Nintendo revealed all the details of their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in a direct that went live at midnight.
The one-hour direct showcase dived deep into the console specs while also giving us a release date, pricing, and a slew of third-party support and first-party games, including the new Mario Kart and an open-world 3D Donkey Kong game.
So buckle up, as we wrap up and dive into everything the show had to offer.
SPECS
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7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that can deliver HD at 1080p
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3D sound support with upgraded speakers
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256 GB of internal storage (can be expanded via SanDisk Express MicroSD memory cards)
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New dock that can deliver video output at 4K and play games up to 120fps
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Joy-Con 2 controllers magnetically attach to the side of the console
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Upgraded adjustable stand
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USB-C charging ports on the top and bottom of the console
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Built-in fan and cooling in the dock
The full reveal shows us the upgrades to the console and the dock. The improved Joy-Con make the buttons bigger, and the magnetic snap to the console should help it feel more secure.
Using the Joy-Cons as a mouse should open up games previously locked to PC, an opening to come to Nintendo. 256 GB of internal storage
RELEASE DATE
The Nintendo Switch 2 system will be released on Thursday, the 5th of June this year. Retailers like EB Games, JB Hi-Fi and Big W all have pre-orders open and ready to go.
You can pre-order the base console or the bundle, which includes Mario Kart World as a digital download.
The Switch 2 console itself includes –
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Nintendo Switch 2 console
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Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
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Joy-Con 2 Grips
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Joy-Con 2 Straps
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Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
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Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
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Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
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USB-C Charging Cable
GAMECHAT
Having a dedicated button and menu for voice chat and being able to extend that out to video chat with the optional camera purchase is a fantastic feature if you want to play with family and friends and don’t live in the same area.
GAME SHARE
A new Game Share option lets you share your game with others who don’t own it to play. Switch 1 games will be updated, and some Switch 2 games will be supported.
DONKEY KONG BANANZA
Say what you will about the re-design of Donkey Kong since the release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, but this new 3D game is called Donkey Kong Bananza and looks like a lot of smashing fun.
MARIO KART WORLD
The big launch game with the console is Mario Kart World. This open-world kart game seems to combine the open world of the Forza Horizon series, with the characters we love from the Mario franchise.
HYRULE WARRIORS: AGE OF IMPRISONMENT
Coming out at the end of the year, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is set before the events of BOTW and will let you play as Zelda and others in this high-action game.
THE DUSKBLOODS
No, it’s not Bloodborne 2, but it is a new IP and it is exclusive to the Switch 2 system. It’s called The Duskbloods and is coming out sometime in 2026.
ACCESSORIES
The New Niontendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a gorgeous blend of black and white, with paddles on the back and customisable buttons that put this on par with the DualSense Edge controller.
NINTENDO SWITCH 2 CAMERA
The USB-C connected camera can be used in TV mode or Tabletop and can be used to video chat with friends or use the in-game camera features for games showcased like Mario Party Jamboree.
GAMECUBE GAMES ARE ON THE WAY
Nintendo GameCube is coming to Nintendo Switch online only on the Switch 2. The virtual console will feature F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur II and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker with more titles hinted at coming very soon.
ELDEN RING AND MORE THIRD PARTY TITLES ARE COMING TO THE SWITCH 2
Yes, you read that correctly: Elden Ring is coming to the handheld system. There are a slew of other confirmed titles, including Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6 (which will also get amiibo characters), Hitman games, Split Fiction, and EA Sports titles, all coming to the system. These are all in the launch window for the Switch 2.
UPGRADED TITLES
Select Nintendo Switch titles will be getting a Switch 2 upgrade, including HD support and enhanced graphics and gameplay.
These will come via upgrade packs if you already own the game on the original Switch and the opportunity to buy the full title on Switch 2 if it is new to you. The games featured in this showcase are :
- Mario Party Jamboree
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
METROID PRIME 4: BEYOND WILL BE ENHANCED ON THE SWITCH 2
The game will make use of the mouse controls of the Switch 2, as well as delivering 4K 60 FPS HDR and 1080p 120FPS HDR mode. This looks like the ultimate way to play this game.
DRAG X DRIVE
A brand new game titled Drag x Drive is 3 v 3 looks like NBA 2K with wheelchairs and some pretty impressive-looking graphics. You can use the mouse controls and motion sensors, and it will launch in August this year.
KIRBY AIR RIDERS
The sequel to Kirby Air Ride, we didn’t get to see much here apart from a quick reveal at the gorgeously detailed word of Kirby. In a crowded kart racing game with both Mario and Sonic getting their own coming up, hopefully, this is a year or two away to get the attention it deserves.
You can pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 console from the below most major hardware and games retailers right now:
Stay tuned for more news including our upcoming hands-on impressions with the Nintendo Switch 2.
