Nintendo has fully pulled the curtain back on the Nintendo Switch 2 which arrives this June and comes with several new features for gamers to enjoy. Let’s take a look!
After revealing the console’s existence earlier this year, this morning finally brought fans the full Switch 2 Direct. The most pertinent info, of course, being the console’s launch date of June 5th with a $449.99 price point (pre-orders go live on April 9th).
That’s what most gamers were tuning in to find out this morning, along with the new games (which we’re covering in other articles). More than that, however, they dropped some specific details on what makes this new console….well, new. Let’s talk about what all comes in the box when you pick it up this Summer:
Nintendo Switch 2 console
Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Joy-Con 2 Straps
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
USB-C Charging Cable
Pretty standard stuff. There’s also a bundle hitting the same day that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World that will come in right at $500. Now, let’s talk about the new features and upgrades from the original console we’ll be seeing, which includes being able to use the Joy-cons like a mouse!
A large, vivid screen that allows smooth motion expression
Nintendo Switch 2 has a large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p while maintaining the same thickness of Nintendo Switch. Even while on the go, Nintendo Switch 2 offers vivid, detailed game experiences, as well as smooth graphics showcasing character movements and their rich facial expressions.
Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the system with a “snap”
Joy-Con 2, the newly designed Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. In addition, either Joy-Con 2 controller can be operated like a mouse by sliding it on a surface like a table or on a pair of pants. They can be used in multiple ways, including for games that require aiming.
A new freely adjustable stand and a new USB-C port
The angle of the new stable stand on the back of the Nintendo Switch 2 system can be adjusted freely so that players can find their preferred viewing angle. While Nintendo Switch has one USB-C port on the bottom of the system, Nintendo Switch 2 has a port on the top of the system as well, which makes it possible for players to use the included AC adapter to charge the system while playing in tabletop mode. It is also possible to connect a compatible USB-C camera, like the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory to enjoy video chat on GameChat.
Powerful processing speed and graphical performance
Nintendo Switch 2 has significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over Nintendo Switch, resulting in faster processing speed and enabling new visually advanced gameplay. It also makes it possible to achieve more detailed graphics and faster loading times.
Crisp audio quality and spatial 3D sound
On Nintendo Switch 2, the sound quality is more natural and clearer with an even more balanced sound range. When playing in handheld mode or tabletop mode, players will be able to experience games with even more immersive, three-dimensional sound.
Internal storage of 256 GB
The internal storage of Nintendo Switch 2, where digital games and save data are stored, is 256 GB, which is 8 times the storage capacity of Nintendo Switch. For additional storage, Nintendo Switch 2 only uses microSD Express cards, which have faster data reading speeds than previous microSD models.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
By connecting the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock to a TV, users can output video at up to 4K resolution and play games at up to 120 fps, via compatible games and TVs.
Multiple people can play one title with GameShare
With GameShare, a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, players can share and play the same game with others who do not have the game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. Between Nintendo Switch 2 systems, GameShare can also be used along with GameChat for online play, so that players can chat with others while all of them play the same game.
That’s in addition to the already announced Virtual Game Cards. On top of that, we also got details on the widely speculated function of the ‘C’ button; which apparently stands for chat!
With the new online feature GameChat**, people can play games and talk like everyone is in the same room, even if they are miles apart. Whether sharing a victory or just waving hello, GameChat makes it feel like online friends around the world are on the same couch. Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller. The system’s built-in mic can be used to voice chat while playing games with up to 12 people in different locations. Up to four friends can share their screen, and if they connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), they can also video chat, seeing each other’s faces as they cheer, shout, or laugh while playing. Additional friends can join the chat via audio only. Until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be used without the need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
When initiating a GameChat session, the user invites people from their friend list. Safety features are in place to help players have a safe and secure chat experience, such as the ability to report a person while in a chat session. In addition, Nintendo recognizes the important role parents and guardians play in their children’s online experiences, so children under the age of sixteen will need their parent or guardian to approve their use of GameChat with an updated version of the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App.
There’s a whole lot to chew on there, especially when you factor in the continuation of the Switch Online service (which will bring Game Cube games to the Switch 2 at launch), along with backwards compatibility. Nintendo definitely came out swinging with this one, and I’m loving the new features. Being able to use the Joy-cons like a mouse will dramatically change how we play shooter games on the console, and maybe means we can finally get some good RTS ports going.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 2, 2025. Will you be getting your pre-orders on on April 9th?
