Nintendo has officially launched the reservation lottery for its highly anticipated 'Nintendo Switch 2' on April 4, 2025, at the My Nintendo Store. The new console is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the successor to the original Nintendo Switch, which debuted on March 3, 2017. This latest iteration promises to retain the beloved features of its predecessor while introducing a host of upgrades that gamers are eagerly awaiting.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will maintain its dual functionality, allowing users to play in both portable mode and TV mode by connecting to a dock. Furthermore, the controllers can be detached from the console, a feature that has become a hallmark of the Switch experience. However, what sets the Switch 2 apart is its enhanced performance capabilities. The new console boasts a significantly upgraded CPU and GPU, providing a smoother gaming experience.
In terms of visual enhancements, the Switch 2 will feature a larger screen with an improved resolution of 1080p and a frame rate that can reach up to 120fps. When in TV mode, the console will support resolutions of 1440p and even 4K output, catering to the demands of modern gaming visuals. The included 'Joy-Con 2' controllers also come with a magnetic attachment system and new functionalities that allow them to be used similarly to a mouse, adding a new layer of interactivity to gameplay.
The lottery application period for the Switch 2 began on April 4 and will run until April 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM. To be eligible for the lottery, users must meet specific requirements: they need to have played Nintendo Switch software for over 50 hours as of February 28, 2025, excluding trial and free games. Additionally, applicants must have been subscribed to 'Nintendo Switch Online' for at least one year and must still hold an active subscription at the time of application.
Results of the lottery are expected to be communicated via email on or after April 24, 2025. It’s important to note that participants can only apply for one type of the Switch 2: either the 'Japanese language, domestic use only' version, the 'Japanese language, domestic use only Mario Kart World Set,' or the 'Nintendo Switch 2 with multilingual support.'
The pricing for the new console reflects its advanced features: the 'Japanese language, domestic use only' version is priced at 49,980 yen (tax included), while the 'multilingual support' version will retail for 69,980 yen (tax included). For those looking for a bundle, the Switch 2 will also be available in a set with the download version of 'Mario Kart World,' priced at 53,980 yen (tax included), and will be released simultaneously on June 5, 2025.
As anticipation builds for the Switch 2, Nintendo has also announced that peripheral devices, including new controllers and charging grips, will launch alongside the console on June 5. For fans eager to get their hands on the latest gaming technology, reservations will begin at various game stores and online retailers nationwide starting April 24, 2025, as soon as preparations are complete.
Launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 are expected to include a variety of exciting new games. Among the confirmed titles are:
- Mario Kart World - A completely new installment exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Nintendo Switch 2's Secret Exhibition - Another exclusive title for the platform.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - This version will feature enhanced graphics and a new smartphone integration feature called "Zelda Notes."
- Deltarune - Including previously unreleased Chapters 3 and 4.
- Civilization VII Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - This edition will take advantage of the new Joy-Con 2's mouse functionality for intuitive controls.
- Survival Kids - A new exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Street Fighter 6 - Players can engage in local multiplayer battles.
- Shine Post: Be Your Idol! - Another new exclusive title.
- Rune Factory Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - This version will feature improved graphics and utilize the mouse function for village building.
- Split Fiction
- Hogwarts Legacy
- HITMAN World of Assassination
- Bravely Default HD Remaster - An HD remaster of the classic RPG originally for the 3DS.
- Yakuza 0: Director's Cut - This version will include new scenes with key characters and the series' first four-player cooperative online battle mode.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition - A complete version that includes the DLC "Temporary Freedom."
- Path of the Goddess
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S - This version will feature a new cooperative mode and will utilize the Joy-Con 2's mouse functionality.
- Nobunaga's Ambition: New Life with Power-Up Kit Complete Edition - This edition will collect previously released content and introduce new scenarios and features.
- Fortnite
- Fast Fusion - A completely new title exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, both gamers and industry observers are keenly watching how this new console will perform in a competitive gaming landscape. As fans prepare for the lottery and the eventual launch, the excitement surrounding Nintendo's latest offering is palpable.