Nintendo Switch 2 launches on Thursday, here’s everything you need to know

Key Takeaways:

• The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, priced at $450.
• Features a 7.9-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR compatibility.
• Supports up to 4K output when docked and includes upgraded hardware specs.
• Backward compatible with Switch games and supports GameCube titles via Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
• Introduces new Joy-Con 2 controllers with enhanced features and innovative game distribution methods.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches This Week Amid High Demand

Nintendo is set to launch the highly anticipated Switch 2 console on June 5, 2025. Priced at $450 for the standalone console and $500 with a bundled digital copy of “Mario Kart World,” the Switch 2 promises significant upgrades over its predecessor. Pre-orders in the US and Canada, which kicked off on April 24, have already sold out at online retailers, underscoring the strong demand for the new system.

Enhanced Display and Performance

One of the most notable improvements is the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch 1080p display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR compatibility. This substantial upgrade offers sharper visuals and smoother gameplay. When docked, the console supports up to 4K output at 120Hz with variable refresh rates, delivering a high-definition experience on larger screens.

Under the hood, the Switch 2 boasts an all-new processor and GPU, along with 12GB of LPDDRX RAM. The storage capacity has been significantly increased to 256GB, compared to the 64GB in the Switch OLED model. According to Engadget, “The Switch 2 uses a NVIDIA chip with eight ARM Cortex A78C cores, six of which are available to developers, and a GPU with the company’s Ampere architecture.”

Innovative Joy-Con 2 Controllers

Nintendo has redesigned its iconic Joy-Con controllers for the Switch 2. The new Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically to the console and feature larger SL and SR buttons made of steel. The analog sticks are now more substantial, resembling those found on PlayStation or Xbox controllers. While they do not include Hall effect sensors to minimize “stick drift,” they introduce “HD Rumble 2” for refined vibration feedback.

A notable addition is the “C button,” which stands for “chat.” This dedicated button allows players to enter chat sessions with friends, offering voice chat and a Discord-like video-sharing feature. Gamers can use the built-in mic or connect a headset via the standard audio jack on the new Pro Controller.

Backward Compatibility and Game Support

Maintaining its commitment to accessibility, the Switch 2 is backward compatible with Switch games, allowing players to continue enjoying their existing library. Additionally, it supports GameCube games through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, with titles like “F-Zero GX,” “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” and “Soul Calibur II” available at launch.

Improved Specs and Performance

The Switch 2 introduces significant performance enhancements. With support for faster and more capacious microSD cards and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, users can expect improved download speeds and overall system responsiveness. As Engadget notes, “Another major improvement comes in the form of networking—the Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6, which will improve the original’s often glacial download speeds.”

Innovations in Game Distribution

Nintendo is introducing new methods for game distribution with Virtual Game Cards and Game-Key cards. Virtual Game Cards allow users to lend digital games to friends and family within the same Nintendo Family Account and local network. Although there are limitations—only one system can play each game at a time, and the lending period lasts two weeks—this feature offers a level of flexibility not commonly seen on other consoles.

Game-Key cards are physical Switch 2 games that contain a portion of game data. Upon first use, the console downloads the remaining data, and the card then acts as a key required to play the game. This fusion of physical and digital media allows for reselling Game-Key cards similarly to traditional cartridges.

Market Challenges and Availability

Despite the excitement surrounding the launch, the Switch 2’s release in the United States faces potential challenges due to tariffs imposed on imports. Nintendo has maintained the console’s price but acknowledged that “other price modifications may occur in the future” due to “changing market conditions.” The company has shipped “sold out” signs to retailers to manage expectations regarding availability post-launch.

Battery Life and Networking Improvements

Nintendo states that the Switch 2 will last between 2 and 6.5 hours on a single charge, depending on the games played and usage conditions. The console also introduces a “battery preservation mode” to extend the longevity of the battery over time. Networking capabilities have been enhanced with Wi-Fi 6 support and an Ethernet port on the new dock, providing a more stable and faster online experience.

A New Era for Nintendo Gamers

With its array of hardware upgrades, innovative controller features, and commitment to backward compatibility, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant step forward for the company. As Engadget remarks, “The Switch 2 feels like a major step forward from the original Switch—it has grown up a lot and feels far more polished and refined.”

As launch day approaches, gamers worldwide eagerly anticipate experiencing Nintendo’s latest offering, which promises to usher in a new era of portable and home gaming.