Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, marking the company’s first major hardware update since the original Switch debuted in 2017.
Highlights
The next-generation console maintains the hybrid gaming concept while introducing enhancements in performance, design, and gameplay features.
Features and Hardware Upgrades
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger 1080p LCD screen with support for 120 frames per second gameplay. While the screen retains a bezel around the edges, it offers improved visual clarity and responsiveness.
The Joy-Con controllers have also been redesigned, featuring a bulkier build and magnetic attachment for increased stability. Storage capacity has been significantly upgraded, with the base model offering 256GB of internal storage—eight times more than the original Switch.
However, expanded storage will require microSD express cards, a newer format that is not compatible with standard microSD cards.
| Feature | Original Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Quality | 720p handheld, 1080p docked | 1080p LCD with 120 fps support, enhanced clarity |
| The Switch 2’s upgraded display offers a higher resolution and faster refresh rate, resulting in smoother visuals during fast-paced gameplay and an overall more immersive experience. | ||
| Processing Power | Nvidia Tegra X1 | Enhanced custom chip with significantly higher performance |
| The new processor delivers improved graphics rendering, faster load times, and better multitasking capabilities, ensuring a more responsive gaming experience. | ||
| Storage Capacity | 32GB internal, microSD expandable | 256GB internal, supports microSD Express |
| With a significant increase in internal storage, the Switch 2 reduces the reliance on external memory while microSD Express enables faster data transfers for additional storage. | ||
| New Features | Standard online gameplay | GameChat for voice/video, GameShare for local multiplayer |
| GameChat enables integrated real-time voice and video communication, while GameShare allows multiple players to share games across different screens without requiring multiple copies. | ||
| Controller Design | Original Joy-Cons (detachable) | Redesigned Joy-Cons with magnetic attachment for enhanced stability |
| The updated Joy-Con design provides better ergonomics and more secure attachment during gameplay, reducing drift and improving overall controller performance. | ||
Additional hardware improvements include:
- A sturdier stand for tabletop gaming
- Enhanced USB-C charging ports
- A matte black finish with red and blue accents on the Joy-Cons
- Improved motion controls, allowing the Joy-Cons to function like a computer mouse in compatible games
GameChat and Communication Enhancements
One of the most notable additions is the GameChat feature, activated via the new “C button” on the right Joy-Con controller. This built-in voice and video communication system enables players to:
- Chat with friends while gaming using advanced voice recognition technology
- Share their screens in real time, even when playing different games
- Overlay video feeds onto the game screen using the Nintendo Switch Camera accessory
Initially, GameChat will be free, but after March 31, 2026, it will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Introduction of GameShare for Local Multiplayer
The GameShare feature enhances local multiplayer experiences by allowing multiple players to share games across different screens. This eliminates the need for multiple copies of the same game, creating a more accessible and interactive multiplayer environment.
Mario Kart World: A New Open-World Racing Experience
Launching exclusively with the Switch 2, Mario Kart World introduces a new open-world racing format. Unlike previous titles, this version allows players to freely explore expansive maps featuring diverse terrains, off-road driving, and dynamic weather conditions.
Key gameplay features include:
- Up to 24-player races
- New vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles
- Expanded mechanics like grinding on rails and wall jumping
- A photo mode for capturing moments during races
This shift to open-world gameplay is expected to provide a fresh experience for Mario Kart fans.
Backward Compatibility and GameCube Titles
The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains backward compatibility with original Switch games, ensuring that players can continue using their existing game libraries.
Additionally, Nintendo plans to expand its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service to include a selection of classic GameCube titles, bringing older games to new audiences.
Additional Accessories and Pro Controller Update
To complement the new console, Nintendo is launching the Nintendo Switch Camera, which integrates with certain games to transpose a player’s face into in-game interactions.
This feature is prominently showcased in Mario Party Jamboree, where players’ faces appear in speech bubbles next to their characters.
A new Pro Controller featuring the C button will also be available for those who prefer a traditional gaming experience.
With the Switch 2’s official release date confirmed, industry analysts and gamers are closely watching how it will compete with existing consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Nintendo’s focus on hybrid gaming, expanded storage, and innovative multiplayer features positions the Switch 2 as a significant update in the company’s lineup.
