Nintendo has officially unveiled its highly anticipated new console, the Switch 2, during a press event held at the Grand Palais in Paris. This latest iteration of the beloved gaming system is set to launch worldwide on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of €469 for the standard console and €509 for a bundle that includes a digital copy of the new title, Mario Kart World.
The Switch 2 promises to build on the success of its predecessor, which sold an impressive 150 million units globally. The new console maintains the appealing design of the original but boasts a larger 7.9-inch Full HD LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, enhanced graphics, and a host of new features aimed at improving the gaming experience.
One of the most notable upgrades is the introduction of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which now feature a magnetic attachment system for easy removal and reattachment. These controllers are slightly larger and more comfortable to hold, with improved button ergonomics and larger analog sticks. Additionally, they include a new mode that allows them to function as a mouse on smooth surfaces, enhancing precision in compatible games.
The Switch 2 is powered by a custom NVIDIA processor, likely based on the Tegra T239 architecture, which supports advanced features like DLSS and hardware ray tracing. This hardware enhancement allows for stunning graphics and fluid gameplay, with titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond capable of reaching 4K resolution at 60 frames per second when docked, or 1080p at 120 FPS.
Battery life, however, has become a point of contention. The new console is equipped with a 5220 mAh battery, which, despite being larger than the original Switch's 4310 mAh battery, offers a lower estimated playtime of 2 to 6.5 hours, compared to the previous model's 4.5 to 9 hours. Charging from 0 to 100% will still take approximately three hours, a duration that remains unchanged from the original Switch.
In terms of storage, the Switch 2 offers a significant upgrade with 256 GB of internal memory, eight times that of the original model. This storage can be expanded using the new microSD Express cards, which promise faster data transfer rates than standard microSD cards.
The console will also feature two USB-C ports—one on the top and one on the bottom—allowing for simultaneous charging and gameplay. This is a welcome improvement over the original Switch, which had more limited charging options.
Among the new features is GameChat</>, which allows players to communicate with friends during gameplay, a function that was sorely missed in the original Switch. This feature can be activated via a dedicated button on the right Joy-Con, and players can even use a compatible USB-C camera for video chats.
Launch titles for the Switch 2 will include not only Mario Kart World but also re-releases of fan favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, along with Super Mario Party Jamboree and Donkey Kong Bananza, which is expected to arrive in July. Many existing games from the original Switch will also be playable on the new console, ensuring a smooth transition for gamers.
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 are set to begin on April 8, 2025, with the console expected to make a significant impact on the gaming market, given the mixed reactions to its pricing and battery life. As gamers eagerly await its release, the Switch 2 is poised to offer a new level of gaming experience that combines portability with advanced technology.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the gaming landscape, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge features that cater to both casual and hardcore gamers alike. With its official launch just around the corner, anticipation is mounting as fans look forward to exploring the new capabilities and titles that the Switch 2 will bring.
