The excitement for Nintendo’s next-generation console is growing stronger than ever. The recent Nintendo Direct event, held on April 2, 2025, marked a significant milestone, providing a comprehensive overview of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This presentation unveiled an array of new exclusive titles from both first-party developers and third-party partners, alongside showcasing the console’s innovative features, such as the GameChat function and an integrated camera designed to enhance the multiplayer gaming experience. With the official release date now confirmed, eager gamers won’t have to wait much longer to experience this enhanced system.
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Nintendo Switch 2 – Release Date & Price
The Prices Weren’t Shown During Nintendo Direct
During the Nintendo Direct broadcast streamed live on the official Nintendo of America channel, the eagerly awaited release date was finally divulged. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set for a global launch on June 5, 2025. Initial offerings will include a standard edition alongside a specially curated bundle featuring a digital download of the exciting new title, Mario Kart World, as one of the primary launch games.
Although the presentation did not disclose pricing details, a subsequent press release revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for $449.99 in the United States. Meanwhile, the new Switch 2 bundle incorporating Mario Kart World will carry a suggested retail price of $499.99. Each package includes the Nintendo Switch 2 console, two Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 grip, console dock, HDMI cable, AC adapter, and charging cable, along with a download code for the bundled game.
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Nintendo Switch 2’s C Button – GameChat Feature
Players Can Connect With Their Friends In A Chat Room
A standout feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 is the newly introduced GameChat functionality, accessible via the innovative C button on the Joy-Cons and compatible controllers. This voice and video chat system allows users to engage with friends in a virtual chat room, utilizing the console’s built-in microphone, equipped with noise filtration to ensure crystal-clear communication whether in handheld or docked mode. Additionally, players can share their screens, observing friends’ gameplay in real time and adjusting their view for an interactive experience.
Equipped with a mute feature, GameChat also echoes a familiar Discord-like functionality. Complementing the GameChat experience, Nintendo has introduced the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, designed to add a visual element to gameplay, facilitating video conferencing as well. It’s important to note that a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required for GameChat access, although Nintendo is offering an open access period until March 31, 2026.
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Nintendo Switch 2 – Game Lineup (Every Title Announced)
Many Games Will Be Compatible With The New Console, Including Elden Ring & Cyberpunk 2077
The recent Nintendo Direct showcased a remarkable lineup of games set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. Key highlights include the exclusive Mario Kart World, which stands as one of the console’s flagship titles. Furthermore, several classic titles will receive dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 editions, including Super Mario Party Jamboree, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. A selection of third-party games was also revealed, ensuring a robust library at launch.
Here’s a list of all titles announced during the Nintendo Direct:
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Drag x Drive
- Elden Ring – Tarnished Edition
- Hades 2
- Street Fighter 6 + Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
- Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion
- Split Fiction
- EA Sports FC
- Madden NFL
- Hogwart’s Legacy
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
- Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition
- Project 007
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy – HD Remaster
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
- Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment
- Deltarune (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Borderlands 4
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- WWE 2K
- NBA 2K
- Survival Kids
- Enter the Gungeon 2
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
- Cyberpunk 2077 – Ultimate Edition
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Goodnight Universe
- Two Point Museum
- Wild Hearts S
- Witchbrook
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Fast Fusion
- Shadow Labyrinth
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files
- Reanimal
- Fortnite
- Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
- Professor Layton and The New World of Steam
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- Human Fall Flat 2
- The Duskbloods
- Kirby Air Riders
- Donkey Kong Bananza
Among these titles, the new first-party announcements such as Kirby Air Riders and Donkey Kong Bananza are particularly noteworthy. Exciting projects from third-party developers, including The Duskbloods, a new game reminiscent of Bloodborne, will also be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Moreover, the long-anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong has received a tentative release window in 2025.
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Nintendo Switch 2 – Hardware Specifications & Improvements
The Hardware Features Heavy Improvements Compared To The First Generation
The Nintendo Direct event also provided in-depth insight into the hardware enhancements of the Nintendo Switch 2 compared to its predecessor. This new model will sport a larger 7.9-inch display (an upgrade from the previous 6.2-inch size) while maintaining the same 13.9-inch thickness. Notably, the screen now offers a resolution of 1080p, capable of delivering up to 120 FPS on an LCD display with HDR support. The Joy-Con 2 controllers will feature a magnetic attachment system for seamless connectivity.
In terms of connectivity, the Switch 2 will include two USB-C ports (one on the top and one on the bottom) and provide 4K resolution in television mode for supported titles. Additionally, the console dock will have a built-in fan to ensure effective cooling. It is noteworthy that the Nintendo Switch 2 will only support microSD Express Cards for expandable storage.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers will see a redesign with larger SL and SR buttons, along with improved control sticks. One of their new standout features is mouse control compatibility for certain games. The audio quality will also be enhanced, thanks to improved speakers with 3D audio capabilities. Furthermore, the console will come with a generous 256 GB of internal storage—eight times that of the original model—creating a faster, more efficient gaming experience.
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New Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller + GameCube Controller
New Controllers Have The C Button
Alongside the console, Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, designed to enhance gameplay with upgraded features while retaining its iconic silhouette. This new controller includes the C button to access the GameChat feature, GL and GR buttons on the grips for customizable functions, and an integrated audio jack. The Pro Controller will be available at a retail price of $80.
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online members will gain exclusive access to an updated GameCube Controller, which mirrors the vintage design but incorporates modern features like the C button. This exciting accessory will be available for purchase on the My Nintendo Store on the same day as the Switch 2’s release.
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Nintendo Switch 2 – GameShare Function
Players Will Be Able To Share Select Games With Friends
Enhancing the multiplayer experience, the GameShare feature allows players to share compatible titles with friends across different Nintendo Switch systems. This innovative function enables players to enjoy the same game concurrently, without needing to lend Joy-Cons. It is capable of supporting up to three systems, permitting simultaneous gaming without everyone needing to purchase their own copy of the game.
Additionally, GameShare supports online play, making it convenient for friends who may not be physically together to enjoy collaborative gaming. The integration with GameChat further enriches this experience, allowing for voice and video communication while playing. Although only select titles will be compatible with GameShare initially, Nintendo has committed to releasing more titles through software updates moving forward.
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Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo Classics: GameCube (Exclusive To Nintendo Switch 2)
Three Titles From GameCube Will Enter The Expansion Pack At Launch
During the event, Nintendo also unveiled a new feature for subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Exclusively available on the Switch 2, the Nintendo Classics library will expand to include beloved GameCube titles. Upon launch, players can look forward to enjoying The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, and F-Zero GX, all enhanced with improved image quality and higher resolutions to maximize the gaming experience.
While this initial selection includes just three classic titles, Nintendo has promised the addition of more games in the future. Upcoming titles like Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi’s Mansion are already on the horizon, ensuring continued value for subscribers.
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Nintendo Switch 2 First-Party Games Will Get More Expensive
New Nintendo Games Have A Higher Retail Price
A significant development for Nintendo Switch 2 enthusiasts is the noticeable increase in pricing for first-party games. Notably, Mario Kart World is set to launch at a staggering price point of $80, and the much-anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza will be priced at $70. This represents a considerable price jump from the standard $59.99 for most previous first-party titles, such as Super Mario Odyssey.
The upward pricing trend seems to have begun with Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which retailed for $69.99. Hence, it is anticipated that future Nintendo releases, including Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, may continue this pattern. Prices for first-party titles on the Nintendo Switch 2 may reflect these new retail standards, making consumers more mindful of their purchasing decisions.
For more updates, check out the official Mario Kart World page and Donkey Kong Bananza for current pricing and availability.
Source: YouTube/Nintendo of America, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza