Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know About the Next-Gen Hybrid Console
Since its launch in 2017, Nintendo's Switch system has captured the imagination of players around the world by letting them seamlessly transition between handheld and television play. After years of speculation, Nintendo has finally taken the wraps off of its follow-up, and it promises to be a meaningful step forward for the hybrid concept. The Switch 2 retains the qualities that made its predecessor a runaway hit while offering more power, a bigger display and new ways to play.
Launch Date and Pricing
Nintendo has set a firm release date for its next-generation console: it will arrive on 5 June 2025. The standard package costs $449.99 and includes the console itself, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, a dock, an HDMI cable, an AC adapter and a charging cable. A Mario Kart World bundle is also being offered for $499.99 that throws in the launch racing game and special red-and-blue Joy-Con colours. For those outside of the United States, the system is priced at GBP 395.99 in the United Kingdom and EUR 469.99 across Europe. Pre-orders will open in April 2025, so fans will have ample time to secure their unit before launch day.
Bigger Screen, Better Picture
At first glance, the Switch 2 looks familiar, but it hides significant upgrades. The headline change is a new 7.9-inch 1080p display that dwarfs the original model's 6.2-inch panel. The screen uses a variable refresh rate technology that can scale up to 120 Hz, making motion look smoother in fast-paced games. Nintendo also added HDR10 support, which allows compatible titles to display a wider colour range and better contrast. Taken together, these changes bring handheld play closer to the experience you expect from a modern television.
Next-Generation Joy-Con Controllers
Nintendo is introducing a completely redesigned Joy-Con 2 system that refines how the controllers attach and interact with the console. Instead of sliding onto rails, the Joy-Con 2 pair attaches magnetically and is held in place by strong magnets and side latches. This design speeds up the process of removing and attaching the controllers and gives them a cleaner look. The thumbsticks now use hall-effect sensors, which reduce the risk of drifting by relying on magnetic fields rather than physical contact. Nintendo has also added an extra C button that activates GameChat, a video-calling feature integrated directly into the console's operating system. An optical sensor on one of the controllers can act like a computer mouse, opening new possibilities for navigation and creative gameplay. When you need to recharge them away from the system, you can connect them via USB-C using the included cable.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Switch 2 uses a custom Nvidia T239 processor with an eight-core CPU and a modern GPU architecture that supports features like hardware ray tracing. It is paired with 16 GB of unified memory and 256 GB of internal storage, and the console supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB for those who need extra space. Battery life will vary depending on the workload, but Nintendo estimates roughly two to six and a half hours of playtime per charge, and the system now charges through either of its two USB-C ports. When docked, the console can output games at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, while handheld mode tops out at 1440p at 120 Hz. These improvements mean richer textures, more detailed environments and smoother framerates compared to the first Switch.
Games Lineup
Nintendo is planning a robust lineup for launch and the following months. Flagship first-party titles include Mario Kart World, a globe-trotting evolution of the racing franchise; Donkey Kong Bananza, which returns the ape to his classic barrel-rolling roots; Kirby Air Riders, a revival of the cult racing title; Drag x Drive, a new combat racer that emphasises vehicle customisation; Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a musou-style spin-off set between the events of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom; and The Duskbloods, a co-operative action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Nintendo is also remastering beloved Switch games as "Switch 2 Edition" releases with improved graphics and extra content. The updated lineup includes The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Third-party support is similarly impressive. On launch day you can expect to see Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Fortnite, Street Fighter 6, Star Wars Outlaws, Madden NFL and NBA 2K in the eShop. Nintendo has promised that more partners are on board and that additional games will be announced in the lead-up to release. The library also benefits from near-universal backward compatibility with existing Switch titles, so your existing games and digital purchases will carry over. While a few niche games may not take advantage of the new hardware, the majority of the library will load faster and run more smoothly on Switch 2.
A New Era of Hybrid Play
The success of the original Switch hinged on a single idea: giving players the freedom to take their games anywhere without compromising on quality. Nintendo's second-generation console builds on that premise and pushes it further. A larger, more vibrant display enhances portable play, while the more powerful processor delivers console-grade visuals even when you are away from the dock. The new Joy-Con design addresses the durability issues that plagued earlier units and adds features like GameChat and hall-effect joysticks that make the system feel modern. With a strong launch lineup and robust backward compatibility, the Switch 2 aims to be both a worthy upgrade for current owners and a compelling entry point for newcomers.
As Nintendo prepares for the system's June 2025 release, excitement is building. The Switch 2 represents an evolution rather than a revolution, but sometimes refinement is exactly what a platform needs. For fans of Nintendo's games, the promise of playing the next Zelda or Mario adventure with better graphics and smoother performance is reason enough to mark the calendar. Whether you love exploring open worlds on the couch or battling friends on the go, the next-generation hybrid console looks poised to deliver an even more seamless experience.