Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date, Price, Features, Specs, and Launch Games for the New Console

After months of agonizing waiting, we finally know all the nitty-gritty details about the Nintendo Switch 2. In an hour-long Nintendo Direct, the company covered all the launch details, some surprising new features, and of course, plenty of games — including a dazzling-looking new Mario Kart.

It’s abundantly clear that this console is more iterative than anything, as it’s really just a beefier version of what we’ve had for eight years. But there are already some big plans and changes Nintendo has put in place. With that, we’ve compiled all the necessary info you need to know if you’re looking to jump on board the next generation of Nintendo.

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date and Pricing

Nintendo Switch 2 originally planned to launch worldwide on June 5, 2025. An update from Nintendo on April 4 said that that the company is holding off on pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. until April 9, 2025 “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date.” So stay tuned for more on that delivery date.

The Switch 2 retails for $449.99. Additionally, there will be a launch bundle that includes a Switch 2 console and Mario Kart World for $499.99. For comparison’s sake, the first Nintendo Switch launched at $299.99, while the OLED model was $349.99.

Multiple accessories will launch that same day, including a new Pro Controller ($79.99), additional Joy-Cons ($89.99), and Joy-Con wheels ($19.99) for Mario Kart. But most interesting is the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which is used for the system’s new Chat feature. It’s a little bit like the Xbox’s Kinect, where you can use it for video chats but also has features in games like Mario Party Jamboree.

Are Pre-Orders Up For Nintendo Switch 2?

Pre-orders aren’t currently live for the Switch 2, and we’re still waiting for word on when retailers will open them up. However, if you go to the Switch 2 website, you can register your interest in pre-ordering the console through the Nintendo Store. But bizarrely, there are priority requirements for who gets the first invites. Here’s what it says on the site.

“Priority requirements are as follows: As of 4/2/2025, (i) you must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership, (ii) you must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months, and (iii) you must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours.”

We’ll update this article when more details on pre-orders are available.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs and New Features

Unlike many Nintendo systems, which are drastic leaps in technology — Nintendo Switch 2 is more iterative. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t packing in a laundry list of new features and specs.

Here are the basic new specs of the system.

• 7.9-inch screen
• 1080p screen
• Up to 120 FPS
• HDR support
• 4K Support Docked
• Joy-Cons attach magnetically
• 256GB Internal Storage
• External Storage with Micro SD Express cards (standard Micro SD cards don’t work)
• Mouse Control function for both Joy-Cons
• Larger kickstand with adjustable angle
• Surround sound and spatial 3D sound with headphones
• Backward compatibility with select Nintendo Switch games

One of the biggest focuses in the Direct was the “Chat” feature, with a corresponding C-button on the Joy-Cons. It honestly works a bit like Discord, letting you directly chat with friends through your console — and up to four people can share their screens in the call, letting everyone see the game they’re playing.

If you have the Switch 2 Camera, you can also video chat. But the camera has functions in-game as well. During the Direct, we saw it used in minigames for Mario Party Jamboree, with people’s faces being put on icons for each character and even your full body being imposed in a minigame, like with Kinect.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games

Games are, of course, the entire reason you’re buying a new console, and that launch lineup could be a heavy decider on if you’re there day one. We do have a pretty good idea of what the launch lineup will look like for Nintendo Switch 2, but keep in mind it’s still a few months away — so additional games could be announced. Interestingly, the first-party offerings are surprisingly small, in terms of new games. Although there are perks for older Nintendo games, we’ll dive into later.

But things also get a little messy in terms of pricing for games, as it looks like the price of some games, but not all, will go up. On Nintendo’s website, Mario Kart World is listed at $79.99 for a Digital Edition, and $89.99 for a Physical Edition. However, Donkey Kong Bananza, releasing in july, is listed at $69.99 for Digital and $79.99 for Physical. At the moment, we don’t know exactly how pricing will work overall, but Mario Kart will be more expensive at least.

First Party Launch Games

• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (paid digital-only game, no price yet)

On top of this, Nintendo Switch 2 will have a number of “enhanced” versions of Switch 1 games. These upgrades will come in the form of Content Packs that can be purchased for anyone that owns the games — although Switch Online users will apparently get them for free. There are four that will be coming at launch. Outside of these new editions,

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games

• Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV - New modes that use mouse controls and camera. Visual enhancements, and GameShare.
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Improved frame rate and resolution, faster load times, HDR support, and support for Zelda Notes in Nintendo Switch App.
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Improved frame rate and resolution, faster load times, HDR support, and support for Zelda Notes in Nintendo Switch App.
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World - New story with Star-Crossed World, visual enhancements, and improved frame rate.

One final thing from Nintendo itself, Nintendo Switch Online will add GameCube games to Nintendo Classics. You’ll need an active Switch Online membership to play them. There are three GameCube games added at Switch 2’s launch, with more coming later.

Nintendo Classics GameCube Games

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• SoulCalibur 2
• F-Zero GX

Finally, there’s an array of third-party games that will be arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. Here’s what those are.

Switch 2 Third-Party Launch Games

• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Street Fighter 6
• Split Fiction
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Hitman World of Assassination
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Civilization VII
• Deltarune Chapters 1-4
• Survival Kids
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
• Nobunaga’s Ambitions: Awakening Complete Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Fortnite
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer