Nintendo has officially unveiled its highly anticipated gaming console, the Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5, 2025, at a price of $449.99. This new console comes with a host of innovative features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience, including interactive chat and screenshare functions that will connect gamers like never before.
During a 60-minute Nintendo Direct presentation held on April 2, 2025, the company showcased the Switch 2's vibrant display, which boasts a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution. When docked, the system will support 4K resolution for compatible games, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
One of the standout features of the Switch 2 is the new "C" button on its Joy-Con controller, which launches a feature called "GameChat." This function, which requires a subscription to Nintendo's online service, allows players to communicate with friends and family while gaming and even share their game screens with others. As video game industry expert Hannah Cowton-Barnes noted, this feature is particularly relevant for popular titles like Mario Kart, which has consistently ranked among the most played games on the original Switch.
In addition to its communication capabilities, the Joy-Con controllers can now be used like a computer mouse, offering players more versatility in gameplay. The presentation also highlighted the upcoming launch title, Mario Kart World, which is set to be a bundle game with the Switch 2. This installment promises to deliver an exhilarating experience, featuring an open-world environment where players can seamlessly drive from one course to another.
Mario Kart World is not just about racing; it introduces a new mode called Knockout Tour. In this mode, players must navigate across the map to various checkpoints, with elimination for those who fall below a certain placement. This innovative twist adds a Battle Royale flavor to the beloved franchise, a refreshing change that many fans are eager to explore.
Moreover, Mario Kart World will include a variety of returning characters and outfits, with even the cow from Moo Moo Meadows making an appearance, much to the delight of fans. A special Mario Kart World Direct is scheduled for April 17, 2025, promising to reveal even more exciting details.
Beyond Mario Kart World, Nintendo has announced several other launch titles for the Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D adventure featuring the iconic ape, is set to arrive on July 17, 2025. Additionally, Kirby Air Riders, a racing game from the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, is expected later in the year. Third-party titles such as Koei-Tecmo’s Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and From Software’s The Duskbloods are also on the horizon, with the former scheduled for release this winter and the latter in 2026.
In a nod to nostalgia, Switch Online subscribers will have access to a limited selection of GameCube titles, including classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. The new console will also be backwards compatible, allowing players to enjoy both physical and digital Switch games. However, users will need to purchase a microSD express memory card specifically for the Switch 2, as standard microSD cards will not be compatible.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new console, the launch price is notably higher than the original Switch's price of $299. The increase has been attributed to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, which have affected the video game console industry at a delicate time. Joost van Dreunen, a games industry researcher, explained that the tariffs impact hardware manufacturers who typically operate on thin margins during the early stages of a hardware cycle.
To further engage with its audience, Nintendo plans to host "Switch 2 Experience" events in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, starting this month. These events will provide gamers with hands-on experience of the new system, allowing them to immerse themselves in the exciting features and upcoming titles.
As the launch date approaches, anticipation continues to build around the Switch 2 and its flagship game, Mario Kart World. With its innovative features and engaging gameplay, Nintendo aims to capture the hearts of both new and returning fans, ensuring that the legacy of the Switch continues to thrive in the gaming world.
