It's official; the Nintendo Switch 2 is just a couple of weeks away. The latest Nintendo Direct revealed all the information on the much-hyped console, including the Switch 2 release date, how the new Joy-Cons work, some launch titles, and what you can expect from the hardware. In this guide, we've got everything you need to know if, like us, you've been waiting for this moment for years.
For those who don't know, it's been seven years since the original Switch launched, and we've spent almost a year waiting for more details on this follow-up since Nintendo confirmed its existence in mid-2024. Now, the time is nearly upon us, so let's catch you up on all the highlights and everything new we learned from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and our Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on.
Here's everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2:
When was the Nintendo Switch 2 release date?
The Nintendo Switch 2 release date was Thursday, June 5, 2025. Considering we've spent the better part of the last two years trying to guess when the console might arrive, it's a big relief to finally have this long-awaited console in our hands.
You can read all about our experience with the console in our Nintendo Switch 2 review. Alternatively, if you're still trying to secure a unit now that the Switch 2 release date, you can check availability further down the page.
When did Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders start?
During the Switch 2 direct, we were told that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders would begin on April 8 in the UK and April 9 in the US. However, that didn't turn out to be the case. Pre-orders went live in the UK much earlier, just a day after the Switch 2 direct in some cases, while US pre-orders didn't go live until April 24, following a delay from Nintendo.
As anticipated, multiple retailers sold out of units as soon as Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order availability opened up. In some instances, we even saw reports of Target and Best Buy canceling orders, much to the frustration of those who had made them. Luckily, now that the console has launched, it appears that multiple retailers have stock available.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2's price?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching at $449.99 / £395.99. If you want the Mario Kart World bundle, that'll cost $499.99 / £429.99. Yes, that's more expensive than the original Switch, but when you take into account global inflation, a higher demand than the original, and other factors, it doesn't come as much of a shock.
Besides, the Nintendo Switch 2's price is still cheaper than some of the other handheld offerings out there, such as the Asus ROG Ally X and the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S, both of which are more than $700 if you want the best version.
What's in the Nintendo Switch 2 box?
All Nintendo Switch 2's come with the console, a dock, two Joy-Cons with wrist straps and a grip, a HDMI cable, a wall plug, and a USB-C cable. Of course, if you purchase bundles, your Switch 2 will also come with any additional games that you paid for.
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To learn more about what's in the box, be sure to check out our Nintendo Switch 2 unboxing page, where we show photos and dive into everything included.
What are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles?
Here's a full list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles:
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Civilization VII
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Deltarune Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4
- Fast Fusion
- Fortnite
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Hitman World of Assassination - Signature Edition
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Nobubaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Street Fighter 6
- Survival Kids
- Split Fiction
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2
- Edition)
- Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
It's a pretty exciting lineup, even if not all the new titles are that surprising. The new Mario Kart game makes the most sense, considering that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the best-selling title on the original Switch. However, this series entry marks the biggest change in its history, with up to 24 drivers in each race and a whole world of tracks to take on. Outside of Mario Kart World, there are a lot of exciting third-party games coming to Switch 2, most notably Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition.
As well as completely new games, we learned about Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games during the Direct presentation. Original Switch games, such as Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, get exciting Switch 2 upgrades with new content and features. There are two Switch 2 Edition games that arrived on launch day in the form of souped-up versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
@pockettactics We got to check out the #NintendoSwitch2 ahead of its June release date, and this year's most-anticipated console is well worth the wait 🎮✨
The Nintendo Switch 2 also launched with the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube library, which includes iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX, with more on the way. The GameCube games also have the option to change your control mapping, which is ideal, given that the original GameCube controller had a pretty funky layout.
Are the Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Cons different?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons and the original's detachable controllers are quite a bit different. For a start, the Switch 2's Joy-Cons magnetically attach to the console, rather than relying on a rail system. They're strong magnets, but there's a button on the back to detach. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers also have bigger analog sticks and SL and SR buttons.
As well as the attachment redesign for the Switch 2's Joy-Cons, the controllers are now larger to fit the console's bigger display and feature colorful flourishes on the attachment and underneath the joystick. The left-hand Joy-Con 2 has baby-blue highlights, while the right-hand is a subtle orange.
Still, the biggest upgrade for the Switch 2 Joy-Cons is that you can use both the left and right controllers as you would a computer mouse in compatible games. This makes the console a better fit for point-and-click and strategy games. Trust me, I've played Civilization 6 on the Switch, and while it isn't bad, it'd be a lot better if you could use a mouse rather than relying on button controls.
What are the Nintendo Switch 2 specs?
Here are the Nintendo Switch 2's specs:
| Display | 7.92-inch 120Hz LCD (1920 x 1080 pixels) |
| CPU / GPU | Custom Nvidia processor |
| Battery | 5,220 mAh (2-6.5 hours of charge, 3-hour charging time) |
| Storage | 256GB (expandable with microSD Express) |
| Communication | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth |
| Ports | USB-C x2 |
| Size | 166 x 272 x 13.9mm (with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached) |
| Weight | 534g with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, 401 without |
The Switch 2 boasts a 7.92-inch HDR LCD 1080p display, which is significantly bigger than the original's 6.2-inch screen, with support for 120 fps. It's a bit of a disappointment that we're not getting an OLED, as the Switch OLED is much nicer to look at than the original. Still, there's always room for Nintendo to introduce an OLED model in the future, given that we're pretty sure the Switch 2 is going to be a success.
The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, which is a big jump from the original's 32GB, but you can still bump up your storage with a microSD Express card. That means you won't be able to use the same microSD you might have used to store your original Switch games, but you can transfer all your save data and digital games using your Nintendo account, thanks to a new system transfer feature.
To keep your device cool, the new Switch 2 dock has a built-in fan, and if you're playing docked, you can bump up to 4K resolution in compatible games. Outside of that, it's pretty similar to the original dock.
In terms of what mysteries remain for the launch, we still don't know how much RAM the Switch 2 utilizes, and details surrounding the custom Nvidia processor are pretty scarce. Still, neither RAM nor chipset is a massive concern, as the original didn't have the latest at the time of its 2017 release, and it still went on to be one of the best handheld consoles of the last ten years.
What does the Nintendo Switch 2's C button do?
The Nintendo Switch 2's C button opens GameChat, a new feature for the console. By pressing the button, you can enter a chat with your friends, which uses a microphone on the Switch 2 to communicate. You can also share your game screen from the GameChat menu, which should help in Mario Kart World if you're trying to find out if any of your fellow racers are holding a blue shell.
Nintendo Switch 2 design explained
The Nintendo Switch 2 looks similar to the original, with detachable Joy-Con controllers on either side of the device's screen. The biggest difference is that the Switch 2 is bigger than its predecessor, giving you more screen space for your favorite games.
The Switch 2 also features an extra USB-C port on the top of the device, which should make playing while you charge a little bit easier while offering a way to plug in the optional Switch 2 camera while your console is docked. The stand on the back of the Switch 2 is both stronger than the original and more flexible, giving you more angles to try out when you're gaming. In general, the Switch 2 is a lot like its predecessor, with some design and quality-of-life updates to make it even more user-friendly.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatible?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible, supporting both digital and physical Nintendo Switch games. This is one of the few details we already knew going into the special Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, with the Switch 2 reveal in January 2025 confirming backwards compatibility. There's a slight catch, though. Not every single original Switch game is compatible, owing to some technical restraints, but we don't have a full list of what won't work at the time of writing.
Are there any Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
What's a console launch without a few accessories? There are a heap of different Nintendo Switch 2 accessories for you to explore, from controllers to cases.
Firstly, the Switch 2 has its own Pro Controller, which looks like the original but with a headphone jack, the C button, and a couple of extra GL and GR buttons on the back. Nintendo has also brought out a special Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller, which is perfect if you're planning to play all the best retro games available on Nintendo Switch Online. If you're unsure which controller is best for you (or you want to explore some third party alternatives), you can check out our full guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers.
On top of that, there's the Nintendo Switch 2 camera, which you can use to appear on screen while using GameChat. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition version of Super Mario Party Jamboree includes camera functionality, and we're expecting to see more of the same in future games. If you're not sold on the official Nintendo Switch 2 camera, you can check out our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras - just keep in mind that you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use the feature.
Finally, if you need a bit more space for all those new Switch games and Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, you can grab one of the best micro SD Express cards for Nintendo Switch 2.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2 docked resolution?
In docked mode, the Nintendo Switch 2 can output up to 4K resolution. Of course, you need a 4K-compatible TV or monitor in order to make the most of this, though. The 4K resolution also only works at a maximum of 60FPS.
And that's everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2. If you want to work out what games to play on Nintendo's hybrid console, be sure to check out our guide to the best Nintendo Switch games while you're here. Or, if you're looking for something old-school to go with your new Switch 2, see our picks for the best retro handhelds.