Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 2025: Features, Price, and What to Expect

I’ve been tracking every whisper about the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s finally official. Nintendo has confirmed that its next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, will launch worldwide on June 5, 2025. From a major leap in graphics to revamped Joy-Cons and exclusive titles, there’s a lot to unpack.

Why Everyone's Talking About Switch 2

Nintendo hasn’t just released a console, it’s rewritten what portable gaming can be. With cutting-edge upgrades like 4K gaming support, AI-enhanced graphics, and a new library of exclusive titles, this isn’t just a minor step forward. It’s a clear message that Nintendo is ready to compete head-to-head with the powerhouses of PlayStation and Xbox without losing its signature charm.

Price and Pre-Order Info

The Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, with a premium bundle (including the new Mario Kart World) going for $499.99. Pre-orders start on April 9, 2025, and based on past trends, I’d recommend acting fast. Nintendo hardware doesn’t stay on shelves for long.

What’s New: Design & Performance

The first thing that caught my attention was the 7.9-inch HDR LCD screen, which delivers rich color even in handheld mode. It supports 120fps handheld and 4K 60fps docked, powered by a custom NVIDIA chip. This includes dedicated RT and Tensor cores, bringing ray tracing and DLSS upscaling to Nintendo gaming for the first time.

The Joy-Con 2 controllers are getting a durability upgrade, snapping on magnetically now instead of sliding into rails. They’ve also added a new “C” button, designed for real-time video chat during gameplay, thanks to an accessory camera and microphone now integrated with the system.

Game Lineup: What You Can Play

If you’re like me, games make or break a console, and Nintendo is kicking things off strong. Titles confirmed so far include:

• Mario Kart World – now with interconnected courses and up to 24-player support
• Donkey Kong Bananza – a wild underground world adventure
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Switch 2 Edition
• Kirby Air Riders – a high-speed return with new physics

Backward Compatibility and Online Upgrades

I was relieved to learn that the Switch 2 keeps support for existing Switch games. That means your current library — digital or physical — still holds value. Nintendo is also expanding its Switch Online service to include GameCube classics. We’re talking hits like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX, finally accessible on modern hardware.

Features like GameChat and GameShare are being introduced too. So not only can you video call a friend mid-game, but you can also lend them your digital copy of a title temporarily. That’s a big deal for community play.

What This Means for Gaming

The inclusion of NVIDIA’s AI and DLSS tech shows that Nintendo is serious about future-proofing its platform. This is no longer the quirky underdog console; the Switch 2 delivers real hardware muscle while still staying true to the hybrid console format that changed the game back in 2017.

At $449, it’s positioned as a premium device. But with this feature set, the price seems justified, especially for gamers who want both performance and portability.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade or thinking of joining the Nintendo ecosystem, the Switch 2 looks like the perfect moment. It blends power, nostalgia, and community-first design into a single, polished console. Whether you're a Metroid loyalist, a Mario Kart addict, or someone ready for the next big leap in handheld gaming, this one’s worth keeping an eye on.