Nintendo has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console, confirming a release date of June 5, 2025, along with a price tag of $449.99 in the United States and £395.99 in the UK. The announcement was made during a live-streamed Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025, where company executives detailed the console's features and upcoming game titles.
The Switch 2 will feature a larger 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen capable of 4K Ultra HD graphics and will include 256 gigabytes of internal storage. Notably, the console will support up to 120 frames per second for smoother gameplay, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Additionally, the device will incorporate mouse controls, a built-in microphone for player communication, and screen-sharing capabilities, further enhancing the gaming experience.
Alongside the hardware, Nintendo showcased several new titles set to launch on the Switch 2. Among these are Mario Kart World, which will allow up to 24 players to race in an open-world environment, and Donkey Kong Bananza, marking the franchise's first new 3D game since Donkey Kong 64 in 1999. A sequel to the classic GameCube title, Kirby Air Riders, was also announced, alongside the hack-and-slash game Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin on April 8, 2025, but initially, they will be available only through an invite-only system for select members of Nintendo Switch Online. Eligible customers must have had a membership for at least two years, spent a certain amount of time playing paid Nintendo Switch games, or opted to receive promotional messages from Nintendo. General availability for pre-orders is expected to follow shortly after.
In addition to the console, Nintendo plans to release a variety of accessories, including a new Pro Controller priced at $79.99 and Joy-Con 2 controllers at $89.99. The Joy-Con 2 charging grip will cost $34.99, while the new camera accessory will retail for $49.99. The Switch 2 Dock Set will be available for $109.99, and a carrying case will be priced at $34.99.
Interestingly, Nintendo has also announced a region-locked version of the Switch 2 for Japan, which will retail at a lower price of 49,980 yen (approximately $334). This model will only support the Japanese language and can only be linked to a Nintendo account created in Japan. A more expensive multilingual version will be sold at 69,980 yen ($467) through the Japanese My Nintendo Store.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Nintendo's decision to raise the price of its games has sparked discussions among gamers. Titles for the Switch 2 are expected to start at $80 for digital copies and $90 for physical editions, with Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $70, suggesting a game-by-game pricing strategy. This price increase comes as the cost of game development has surged over the past decade, raising concerns that other publishers may follow suit.
In the lead-up to the Switch 2's launch, Nintendo has been proactive in addressing the issue of resellers, which has plagued the gaming market. The company has implemented measures to ensure that genuine fans have access to the new console and its games, rather than allowing scalpers to dominate the market.
During its latest earnings report, Nintendo reported a decline in net sales, with gross profits dropping by more than 27 percent year-on-year to 565.5 billion yen (about $3.8 billion). This downturn has prompted the company to adjust its production plans for the Switch 2, as they aim to meet demand while avoiding the shortages that characterized the original Switch launch in 2017.
As excitement builds for the Switch 2, Nintendo is also preparing to host “Switch 2 Experience” events in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, allowing gamers to get hands-on experience with the new system. These events are set to begin in early April and are expected to generate significant interest.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 promises to deliver an enhanced gaming experience with its upgraded features and a robust lineup of games. As the launch date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to secure their pre-orders and dive into the next chapter of Nintendo's gaming legacy.
