On April 2nd, 2025, Nintendo pulled back the curtain on their highly anticipated next-generation console: the Nintendo Switch 2! The Nintendo Direct live reveal was packed with exciting details about its features, launch titles, and what we can expect from the evolution of the beloved hybrid system. At the end of the Direct, whether you were excited or left wanting more from the successor to the Switch, we wrote down a recap of all the important bits of information we know so far. And yes, we will be customizing Switch 2 hardware in the upcoming months :)
Stunning Visuals and Performance:
As expected from rumors, the Switch 2 does not have an OLED display. However, one of its most significant upgrades is undoubtedly the new display. The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a vibrant 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1080p resolution and a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This will translate to sharper images and incredibly fluid motion, whether you're playing on the go or docked to your TV. Speaking of docking, the Switch 2 will also support 4K output at 120Hz with variable refresh rates when connected to a compatible display, offering a premium big-screen gaming experience.
Under the hood, the Switch 2 features a brand-new, significantly more powerful processor and GPU, along with 256GB of internal storage – a substantial increase from the original Switch. This power leap promises enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and the ability to run more demanding titles, including multi-platform games that previously couldn't make their way to the Nintendo ecosystem. The console will also support faster and more capacious microSD Express Cards for expandable storage.
Innovative Joy-Con 2 Controllers:
The iconic Joy-Cons have also received a significant overhaul, now magnetically attaching to the console with a secure button release. We can’t wait to actually try them out on the console itself and feel how sturdy they are. Will they feel less flimsy when attached? Reviewers trying out the console seem happy. Nintendo is calling their new vibration technology "HD Rumble 2," suggesting a further refined and more immersive tactile feedback. Interestingly, each Joy-Con 2 now features an optical sensor, allowing them to be used as a mouse in compatible games and applications. A new "C" button has also been added to each Joy-Con, the primary function of which is dedicated to the new in-game Game Chat feature, allowing for seamless communication with friends without the need for separate apps.
However, in a somewhat disappointing revelation, Nintendo confirmed that the new Switch 2 Joy-Cons will not feature hall sensing analogue sticks. This means that while the controllers have been redesigned with a magnetic attachment system, they will still rely on traditional analogue sticks, potentially leaving them susceptible to the dreaded "stick drift" issue that plagued the original Joy-Cons. The good news is we will be offering the hall sensing upgrade in our shop for regular looking Joy-Cons 2 or aesthetically customized ones. Nintendo stated that while they explored the technology, they encountered unforeseen challenges related to the magnetic attachment system interfering with the hall sensors.
We are also eager to try out the new Pro-Controller 2, which features back buttons, what seem to be larger ABXY buttons, textured analogue sticks (still no hall sensing ones), and the new C button. You can already pre-order the Pro-Controller 2 with upgraded hall sensing analogue sticks in our shop!
Pro-Controller 2: Back buttons and larger ABXY buttons.
Enhanced Features and Accessibility:
The Nintendo Switch 2 also introduces several quality-of-life improvements. A newly designed, freely adjustable kickstand on the back of the console will allow for more flexible viewing angles in tabletop mode. The console also adopts a second USB-C port on the top for charging and connectivity.
Furthermore, Nintendo is focusing on accessibility with the Switch 2. New options include the ability to adjust font sizes, enable a screen reader, and utilize speech-to-text features within Game Chat, aiming to make gaming more inclusive.
Launch Titles and Backwards Compatibility:
The launch lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2 looks incredibly promising. Headlining the releases is the exclusive Mario Kart World, which will feature a new open-world "Free Roam" mode with dynamic weather and time-of-day effects. Other new titles announced include the 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza and the Kirby racing sequel Kirby Air Riders.
Mario Kart World, Donkey King Bananza, And Kirby Air Riders.
Notably, the Switch 2 will offer backwards compatibility with existing Nintendo Switch games. Moreover, select physical and digital Switch games will receive paid "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" upgrade packs, featuring enhanced graphics, exclusive content, and new gameplay experiences that leverage the new hardware capabilities, such as mouse controls and the built-in microphone and optional camera.
New Online Features:
Beyond Game Chat, the Nintendo Switch Online service will continue, with the exciting addition of Nintendo GameCube games being exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier plus a new wireless Game Cube controller offered by Nintendo so you can play these retro games with the original controller design of the system. The enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2 will also allow for features like remote screen sharing and the integration of webcam footage within the Game Chat.
Pricing and Release Date:
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5th, 2025, with a standalone price of $449.99. A bundle including a digital copy of Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99. Pre-orders are officially set to begin on April 24th, 2025.
Our Thoughts:
The Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be a significant step forward, offering a substantial boost in power and visual fidelity while retaining the hybrid nature that made its predecessor so successful. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers introduce innovative features like mouse functionality and a dedicated chat button, even if the absence of hall sensing sticks is a point of concern for some. With a strong launch lineup and backwards compatibility, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming landscape. The future of Nintendo gaming looks bright, and June 5th can't come soon enough!
