Nintendo Switch 2 full reveal: Price, release date, games titles, and reactions
During Wednesday's highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 event, Nintendo overjoyed fans.
During Wednesday's highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 event, Nintendo overjoyed fans with a slew of new games, explanations of new features (including the reason for the C button), and soon after the event ended at 10 a.m. Eastern, we know pricing and release information.
Launch date | June 5, 2025 |
Preorder date | April 8, 2025 |
Switch 2 price | $449 |
Switch 2 price with Mario Kart | $499 |
Digital game price | $80 |
Below is a minute-by-minute rundown of the ramp-up to the event and every major moment of the Nintendo Switch 2 event on Wednesday. If you missed anything or are looking to confirm game titles, release dates, or anything else, Laptop Mag has you covered.
Switch 2: What we know so far
While there are still many questions, Nintendo's last event gave us a little insight into what to expect.
As far as games go, Nintendo confirmed Mario Kart 9. What would a modern Nintendo console be without Mario Kart?
It also showed off the look of the Switch 2—the second-gen iteration is black and more "pro-like" than the first-gen. It also teased some updates to the Joy-Con, namely a magnetic attachment mechanism and a potential mouse feature.
This year's console is a little bit bigger, too, and will be backward-compatible with all previous Switch games.
Mysteries abound
If it feels like there are a lot of unanswered questions about the Switch 2, well... that's because there are.
We still don't know what's inside Nintendo's next-gen Switch, which is likely one of the biggest improvements over the original console. The Switch first debuted in 2017, so we can assume this year's iteration will see a significant performance boost over the last generation.
How much Nintendo focuses on performance is anyone's guess. How much that matters to most Nintendo lovers is another question entirely. The Switch has never been about technical prowess, it's about playing Mario and Zelda games.
A boosted Switch would, however, be able to play ported games at a higher level and position the console better against handheld gaming PCs made by Asus, MSI, and Valve.
Nothing to "C" here
There are many mysteries about the Switch 2, but one of the easiest ones to posit about is the "C" button on its new Joy-Con.
There have been plenty of guesses as to what that new button does, but one of my favorites so far proposes that it's actually a "connect" button that links the Switch 2 to your original console.
This would theoretically turn your old Switch into a second controller and even make true 3DS or Wii U emulation possible. That's all still firmly in the rumor category, but it could prove to be one the shining new features if it's true.
Can't afford to be unaffordable
The Switch was a hit for lots of reasons.
First and foremost, there was the innovative form factor. The original Switch is the best of both worlds; it'a a console when it's docked and a handheld when it's not ,and it even (technically) comes with two controllers that can be combined into one big one or used in handheld mode.
It's mind-boggling when you think about the ingenuity of all of that.
Outside of the ingenious form factor, it's also mighty affordable. Unlike the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, it clocks in at a price that lots of people can afford, which makes it an incredible deal for anyone that loves Nintendo — nay, anyone that loves games in general.
The Switch 2 will have to retain that affordability to some extent if it wants to continue Nintendo's success in the console market, and while a slight bump is to be expected, it will be a difficult line for Nintendo to toe.
The handheld home console
The Switch 2 might be primarily showcased in its handheld form, but we do know that the Switch's dock will be making a return, this time supposedly (according to a major leak circulating online) offering up to 4K video output thanks to a claimed DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.1 Realtek chip.
However, pouring cold water on those claims, Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson has revealed that several game developers have reported that dev kits for Nintendo's new console lacked 4K output.
Confusion around the Nintendo Switch 2's peak resolution remains, and perhaps that's something that will be cleared up in today's Direct event.
Today's Direct will feature hardware and games
While the Nintendo Switch 2 will undoubtedly be the star of the show during today's Direct event, we're also expecting to see Nintendo unveil several new titles set to debut on the console when it releases later this year.
We've even predicted seven potential titles we may see for the first time during today's livestream, including the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong. For our full predictions, check out the article below!
Catch the latest Nintendo news throughout the week
Today's Nintendo Direct is only a single slice of all the action, with gameplay demonstrations, hands-on events, and more all expected to flesh out the rest of the week.
If you want to watch along, the Nintendo Switch Direct 2 will be streaming on YouTube Today at 6 a.m. Pacific (9 a.m. Eastern) and will last 60 minutes.
On Thursday and Friday, at 7 a.m. Pacific (10 a.m. Eastern), Nintendo Treehouse will provide hands-on gameplay demonstrations for upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles expected to debut during today's showcase.
According to Nintendo Today, Nintendo's own recently launched news application, the first Treehouse stream will be four hours long, while the second will last three hours.
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is happening in less than 30 minutes
After years of anticipation, we're finally moments away from getting our first official breakdown of the Switch 2's hardware, alongside the exciting treasure trove of games that we can expect on it soon. We're also hoping to get information on release date and price, but regardless of what happens, this 60-minute showcase is set to blow our minds. Catch the show on YouTube today at 6 a.m. Pacific (9 a.m. Eastern)
And the show begins!
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is now live!
Check it out on YouTube for the latest information on hardware, release date, price, and upcoming games. Otherwise, we'll be updating this live blog with everything we see!
Mario Kart World gameplay trailer
The Direct event has immediately opened with gameplay footage of Mario Kart World, overlooking a desert with a Yoshi Diner in the opening.
There are plenty of exciting new gameplay mechanics, like seeing Mario leaping between walls or racers driving into the back of a gigantic truck and ramming others throughout the track. It's a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, unsurprisingly.
There is a time of day and weather system, which can change the way the maps look. Players can drive off the race track and go anywhere, but a classic Grand Prix mode is available. It has 24 player options and a game mode called Knockout Tour, where the player in last place between each race is eliminated.
Free Roam is also an option, allowing the player to drive around the world and go off-road with friends. There's even a photo mode!
There will be a Mario Kart World Direct event on April 17 for more information. It launches on the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
Hardware time! What does the C button do?
The C button has been shown off! Some examples of new experiences it offers include GameChat, which is a new feature that's built-in to the Switch 2 system rather than needing an external application on mobile devices. There's a microphone built into the console, and it has noise-cancelling functionality.
You can even screen share, change the size of your game screen, and chat with all of your friends while playing different games. Or you can even expand your friend's game screen to see what they're playing.
The C button's functionality is what brings up the new social menu that lets you turn on video, microphone, or screenscare. Nintendo Switch 2 also has a purchaseable camera accessory and even allows you to overlay your camera over gameplay. Some games can even use your camera feed within the game itself, like Mario Party titles.
The Switch 2 camera will be available on the same day as the console launches. GameChat will be free in an open access period until March 31, 2026, but otherwise, it requires a Nintendo Online subscription.
GameShare on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch allows a user that owns a single game to share the game with up to three people locally, and there will even be online functionality that's compatible with GameChat
The Nintendo Switch 2's specs
Specs time! The Nintendo Switch 2 is 7.9-inches and 13.9mm thick and has approximately double the pixels of the Switch at 1080, and it offers smooth gameplay up to 120 fps.
The LCD screen is more vivid and supports HDR, and the Joy-Cons attach magnetically. They're strong, and the release button allows the user to detach the button manually. The SL and SR buttons are far larger when utilizing a single Joy-Con, alongside larger left and right sticks.
As expected, each Joy-Con control has mouse functionality for "compatible games." The sound from the built-in speakers is also improved, and as mentioned earlier, there's a built-in microphone.
There are also two USB Type-C ports, with one on top in addition to the one on the bottom. And the stand on the back is far larger and wider! The storage has been upgraded to 256GB, which is 8 times the amount of the original Switch. The new Dock also has 4K support.
HDR is also supported in TV mode. And the Nintendo Switch 2's dock has a built-in fan for improved thermal performance.
Thankfully, the Nintendo Switch 2 allows the user to play "compatible" physical and digital Switch games.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is an exclusive game to Nintendo Switch 2 that allows the user to get a new understanding of their console.
It essentially offers breakdowns of the different aspects of your console. It also offers little mini-games that give the player a sense of how the technology works and tests different new features. However, it's a paid game.
Nintendo Switch 2's new game cards and SD cards
The new Nintendo Switch 2 game cards are red and feature faster speeds than the original Switch cards.
MicroSD Express Cards are the only ones possible for additional storage on the Switch 2. Normal microSD cards will not work.
Transferring data can be done through the System Transfer feature for transferring digital games and game data..
Nintendo Switch 2 release date
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch June 5, 2025.
We're only two months away!
Nintendo Switch 2's "three types" of games.
Nintendo Switch 2 will feature three types of games: Games exclusive to Switch 2, games that are from the original Switch but are compatible with Switch 2, and games that are enhanced for Switch 2.
Enhanced editions aren't just improved graphically but can feature additional features, game modes, and mechanic functionality with the new systems of the hardware. For example, Mario Party Jamboree allows the user to play a mini-game that needs a mouse-controlled roller coaster.
Other Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games include versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom with enhanced resolution, frame rates, and HDR support. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Beyond just improved graphics and frame rates, it's also getting a new and unique story called Star-Crossed World.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch with a Nintendo Switch 2 edition as well. Mouse controls can be used for Prime 4's first-person shooting. Options between a Quality and Performance mode, at either 4K 60fps or 1080p 120fps. And Pokemon Legends Z-A will also receive a Nintendo Switch 2 edition featuring enhanced resolution and framerates.
If you own the original version of the game, you can buy the enhanced version with an upgrade pack.
Drag x Drive
A new game featuring functionality with the mouse controllers? It seems to be some sort of sports game where users move around using the mouse controls to push their characters. It's called Drag X Drive and is essentially a basketball game on a skateboard court that allows for flips and tricks. It's launching in sumer 2025.
Third-party games coming to Nintendo Switch 2
Many games from third-party publishers are coming to the Switch 2, including:
- Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
- Hades II, Street Fighter 6
- Split Fiction
- EA Sports FC
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4
- Hitman World of Assassination
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy
- Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
- Daemon x Machina Titanic Scion
Project 007 is also coming to the console, which is entirely new.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Koei Tecmo is developing a new The Legend of Zelda game in collaboration with Nintendo.
It seems to be a new Hyrule Warriors game set in the past during the Imprisoning War.
GameCube is coming to Nintendo Switch Online!
Finally! Classic GameCube games are coming to Nintendo Switch 2. The titles available include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, F-Zero GX. Up to four can play together locally and online in the games that support multiplayer. Controls can also be customized freely.
Other titles include Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Pokemon Stadium. Luigi's Mansion and far more.
Nintendo is also launching a GameCube controller designed off the original GameCube Controller and launches the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2's launch.
Deltarune Chapters 1-4
Deltarune Chapters 1-4 is finally coming! Undertale fans rejoice, we're finally getting an idea of when we can play the next big entry in the franchise.
Deltarune Chapters 1-4 will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 at launch.
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 is officially launching at release on Nintendo Switch 2!
Sid Meier's Civilization VII, and NBA/WWE 2K
Sid Meier's Civilization VII will launch on Switch 2 at the release of the console. WWE 2K and NBA 2K are also coming to Switch 2 at some point.
Enter the Gungeon II
Enter the Dungeon II is coming to Switch 2 "reloaded" in a 3D art style, and it will be coming in the future.
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Final Fantasy VII: Remake Integrade, and more
Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade are coming to Switch alongside tons of other third-party titles, like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Two Point Museum, Wild Hearts, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Star Wars Outlaws, Fast Fusion, Shadow Labyrinth, REANIMAL, Fortnite, Human Fall Flat 2, and far more.
The Duskbloods
Nintendo Switch 2's last third-party game to show off was a new FromSoftware exclusive with tons of Bloodborne vibes. I cannot contain my excitement! This is the last thing I would've expected out of a Nintendo Direct — all of my dreams are coming true.
It looks fantastic, with a mix between the gothic inspirations of Bloodborne and a mix of steampunk or dieselpunk.
The Duskbloods is launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Kirby Air Riders
Nintendo Switch 2's next game trailer is showcasing Kirby falling with a star before riding off into the darkness, and then meeting up with a bunch of other friends similarly riding on flying stars.
Yup, Kirby Air Riders is coming to Switch 2, and it's officially Masahiro Sakurai's new game!
Donkey Kong Bananza
The final trailer for the Switch 2 is a new Donkey Kong game, showcasing the iconic character digging through the world, smashing stuff with rocks, punching through the ground, leaping across landscapes, beating everything to bits, and just generally being super adorable.
And of course, there are 2D sections, as always.
It launches July 17, 2025.
