The long-awaited successor to Nintendo’s hybrid console lands this summer, bringing a mix of familiar features and fresh twists. With a bigger screen, snappier controls, and a host of social tools, the Nintendo Switch2 aims to blend handheld convenience with at home power—without straying too far from what made the original so popular.
A Larger, Sharper View
At the heart of the Switch 2 is its 7.9-inch built-in LCD, now running at full HD (1080p) for crisper text and smoother motion. Despite the bump in resolution and a slightly larger footprint, Nintendo has kept the system’s overall thickness unchanged. Whether you’re racing through Mario Kart World or exploring open-world adventures, the extra pixels and vibrant color palette give games a little more pop—especially when you’re on the go.
Joy-Con2 and Ergonomic Tweaks
The new Joy-Con2 controllers snap on magnetically, making attachment a one-handed “click” instead of the old slide and lock. Each controller also doubles as a mouse for compatible titles: just slide it across a surface to aim or navigate menus. Nintendo even added a second USB C port up top, so you can charge while in tabletop mode without juggling cables—paired with a freely adjustable kickstand, you’ve got more setup flexibility than before.
Power, Storage, and Connectivity
Under the hood, the Switch2 boasts a significantly upgraded CPU and GPU, cutting down load times and enabling richer graphics. Audio gets an upgrade too, with more balanced, spatial 3D sound whether you’re handheld or docked. Internal storage jumps to 256 GB—eight times the original’s capacity—with microSD Express support for extra room. And speaking of docking, the redesigned Switch2 Dock can push up to 4K at 120 fps on compatible TVs and games, if you really want to stretch its legs.
Connecting Players in New Ways
Nintendo’s new GameChat feature brings voice (and optional video) chat right into gameplay for up to 12 people—no third party app needed—free until March 2026. GameShare lets you temporarily share a single copy of a game locally or online, and Virtual Game Cards turn your digital library into lendable, offline playable items across two systems. Plus, backward compatibility means most original Switch titles (and accessories like Pro Controllers) still work—so your existing collection carries forward seamlessly.
With its mix of hardware refinements, social features, and compatibility, Nintendo Switch2 arrives June 5, 2025 at a suggested retail price of $449.99 in the U.S., with a Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99. Pre-orders open April 9, 2025.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.9? built-in LCD, full HD (1080p) |
| CPU & GPU | Significantly improved processing speeds and graphics performance |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB (expandable via microSD Express cards) |
| Joy-Con2 Controllers | Magnetic snap-on, mouse input functionality |
| USB C Ports | Two ports (top & bottom) for charging and accessories |
| Adjustable Stand | Freely adjustable kickstand angle |
| Dock | Supports up to 4K/120 fps output on compatible TVs and games |
| Audio | Enhanced natural sound and spatial 3D audio |
| GameChat | Built-in voice chat for up to 12 players; optional video chat |
| GameShare | Temporary game sharing locally or online |
| Virtual Game Cards | Manage, lend, and play digital titles offline |
| Backward Compatibility | Plays compatible Switch games; supports Joy-Con and Pro Controllers |
| Accessibility | Adjustable font size, screen reader, speech to text in GameChat |
| Parental Controls | Integration with Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App |
| Included Accessories | Console, Joy-Con2 (L+R), Grip, Straps, Dock, HDMI cable, AC adapter, USB C cable |
