When Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Coming Out?
Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025. The next-gen console follows years of speculation and anticipation, and it marks the first major hardware upgrade since the original Switch launched back in 2017. With an impressive combination of updated performance, a strong game lineup, and backward compatibility, the Switch 2 is aiming to dominate both portable and docked gaming once again.
How Much Will It Cost?
The base model of the Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 USD. A special edition Mario Kart World bundle — which includes a digital copy of the game and two Joy-Con 2 controllers — will retail for $499.99. Preorders began on April 24, 2025, and many major retailers have already reported limited stock, highlighting just how high demand is.
Top Features and Improvements
Several hardware upgrades make the Switch 2 a worthy successor to its predecessor:
- 7.9″ 1080p Display: Now running at 120Hz, offering sharper visuals and smoother frame rates
- Custom Nvidia Processor: Capable of AI-enhanced upscaling and better power efficiency
- 256GB Internal Storage: A major leap from the original model’s 32GB
- Improved Joy-Con 2: Magnetic snap, drift-proof analog sticks, and better ergonomics
- Spatial Audio: Enhanced onboard speakers with 3D soundscapes
- Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.3: Faster online connectivity and controller pairing
Game Lineup at Launch
Nintendo is launching the Switch 2 with one of its strongest lineups to date. Confirmed launch titles include:
- Mario Kart World: A reimagined open-world racer with weather effects, real-time traffic, and cross-platform multiplayer
- Donkey Kong Bananza: An all-new 3D platformer with sandbox-level design and classic DK gameplay mechanics
- Zelda: Echoes of Time: A follow-up to Breath of the Wild featuring time-based mechanics and deeper storytelling
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: The enhanced version with updated visuals and bonus content
- Hogwarts Legacy: Updated for the Switch 2’s performance, bringing improved load times and detail
These titles span various genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone at launch.
Backward Compatibility
Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 is backward compatible with most original Switch titles. Players can use their existing physical game cartridges or digital downloads from the Nintendo eShop. Many first-party games will receive optimization patches for improved load times, frame rates, and visuals when played on the Switch 2, offering a smoother gaming experience.
New Accessories for Switch 2
The ecosystem is expanding as well. Launching alongside the console are:
- Pro Controller 2: Ergonomic design with USB-C charging and customizable profiles
- Joy-Con 2 Wheels: Ideal for motion-based racing games like Mario Kart World
- Switch 2 GameChat Camera: Designed for voice chat, livestreams, and face-to-face co-op sessions
All accessories will be backward compatible with the original Switch and supported across most first-party games.
Marketing Strategy & Nostalgia
Nintendo’s marketing campaign has leaned into nostalgia by reviving Paul Rudd’s iconic 1991 SNES commercial. In the new ad, Rudd appears with a group of kids showcasing the Switch 2, seamlessly blending retro and modern vibes. It’s a clever reminder of Nintendo’s multigenerational appeal.
Should You Buy It?
For anyone who missed the first Switch wave — or is ready for a serious upgrade — the Nintendo Switch 2 checks all the boxes: upgraded performance, stunning display, and a killer game library. Add backward compatibility and new accessories into the mix, and it’s clear Nintendo is aiming to stay ahead in the hybrid console market for years to come.
Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or simply curious about what’s next, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most exciting tech releases. Be sure to keep an eye on restocks and preorder updates from GameSpot, The Verge, and Polygon.
