Nintendo has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Switch 2 console during a live Direct presentation on April 2, 2025. Set to launch on June 5, 2025, the new console is priced at $449.99, which is a significant increase from the original Switch's launch price of $300. The Switch 2 aims to build on the success of its predecessor, which has sold approximately 150 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consoles in history.
During the hour-long presentation, Nintendo highlighted the Switch 2's upgraded hardware and a slew of new games that will be available at launch. Among the most exciting announcements was the reveal of Mario Kart World, which promises to revolutionize the franchise with its vast open-world gameplay and dynamic environments that change with the time of day and weather conditions. This exclusive title will be available alongside the console on June 5, 2025, with more details expected in a dedicated Direct on April 17, 2025.
Another major announcement was the new Hyrule Warriors game, titled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which will explore the backstory of Zelda during the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Additionally, Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer featuring the beloved character, was introduced, focusing on exploration and mining mechanics. This title is set for release on July 17, 2025.
For fans of FromSoftware, the announcement of The Duskbloods was particularly thrilling. This exclusive title combines the gothic aesthetics of Bloodborne with a steampunk world and is expected to launch in 2026. Nintendo also confirmed that the Nintendo GameCube will receive an exclusive emulator on the Switch 2, featuring classic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX.
The Switch 2 will feature a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1080p, HDR support, and the ability to run games at up to 120 FPS. The console will also include enhanced Joy-Con controllers that can function like a mouse, allowing for more intuitive gameplay. A new C button on the Joy-Con will enable voice chat functionality, enhancing the social gaming experience. The console will also support an optional camera for video chat and other interactive features.
In addition to first-party titles, the Switch 2 will boast a robust lineup of third-party games, including Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades 2, Street Fighter 6, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. These titles are expected to take full advantage of the Switch 2's upgraded hardware and capabilities.
Nintendo has also revealed a new feature called Game Share, allowing players to share certain games with up to three other Switch consoles, enhancing multiplayer experiences. The console will have 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via MicroSD Express, and will support 4K resolution when docked.
The Switch 2 is positioned as a direct sequel to the original, diverging from previous strategies where new consoles were often marketed as entirely different products. This time, Nintendo is banking on the established success of the Switch to attract both old and new fans. As Mat Piscatella, executive director at Circana, noted, "The success of the Switch is a double-edged sword. A huge base to build on, but a massive target to hit in terms of the same level of success."
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Nintendo faces challenges that were not present during the original Switch's launch, such as increased competition from mobile gaming and rising production costs due to tariffs on Chinese goods. However, the company's strong catalog of beloved franchises and innovative gameplay features may give it an edge in a crowded market.
The anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 is palpable, with fans eager to see how Nintendo will once again redefine console gaming. With its combination of nostalgic franchises and exciting new titles, the Switch 2 could very well shape the future of gaming for years to come.
