The latest Nintendo Switch 2 Direct finally delivered the deep dive many fans had been waiting for. Nintendo revealed everything from hardware specs and price to launch titles and upcoming exclusives. With the June 5, 2025 release date confirmed, players now have a much clearer idea of what the next-gen console brings to the table.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price, Specs, and Hardware Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for $449 in the United States, which is slightly higher than many anticipated. While some expected a $399 price point, the upgraded hardware helps justify the cost. The device features a 7.9-inch 1080p HD screen, double the pixel density of the original Switch. It supports 120 FPS gameplay and HDR, pushing modern display standards.

A major update comes in the Joy-Con 2OS, which now uses magnetic attachments and includes larger control sticks. Each Joy-Con can also function as a mouse. Built-in voice chat eliminates the need for third-party apps, improving the social features dramatically. Other notable hardware features include:

  • Two USB-C ports (one used for charging, the other for accessories like a camera)

  • A new dock supporting 4K output at 60 FPS, complete with a cooling fan

  • 256 GB internal storage, a significant increase over the original’s 32 GB

  • MicroSD Express support for faster game storage

  • A new Pro Controller with added buttons and audio jack

Launch Game: Mario Kart World and Switch 2 Game Types

Headlining the launch is Mario Kart World, an open-world take on the franchise exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. This title alone will draw in millions, though its $80 price point raises concerns for families planning multiple purchases.

Nintendo also outlined three categories of games for the Switch 2:

  1. Switch 2 Games – Developed exclusively for the new hardware.

  2. Backward Compatible Titles – Original Switch games playable without modification.

  3. Switch 2 Edition Games – Enhanced versions of Switch titles featuring 4K, HDR, and improved frame rates.

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Some examples of upgraded titles include:

  • Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild

  • Kirby and the Forgotten Land

  • Mario Party Jamboree

  • Metroid Prime 4 Beyond (4K 60 FPS docked, 1080p 120 FPS handheld)

  • Pokémon ZA Enhanced Edition

Nintendo hinted that these upgrades will follow a paid upgrade path, likely similar to Sony’s $10 model from PS4 to PS5.

Exclusive Games and Third-Party Announcements

Several Nintendo exclusives are coming to the Switch 2, including:

  • Kirby Air Riders by Sakurai (2025)

  • Donkey Kong Bonanza – A long-awaited new entry in the Donkey Kong franchise

  • Drag and Drive – A dual-mouse control game with Rocket League vibes

  • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – A cleaner and more refined Musou experience

  • Dusk Bloods – A brand-new FromSoftware IP exclusive to the console

Third-party publishers brought major support, with titles like:

  • Elden Ring (running at 30 FPS)

  • Hades 2

  • Street Fighter 6

  • Split Fiction (launch title)

  • EA Sports FC and Madden

  • Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 & 4

  • Hitman

  • Bravely Default: Flying Fair HD Remaster

  • Yakuza Zero

  • Borderlands 4 (2025)

  • Civilization 7

  • NBA 2K, WWE 2K, and Cyberpunk 2077

  • Final Fantasy VII Remake

  • A teased release of Silkong, reportedly this year

Nintendo Switch 2 Online and GameCube Revival

Nintendo confirmed that NSO Plus, a new membership tier, will launch alongside the Switch 2 and introduce Nintendo GameCube titles to the service. Day-one additions include:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

  • Soulcalibur 2

  • F-Zero GX

These titles will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and won’t be available on the original system.

Game sharing is also returning in a modern form, allowing users to share certain games locally. Nintendo showed off Clubhouse Games as a demonstration but confirmed the feature would be limited to compatible titles and won’t apply to major releases like Mario Kart World.

Game cards for the Switch 2 maintain the same slot design but feature a red label and faster load speeds. Backward compatibility is seamless, and the cartridge format supports enhanced performance.