24 racers hitting the track all at once. The game was available separately for $79.99 / £74.99, and as part of a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle at launch, with a digital copy packed inside.

There are a plethora of first-party games planned for the Switch 2, including Super Mario Party Jamboree, which will be receiving its own Switch 2 edition, with Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. Other than being a mouthful of a title, the game will have opportunities to use the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), the new Joy-Con 2 controller's mouse mechanics, and a ton of new modes and features.

Additionally, Metroid Prime 4 is also making its way onto the Switch 2. Originally, this game was set to release on the current Switch, as shown off during the March game-focused Nintendo Direct presentation. And it is, but Switch 2 owners will be able to grab the 'Enhanced Switch 2' version of the game by buying an upgrade pack. These upgrade packs are also available for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, however, the Legend of Zelda upgrades are also included as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

As far as brand-new Switch 2 exclusives, Donkey Kong Bananza released on July 17, 2025, and everyone's favorite pink puffball, Kirby, is returning in November with Kirby AirRiders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai.

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

The Nintendo Switch 2 has a plethora of official (and licensed) accessories, and we've listed them and their pricing (where available) below:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ( $54.99 / £49.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99 / £74.99)
• Nintendo GameCube (GCN) Controller - Nintendo Classics (£58.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip ($34.99 / £29.99)
• Nintendo Switch microSD Express Card 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2 ( $59.99 / £49.99)
• Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case ($84.99 / £66.99)
• Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector ( $39.99 / £20.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of two) ( $24.99 / £16.99)
• Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 (£34.99)
• Joy-Con 2 (L) and Joy-Con 2 (R) Controller Set ($94.99 / £74.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Strap ($13.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter ($34.99 / £24.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set ($119.99)

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, Switch 2 camera, and the GameCube controller were released on June 5, 2025, the same day as the console. Alongside these brand-new peripherals, an official Joy-Con 2 charging grip, Joy-Con 2 wheel (set of two), Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector, and Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case were also released on launch day.

The prices of first-party Switch 2 accessories in the US and Canada rose in April 2025, which Nintendo explained is "due to changes in market conditions." The Joy-Con 2 controllers, Switch 2 Pro controller, and the Switch 2 camera all received a $5 price hike. Meanwhile, even the Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set and Joy-Con charging grip also increased in price by $5, while the official Joy-Con 2 strap increased by just $1. Not all accessories were affected, as the prices of the officially licensed microSD Express cards remain unchanged.

Though there are some exceptions, a lot of original Switch accessories can be used with the upcoming Switch 2, including the original Joy-Con controllers, which can be "paired wirelessly" to the Switch 2, which is the same case as the original Switch Pro controller. For a full list of compatible devices, check out the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Accessory Compatibility list available through the official Nintendo website.