Nintendo Reveals Launch Details for Switch 2, Bringing New Features and Price Hike- Nintendo has officially unveiled its next-generation console, the Switch 2, confirming that it will launch on June 5 with a retail price of $449.99. The announcement was made during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct presentation, which showcased not only the updated hardware but also several exciting new features and exclusive games that will accompany the system’s debut.
Among the most significant changes is the Switch 2’s improved display. The handheld console now boasts a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution, providing a sharper and more vibrant visual experience. When docked, the console can output games in 4K resolution, a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This move is expected to appeal to gamers who crave higher-quality visuals whether they’re playing in handheld mode or on their TV.
One of the most talked-about new features is the addition of a new “C” button on the Joy-Con controllers. This button unlocks a feature called GameChat, which allows players to chat with friends and family while playing games. Players can also share their game screens with others, adding a social dimension that the original Switch lacked. The GameChat function requires a subscription to Nintendo’s Switch Online service, which will likely become a key selling point for the company’s ongoing online gaming ecosystem. The new functionality is supported by a built-in microphone on the Joy-Con controllers, making voice communication easier than ever before.
According to Hannah Cowton-Barnes, a video game industry expert from London, the addition of social features makes perfect sense for the Switch 2, especially given the success of multiplayer-focused titles like Mario Kart and Super Mario Jamboree, the latter of which has become one of the most-played games on the original Switch. “Nintendo is responding to a growing demand for social interaction and more connected experiences in gaming. The Switch 2’s focus on communication, shared play, and multiplayer features really hits the mark for what people want in 2025,” Cowton-Barnes said.
Another innovative feature of the Switch 2 is its ability to use the Joy-Con controllers like a computer mouse. This feature was demonstrated during the livestream and showed potential for unique gameplay interactions, such as angling a golf club in a virtual sports game. This added flexibility opens up new possibilities for game developers to create more immersive and interactive titles.
In terms of games, Nintendo unveiled several key titles that will launch alongside the Switch 2. Mario Kart World, which will come bundled with the console, adds exciting new gameplay elements such as a knockout mode and the ability to grind on rails in a skateboard-like fashion while racing. These additions bring a fresh dynamic to the long-running racing series. Also revealed was Project 007, a new James Bond game inspired by the classic GoldenEye 007 from the Nintendo 64 era, which is likely to appeal to fans of first-person shooters.
In addition to these titles, Nintendo also teased several upcoming exclusives that will bolster the Switch 2’s game library. Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D adventure featuring Donkey Kong as he battles through an expansive underground world, will release on July 17. Another big title is Kirby Air Riders, a racing game directed by the creator of Super Smash Bros., slated to launch later this year.
Third-party developers are also onboard with the new console. Koei-Tecmo is preparing the release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a hack-and-slash prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom due later this winter. Additionally, The Duskbloods, a dark multiplayer title from Elden Ring creators From Software, is set for release in 2026. These third-party games are expected to generate additional buzz around the Switch 2 and expand its library of titles beyond the core Nintendo exclusives.
For fans of retro games, Nintendo will offer a selection of GameCube titles to Switch Online subscribers, including fan favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. This feature is a nostalgic nod to long-time Nintendo fans who fondly remember the GameCube era.
On the hardware side, the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with both digital and physical Switch games. However, a new microSD Express memory card will be required for storage, as standard microSD cards will not work with the new console. Fortunately, users will be able to transfer data from their original Switch to the Switch 2, making the transition relatively seamless for existing Nintendo fans.
The Switch 2’s higher price tag of $449.99, up from the original Switch’s $299, has been attributed to several factors, including global inflation and the impact of tariffs. According to Joost van Dreunen, an author and expert on the gaming industry, the price increase is partly due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports, which affect the manufacturing and shipment of gaming consoles. Van Dreunen pointed out that console manufacturers typically operate on low margins during the early stages of a hardware cycle, but the added cost of tariffs has made the financial situation even more challenging for companies like Nintendo.
To give consumers a chance to experience the Switch 2 hands-on before its release, Nintendo will host Switch 2 Experience events in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris starting this month. These events will give gamers the opportunity to try out the new system and its features before deciding whether to make the purchase.
With its enhanced display, new social features, and an exciting lineup of games, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a major player in the gaming market when it launches this June. While the higher price tag may be a concern for some, it’s clear that Nintendo is betting on the Switch 2’s new capabilities and game library to continue its success in the competitive console market.
