Thanks to a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, we have a boatload of information and details about the exciting new console from Nintendo.
As you’d expect from a showcase that lasted nearly an hour, we got Nintendo Switch 2 details galore, from the hardware itself, to a glimpse of how powerful it is. We found out about pre-orders, pricing, launch titles, and a whole lot more.
We’ve collated all the information into this handy article so you can quickly catch up on everything Switch 2 that we know so far.
Nintendo Switch 2: price pre-orders, release date
Nintendo has announced the Switch 2 price point with the obvious retailers are already taking pre-orders on the Switch 2 right now, with more to come as they update their systems and get things rolling. Obviously prices will fluctuate, but the ballpark RRP is: £395.99. This is for the console-only version of Switch 2. The Version that comes with Mario Kart World is £429.99.
Pre-order dates start on April 8th (UK) into April 9th (USA).
However, the Switch is out on June 5th, as is a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.
Power, Hardware, Peripherals
Given the Switch lasted for nearly a decade, the Switch 2 is obviously a much more powerful machine.
The C-Button has finally been properly revealed. In the Nintendo Direct the company explained that “GameChat” would be a feature. The C-button is communication, basically. It allows for party chat, though the Switch 2 has a built-in microphone even when you’re not using it in handheld mode. It seems to have some noise cancelling features. GameChat is available in both handheld mode and docked. You can also “share your screen”, similar to how you can on a PS5 currently. This means you can see other people’s games while chatting, even if you’re not playing the same title. Screen real estate can be changed depending on what you want to see larger.
The C-Button pulls up the “chat menu”, allowing you to mute your mic, share your screen. There’s also a Switch 2 camera that connects to Switch and can let you green screen yourself onto gameplay as you chat and play. There are lots of customisation options and you can have people in small circles when playing. The Switch 2 camera will be available on launch day, as a separate purchase.
The console will be the same thickness as before, but with a bigger screen. The handheld screen will be 1080p, up to 120fps. The screen is LCD, and supports HDR (in supported games, of which Mario Kart World seems to be one).
The much-rumoured mouse-like controller options for the new Joy-Cons was confirmed. We previously saw a glimpse of them looking like mouse, gliding around, but in the Direct Nintendo explicitly showed this off. The Joy-Cons themselves are magnetic and still have that satisfying “click” onto the screen part of the hardware. The Joy-Cons have “strong magnets” that attach, with buttons that release them. SL and SR buttons are bigger for “greater comfort”.
The Switch 2 will also include 3D audio (in supported games), a new stand that lets you adjust the angle pretty freely. There are two USB-C ports: one at the bottom, and one at the top next to the audio output. Both can be used for charging. The storage has been upgraded, with a 256GB storage (8 times bigger than Switch).
The new dock supports 4K resolution “for compatible games” and HDR. WGHD 1440p is also supported. There is a built in fan in the dock too, to keep the console cool. The new console will still use MicroSD express cards, and that means the regular style you may use for Switch are not compatible. You can also transfer your data from Switch to Switch 2 for save games, digital titles, and more.
A new Pro Controller is coming on the launch day, with two extra buttons on the back, and an audio jack.
Switch 2 Launch Titles
As teased, we now know that Mario Kart will be a Switch 2 launch title. The game is officially called Mario Kart World. Hurrah. It’ll be an exclusive title, too, so only launching on Switch 2. Mario Kart World has a “vast world”, full of various regions. Depending on the time of day, weather conditions will change. There’s a focus on “driving anywhere”, though there’s still a four-course GP as well. There’s 24 drivers per race, which is the most in the series’ history. A new mode called “Knockout Tour” is a non-stop race that eliminates people if you they’re below the placement requirements. There’s also a “Free Roam” mode which you can just use to drive around the world: off-road. This mode can be played with friends, and allows for photo opportunities. A Mario Kart World Direct is coming at 2pm on April 17th, and the game launches the same day as Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour was announced, and is exclusive to the console. The game is a way of learning about the console itself. You walk around and head for question marks, which explain things like the SL and SR buttons, which are made of steel, or how the Joy Cons work as a mouse. There are mini-games that help you learn about the mouse controls like Speed Golf, or “Dodge the Spike Balls”. This is a digital only title, also for launch day.
Capcom confirmed that Street Fighter 6 is coming to Switch 2 with two modes exclusive to this new version, and Hazelight confirmed Split Fiction for launch. Hogwarts Legacy is also coming to the console, adding mouse controls. Hitman World of Assassination is also joining the library from IO Interactive. Square Enix announced Bravely Default: Flying Fairly HD Remaster is coming on Launch day, and SEGA confirmed Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut which contains newly added cut-scenes.
Deltarune Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 are coming to Switch 2. The game following up from Undertale is very much sought after, so that’s great news. Firaxis Games is bringing Civilization VII with mouse control support. Sticking with 2K, WWE 2K25 and NBA games are both coming as well.
Survival Kids is hitting on launch day, too, as will Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is also coming, in case you needed more RPG goodness. Fortnite will also be a launch game, of course.
Other Games
The mouse controls of the Joy-Cons took centre stage for a new game called DragxDrive, which is an online wheelchair-basketball game. You use the mouse controls to push the wheels, and then the motion controls to shoot the ball. This one is coming in Summer 2025
Elden Ring is coming to Switch 2 in 2025, with the “Tarnished Edition”. Greg Kasavin confirmed Hades 2 would be hitting Switch 2 as well.
A new title called Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion was also announced, and EA Sports confirmed its titles would be joining. Activision confirmed Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 for Switch 2, which is due out in Summer. While confirming Hitman was coming, IO Interactive also (re)announced the James Bond game, Project 007, will also be coming to the Switch 2.
Koei Tecmo confirmed it’s working on a new Hyrule Warriors title, in the form of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and is the story that leads into Tears of the Kingdom. This one is in development and planned for release in Winter.
Borderlands 4 is also launching on Switch 2, but that doesn’t have a release date yet, aside from coming in 2025.
Enter the Gungeon 2 is coming, but will launch on Switch 2, and Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is coming in 2026. More launch titles include: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Kunitsu-Gami, Goodnight Universe, Two Point Museum, Wild Hearts, Witchbrook, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Star Wars Outlaws, and more.
FromSoft also announced a new game that’s coming to Switch 2. Hold on to your trousers, because The Duskbloods is coming (in 2026), but it’s exclusive to Switch 2.
If you’re hoping for more first-party, that’s good, because Nintendo also announced Kirby AirRiders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, coming in 2025. Announced last, but another first-party title, Nintendo announced a new Donkey Kong game. Donkey Kong Bananza is a platformer that looks pretty open world (or at least open-zone)., coming on July 17th.
Switch 2 backwards compatibility
We already knew that Nintendo would be supporting the hugely successful Switch going forward. Physical and Digital Switch games will work on the new console. However, there is a caveat: “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date“.
Nintendo also showed Animal Crossing, Super Mario Bros Wonder, and others running on Switch 2. Also shown was Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and Mario Party, and a whole lot of older games, too. Pikmin 4, Super Mario Odyssey: again, there’s a lot of older games that will work here.
Nintendo Switch 2 Editions
There will be “Switch 2” editions of original games like Super Mario Party Jamboree, which adds mouse controls, audio recognition, and more expressive rumble. The gameplay also adds support for the Switch 2 camera. Three new and updated modes are coming: Mario Party (with camera support) lets you see each other’s faces as you play. Bowser Live is a mode where the livelier team wins, and you use the camera to hit blocks, almost “Xbox Kinect” like. Carnival Coaster uses mouse controls to shoot enemies while you ride on a roller coaster. This is hitting on July 24th.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will also get Switch 2 editions, which add HDR and a higher resolution and frame rate. Zelda Notes are being added, which can be accessed in the Switch App on Smart Devices. It can help you find locations you’ve not yet found, and even has voice guidance like a sat-nav GPS devices. You can also share creations from Tears of the Kingdom via QR codes.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition will include Star-Crossed World, some extra content.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is getting a Switch 2 edition (but is still coming to Switch), and has mouse controls added. It’ll be 4K 60fps with HDR on quality mode, and 1080p 120fps HDR on performance mode.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is coming later this year, will also be getting a Switch 2 edition. Again, higher frame rates and better resolution.
The key part here is that if you already own it, you can buy an “upgrade” pack to get the new editions.
Switch 2 New Features and more
GameShare is a new feature that lets you pay games locally using just one copy of a game. This works for up to three other systems at a time, and is compatible with GameChat and online play. It can only be used with compatible games, but is starting with Club House Games, and will get some Switch 2 games as well.
Nintendo Switch Online is planned to continue for the Switch 2, but with a new benefit: GameCube titles. You’ll need the “Plus Expansion Pack” for this, and it’s exclusive for Switch 2. The titles at launch are: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, F-Zero GX. If a game supports multiplayer, it will have online, but also four-play local play. The games will have higher resolutions, and customisable controls.
More titles are being added like Luigi’s Mansion, Chibi-Robo, and more. There will also be a GameCube controller released for Switch Online Members, and it’ll include the C-button, available on launch day.
We’ll update this article as and when we get more information.
