Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date & Price - June 5th!

Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date and Pricing Revealed

On Wednesday, Nintendo disclosed further information regarding its forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console. This represents the company's first new hardware offering since the original Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017.

Launch Details

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release on June 5th and will be priced at $450.

Consumers will have the option to purchase the console as a standalone unit.

Bundled Option

Alternatively, the console will also be available as a package including Mario Kart World, a brand-new title specifically developed for the Switch 2.

This bundle provides immediate access to new gaming content upon purchase.

Anticipation and Market Position

The announcement has generated significant excitement within the gaming community, as the Switch 2 is expected to build upon the success of its predecessor.

Nintendo aims to maintain its strong position in the console market with this latest release.

Anticipating the Design of the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a progression from the original Nintendo Switch console. It’s designed to enhance the existing hybrid functionality, allowing for gameplay both in portable and docked modes connected to a television.

The upcoming console is expected to feature a larger overall form factor, incorporating a more expansive display screen – though a bezel will still be present around the edges. The Joy-Con controllers will also be more substantial and will connect magnetically to the screen’s sides.

The device will boast a 1080p LCD screen capable of rendering graphics at up to 120 frames per second, alongside High Dynamic Range (HDR) support. This specification may be perceived as a step back by those who have upgraded to the OLED-screened Nintendo Switch models.

However, when docked, the Switch 2 will support 4K output. Internally, the console will include 256 GB of storage, a significant increase from the previous generation, where many users required a microSD card for expanded capacity.

It’s important to note that the Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express cards for any additional storage needs. These represent a newer, faster standard of microSD technology.

A more robust kickstand is integrated into the rear of the device, providing improved stability when the console is positioned for tabletop play. USB-C charging ports are located on both the top and bottom of the console.

The top port appears designed for the Nintendo Switch Camera accessory, but also offers a more convenient charging location. The initial color scheme for the Switch 2 is anticipated to be matte black, accented with light red and blue on the respective Joy-Cons.

This design choice subtly references the original Switch’s aesthetic, presenting it in a more refined manner. Nintendo is likely to offer a wide array of Joy-Con colors for separate purchase, and hopefully address the previous issues with Joy-Con drift.

The Joy-Cons will also emulate the functionality of a computer mouse within compatible games. Leveraging the built-in gyroscope, players will experience enhanced precision in motion-controlled gameplay.

A “Welcome Tour” game is planned to familiarize users with the new features of the Nintendo Switch 2. This introductory experience will be a paid download, potentially better utilized on titles like Mario Kart World.

Furthermore, a Nintendo Online expansion will grant access to GameCube titles, complementing the existing libraries of Nintendo 64 and Game Boy games. Confirmed titles include Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Super Mario Strikers, Luigi’s Mansion, and Pokémon XD.

Select titles will be available immediately upon the Switch 2’s launch, alongside a redesigned GameCube controller – complete with a functional C button.

Understanding the 'C' Button Functionality on the Nintendo Switch 2

Speculation regarding a 'C' button present on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers has been circulating amongst enthusiasts. Nintendo has now officially clarified its purpose: it facilitates GameChat, a new communication feature.

This system enables players to converse with their friends during gameplay sessions. The integrated microphone is designed to effectively capture voice input, even in noisy environments.

Beyond voice communication, GameChat also allows for the sharing of gameplay screens between users. This functionality extends even to players engaged in different games. Initial demonstrations showed some minor choppiness in the shared video feed.

A second 'C' button located on the right Joy-Con provides additional chat controls. Specifically, it allows users to quickly mute their microphone when privacy is desired.

The GameChat feature will be freely accessible to all Nintendo Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026. Following this date, continued use will require an active paid Nintendo Online membership.

Nintendo also indicated that GameChat will incorporate parental control options. However, specific details regarding these controls were not disclosed during the announcement.

New Hardware Accompanying the Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has revealed the Nintendo Switch Camera, a peripheral designed to connect to the console. This device allows for the projection of a user’s face directly onto the gameplay experience, enhancing features like GameChat.

A demonstration showcased the camera’s functionality during a Mario Party session. Players’ facial expressions were displayed within speech bubbles alongside their in-game avatars, providing a visual representation of their reactions.

This functionality will offer compatibility with select titles, notably including the upcoming Mario Party Jamboree.

Alongside the console itself, a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will also be available.

This new controller incorporates a novel C button, adding a new input option for players.

Anticipated Game Lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially announced that a brand-new, exclusive Mario Kart title, Mario Kart World, will coincide with the launch of the Switch 2.

Mario Kart World appears to represent Nintendo’s vision for an open-world Mario experience. It features an expansive map encompassing diverse regions and courses. Players can freely explore in single or multiplayer modes, unburdened by the usual competitive pressures.

The Switch 2’s compatibility extends to titles from third-party developers, encompassing both forthcoming projects and already-released games. Confirmed titles include Hades II, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Street Fighter, EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4, Yakuza 0, Borderlands 4, Enter the Gungeon 2, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, a remake of Final Fantasy VII, and Silksong, among others.

New chapters 3 and 4 of Deltarune will be accessible to players on the very day the Switch 2 becomes available.

A new installment within the Zelda universe, titled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, is also planned. This game serves as a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom and is slated for release this winter.

Kirby enthusiasts will be pleased to learn about Kirby AirRiders, anticipated in 2025. This title is a reimagining of the original Kirby Air Ride from the GameCube, released two decades prior. Donkey Kong Bananza, a new game designed specifically for the Switch 2, is scheduled to launch on July 17, 2025.

Currently in development for the Nintendo Switch 2 is The Duskbloods from FromSoftware. This title will be released as an exclusive in 2026.

The Switch 2 will offer players the option to purchase upgrades for existing Switch games. Additionally, special Switch 2 versions of titles will be available, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends Z-A, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Mario Party Jamboree. It’s important to note that these upgrades will require a purchase.