Sequel to 2nd Best Selling Video Game Console of All Time – Nintendo Switch 2 Features & Price Unveiled
(2025-04-02, Redmond, WA, Special to the U.S. Times) Japanese video game giant Nintendo broadcasted a pre-recorded presentation on YouTube that unveiled new features and games coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. After first revealing the console with a short teaser trailer in January 2025, following months of rampant speculation, rumors, and leaks, eager fans finally got a front-row seat to the next generation of Nintendo.
Succeeding the widely-acclaimed Nintendo Switch video game console released in March 2017 (which has sold over 150 million units as of December 2024), the Nintendo Switch 2 iterates and improves upon the foundation set by its predecessor, promising vastly improved performance and screen resolution thanks to a custom-built NVIDIA processor, as well as introducing new hardware functionalities not seen in the original Switch console. The Nintendo Switch 2 dock, allowing users to connect their system to a TV through HDMI, has also received an upgrade from its previous iteration, now touting the ability to output video at up to 4K resolution.
The detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers, included with the console, also have a brand new set of features, now magnetically snapping to the sides of the Nintendo Switch 2 with steel buttons. The original Nintendo Switch used a slider rail mechanism. One of the headlining features of these improved controllers is their functionality as computer mice when sliding them on a smooth surface, allowing for unique game design concepts and a gameplay experience closer to playing on PC.
Another feature is the new ‘C’ button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller, which opens GameChat, Nintendo’s answer to voice communication services such as Discord. With GameChat, users can voice chat with up to 12 people using the Switch 2’s built-in microphone, and up to 4 people can share their screen. In conjunction with GameChat, Nintendo also introduced the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (accessory sold separately), a USB-C camera able to be used for chatting and enhanced gameplay with compatible titles such as Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. GameChat requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership, but users can try the service for free until the end of March 2026.
In addition, the Nintendo Switch 2 has an increased storage capacity of 256 GB (with users able to increase storage with MicroSD Express cards), a freely adjustable stand on the back of the tablet for more robust tabletop play, and backward compatibility with most original Nintendo Switch titles.
Alongside the console and its many features, Nintendo unveiled a hearty lineup of first and third-party software that will be released soon for Nintendo Switch 2.
The highlight first-party game announcement was Mario Kart World, which takes the best-selling racing series in a radically new direction, with drivers given the wheel to roam an open, fully-explorable world. These expansive roads, made possible by the Switch 2’s leap in capable hardware, will be populated with hectic globe-trotting 24-player races, double the number of players from previous Mario Kart titles. Mario Kart World will be a launch title for Nintendo Switch 2.
Other anticipated first-party Nintendo games include Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D action-platforming game starring the titular ape, and Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to cult-classic racer Kirby Air Ride released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003.
Third-party games also had a strong showing, with many spotlighting the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2’s graphical capabilities. FromSoftware of Dark Souls fame not only unveiled critical and commercial darling Elden Ring (as Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition) but also showcased a trailer for The Duskbloods, a brand new multiplayer title coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2. Other notable titles include FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE from SquareEnix, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition from CD Projekt RED, SPLIT FICTION from Electronic Arts, and Street Fighter 6 from Capcom.
Additionally, select older games made for the original Nintendo Switch will receive enhanced rereleases for the succeeding console, with improved frame rates, graphics, and extra content. If users already own these titles, they can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 editions of said games for an additional upcharge.
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5th, 2025, and will be available at most retailers for $449.99, with a bundle including a digital copy of Mario Kart World also releasing for $499.99.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Stay tuned. The recent government tariffs may affect the release of the Nintendo Switch. We’ll keep you up to date.