Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2, confirming a launch date of June 5. While there was plenty of good news during the showcase, the price sparked immediate backlash. The base version will cost $450—a 50% increase over the original Switch. Nintendo appears to have taken lessons from the Wii U era, particularly in communicating what makes this console different. However, charging consumers for features meant to highlight those differences remains a controversial decision.
Despite the price, the presentation stood out as one of Nintendo’s strongest console reveals. It included detailed hardware reveals, new online features, and a massive lineup of games, both returning favorites and surprising new titles.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hardware Upgrades and Display Specs
Nintendo didn’t dive into technical minutiae but confirmed several key upgrades. The Nintendo Switch 2 builds upon the original, with improved hardware such as a built-in microphone, upgraded speakers, active cooling in the dock for better big-screen performance, and faster internal storage. For the first time, the console supports 4K HDR output.
The handheld tablet also received a major upgrade—from a 720p screen to 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support. These enhancements are a major win for competitive gaming, especially on mobile. However, the initial launch will feature an LCD screen rather than OLED, likely to keep costs under $500. An OLED refresh seems inevitable, though early adopters will need to purchase the console twice if they want both versions.
The Joy-Cons have seen significant improvements too. A magnetic lock and release system replaces the unreliable rail mechanism, and the inner shoulder buttons are now larger. A new mouse-like functionality has also been added, though early impressions suggest it may be uncomfortable to use.
Nintendo Online Adds GameCube Games and Voice Chat
The most surprising new feature is the Nintendo Switch 2’s addition of a “C button,” which opens a new voice chat system. While late to the party, this brings Nintendo in line with the voice chat capabilities seen on other platforms as far back as the original Xbox. The chat system supports online streaming at low resolution and frame rates, and players can add a webcam for in-game streaming or overlay features—something reminiscent of the PlayStation 2’s EyeToy.
Nintendo also confirmed that GameCube titles like F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, and Wind Waker will be available through the Nintendo Switch Online expansion pass. These games will run at higher resolutions than on original hardware, though not at the full HD of Wii U remasters. Up to three friends can now join supported games even if they don’t own a copy, a huge step forward in digital game sharing.
Game Lineup, Backwards Compatibility, and Pricing Concerns
While the first-party launch lineup may not seem packed, standout titles include Mario Kart World, a new open-world karting title, and Donkey Kong Bonanza, the first 3D Donkey Kong game since the N64 era. Kirby Air Riders, a new Hyrule Warriors, and even a wheelchair basketball game round out Nintendo’s offerings.
Third-party support is where the Nintendo Switch 2 truly shines. Nintendo showed 48 non-first-party games, with 15 launching on day one and 21 more coming by year’s end. Highlights include Dusk Bloods from FromSoftware, Demon X Machina, Elden Ring, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Even Tony Hawk and the upcoming Borderlands 4 are making the leap.
Despite the hardware improvements, Nintendo’s approach to backward compatibility raised concerns. Instead of free performance boosts for older games, many will receive paid upgrade packs. These may include visual and gameplay enhancements, but prices are still unknown. Some games will offer free upgrades, but the shift feels jarring, especially when compared to handheld competitors that offer better performance on legacy titles for free.
Battery life is expected to range from two to six and a half hours. While not groundbreaking, it aligns with expectations for portable gaming.
Nintendo will require a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Online to back up saves—something critics view as anti-consumer. However, the company has taken steps to combat scalping and ensure MSRP availability for fans, a much-needed gesture.
