Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
Family Friendly Gaming News
REDMOND, Wash.--(April 2, in the year of our Lord 2025)--
All Together, Anytime, Anywhere. With new ways to play and new
ways to connect players, the Nintendo Switch 2 system arrives
June 5 for a suggested retail price of $449.99 in the United
States. Discover reimagined Joy-Con 2 controllers, each of which
can now be used as a mouse in compatible games and that snap to
the system with magnetic connectors. Experience the system’s
powerful processing speeds delivering visuals via a bigger
screen showcasing vibrant color and clarity. From Nintendo
Switch 2 games to compatible games in existing Nintendo Switch
libraries – connect and play with friends and family in
surprising new ways!
Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be
taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that
began with Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro
Furukawa. “With its new features that expand the possibilities
of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is
a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of
everyone that Nintendo touches.”
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with the following:
Nintendo Switch 2 console
Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Joy-Con 2 Straps
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
USB-C Charging Cable
Race into Nintendo Switch 2 with the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario
Kart World Bundle* for a suggested retail price of $499.99 in
the United States, which includes a system and a download code
for the Mario Kart World game, available from Nintendo Switch 2
launch day on June 5.
Today’s Nintendo Direct presentation featured a broad variety of
hardware details, system features, and games coming to the
Nintendo Switch 2 system both from Nintendo and its publishing
partners.
GameChat Enables New Ways to Play Socially, All Together
With the new online feature GameChat**, people can play games
and talk like everyone is in the same room, even if they are
miles apart. Whether sharing a victory or just waving hello,
GameChat makes it feel like online friends around the world are
on the same couch. Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat
with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right
Joy-Con 2 controller. The system’s built-in mic can be used to
voice chat while playing games with up to 12 people in different
locations. Up to four friends can share their screen, and if
they connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo
Switch 2 camera (sold separately), they can also video chat,
seeing each other’s faces as they cheer, shout, or laugh while
playing. Additional friends can join the chat via audio only.
Until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be used without the
need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a
Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
When initiating a GameChat session, the user invites people from
their friend list. Safety features are in place to help players
have a safe and secure chat experience, such as the ability to
report a person while in a chat session. In addition, Nintendo
recognizes the important role parents and guardians play in
their children’s online experiences, so children under the age
of sixteen will need their parent or guardian to approve their
use of GameChat with an updated version of the Nintendo Switch
Parental Controls App.
A Multitude of New Features and Experiences
A large, vivid screen that allows smooth motion expression
Nintendo Switch 2 has a large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that
displays in full HD at 1080p while maintaining the same
thickness of Nintendo Switch. Even while on the go, Nintendo
Switch 2 offers vivid, detailed game experiences, as well as
smooth graphics showcasing character movements and their rich
facial expressions.
Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the system with a “snap”
Joy-Con 2, the newly designed Nintendo Switch 2 controllers,
magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. In
addition, either Joy-Con 2 controller can be operated like a
mouse by sliding it on a surface like a table or on a pair of
pants. They can be used in multiple ways, including for games
that require aiming.
A new freely adjustable stand and a new USB-C port
The angle of the new stable stand on the back of the Nintendo
Switch 2 system can be adjusted freely so that players can find
their preferred viewing angle. While Nintendo Switch has one
USB-C port on the bottom of the system, Nintendo Switch 2 has a
port on the top of the system as well, which makes it possible
for players to use the included AC adapter to charge the system
while playing in tabletop mode. It is also possible to connect a
compatible USB-C camera, like the Nintendo Switch 2 camera
accessory to enjoy video chat on GameChat.
Powerful processing speed and graphical performance
Nintendo Switch 2 has significantly improved CPU and GPU
performance over Nintendo Switch, resulting in faster processing
speed and enabling new visually advanced gameplay. It also makes
it possible to achieve more detailed graphics and faster loading
times.
Crisp audio quality and spatial 3D sound
On Nintendo Switch 2, the sound quality is more natural and
clearer with an even more balanced sound range. When playing in
handheld mode or tabletop mode, players will be able to
experience games with even more immersive, three-dimensional
sound.
Internal storage of 256 GB
The internal storage of Nintendo Switch 2, where digital games
and save data are stored, is 256 GB, which is 8 times the
storage capacity of Nintendo Switch. For additional storage,
Nintendo Switch 2 only uses microSD Express cards, which have
faster data reading speeds than previous microSD models.
Nintendo Switch games are also playable on Nintendo Switch 2
In addition to Nintendo Switch 2 games, Nintendo Switch 2 can
play compatible physical and digital games released on Nintendo
Switch. Some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or
fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
controllers and peripherals, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro
Controller, will also be usable on Nintendo Switch 2 by
connecting them wirelessly to the system. For more information
on the compatibility with Nintendo Switch games and accessories,
please visit the Nintendo website.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
By connecting the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock to a TV, users can
output video at up to 4K resolution and play games at up to 120
fps, via compatible games and TVs.
Multiple people can play one title with GameShare
With GameShare, a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, players can
share and play the same game with others who do not have the
game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game
compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to
temporarily play the same game together via local play with
their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. Between
Nintendo Switch 2 systems, GameShare can also be used along with
GameChat for online play, so that players can chat with others
while all of them play the same game.
Virtual game cards add benefits to digital games
With virtual game cards, players can easily manage all their
purchased digital games, play games on two different systems, or
even lend or borrow games. The virtual game card menu shows all
of the digital games purchased with a user’s Nintendo Account,
making it easy to access the games and load them on the system.
Once a virtual game card is loaded onto a system, it can be
played even if the system is not connected to the internet, and
other users who are on that system can also play the game.
Additionally, digital games can be lent and borrowed among
members of the same Nintendo Account family group in the form of
virtual game cards via local wireless communication.
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online** will be available on Nintendo Switch 2.
On Nintendo Switch 2, players with a Nintendo Switch Online
membership will be able to use features like GameChat along with
existing online features. For a limited time, all Nintendo
Switch 2 owners can access GameChat without a Nintendo Switch
Online membership through the GameChat Open-Access period, which
lasts until the end of March 2026. After that time, a Nintendo
Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat. In
addition, for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, Nintendo GameCube –
Nintendo Classics will be released right at the system’s launch.
Players with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
membership and a Nintendo Switch 2 system will be able to access
a growing collection of Nintendo GameCube games with clearer
image quality and higher resolution than the original releases.
The classic game lineup available at release will be F-Zero GX,
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SOULCALIBUR II. Along
with the classic games, a dedicated wireless controller designed
after the original GameCube controller will be available for
purchase*** by paid Nintendo Switch Online members.
Variety of accessibility features
In addition to existing accessibility features on Nintendo
Switch, to support players’ wide range of gameplay styles,
Nintendo Switch 2 offers a variety of new accessibility options
including the ability to adjust font size, enable screen reader,
and speech-to-text features within GameChat.
Safe and secure game experience on Nintendo Switch 2
With the Nintendo Switch Parental Control app, parents can
easily support their children’s gameplay by using their smart
device to check what kind of games their children play or set
limits on how long the system can be used daily. As for
GameChat, children under the age of 16 will need the parent’s or
guardian’s approval on the Nintendo Switch Parental Control app
to start a chat, which makes it possible for parents and
guardians to manage their children’s chat experience securely.
Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for pre-order in North
America from participating retailers beginning on April 9, 2025.
New Games for a New System
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with games that highlight its new
capabilities while bringing everyone along for the ride. From
brand new titles and system exclusives, like Mario Kart World
and Donkey Kong Bananza, to exhilarating experiences like EA
SPORTS Madden NFL and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, to
upgraded versions of Nintendo Switch games like Super Mario
Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV and Sid
Meier's Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, there is
much to share and play.
Put the pedal to the metal in Mario Kart World, a brand-new
experience set in a vast interconnected environment. Race
seamlessly across connected courses that deliver Mario Kart
racing like never before. Twenty-four drivers can compete in a
race. Participate in the new Knockout Tour mode, where you’ll
barrel through back-to-back courses and checkpoints, with no pit
stops along the way. If a player doesn’t make it to each
checkpoint at a high-enough placement, they will be eliminated.
And in Free Roam, it’s possible to go off the racetrack and
drive in any direction you wish, explore areas that pique your
interest and take some photos at scenic spots with a group of
friends. Mario Kart World races onto Nintendo Switch 2 on June
5. More details will be revealed in a Mario Kart World Direct
presentation on April 17 at 06:00 PST / 09:00 EST.
Get ready for Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D platforming
action adventure – available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
Crash, bash, and climb through nearly everything in DK’s path
and tear off chunks of terrain to swing around and throw in
groundbreaking exploration. The more that is demolished with
powerful punches, the more areas open up to discover. Break on
through this adventure full of mayhem, surprises and bananas
when Donkey Kong Bananza crashes onto Nintendo Switch 2 July 17.
The new capabilities of Nintendo Switch 2 allow for compatible
physical and digital games released on Nintendo Switch to
receive paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs featuring
enhanced graphics, exclusive content offerings, and new gameplay
experiences.
Star in Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition +
Jamboree TV, featuring unique new modes and minigames that
showcase mouse controls, the system’s built-in mic, and Nintendo
Switch 2 camera (sold separately). Invite friends**** to join
Bowser Live, a game show-themed experience with 2v2 team battles
and physical challenges! But beware: Losing teams may have to
answer to Bowser himself! Get ready to see what’s new in this
party when it launches July 24.
See the Kingdom of Hyrule in a whole new way with The Legend of
Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2
Edition, available with performance upgrades on Nintendo Switch
2. Smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics
will make for a fresh experience when revisiting these
adventures, and now players will also have a little extra help.
Also on the way is an update to the Nintendo Switch App*****
(previously known as the Nintendo Switch Online App), called
ZELDA NOTES. This game-specific service is exclusive to the
Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of the games and helps players
navigate to various locations, like that difficult-to-find
shrine or hidden Korok, and will even feature commentary from
Princess Zelda herself that was not part of the original games.
Both upgraded titles will be available from Nintendo Switch 2
launch day, June 5.
Kirby’s 3D platforming adventure gets an extra Nintendo Switch 2
boost in Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2
Edition + Star-Crossed World. A mysterious meteor crashes in the
world of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, revealing a new story for
Kirby. He must use his abilities, including new Mouthful Modes,
to clear a trail through uncharted territory. The upgrade pack
will include this new content which can be played in
single-player and local co-op, as well as improved performance
for the entire game. Jump into Kirby’s star-crossed world when
it launches August 28.
The galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter Samus Aran returns in
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. This title will release on both
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with the latter allowing
for both standard controls and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls as
players wield Samus's arm cannon with more precision, plus
enhanced visuals and performance. Choose between Quality Mode
and Performance Mode, both of which support HDR, based on your
preference and playstyle. Explore the immersive world in 4K at
60 fps or enjoy smoother action in full HD at 120 fps on
compatible displays when the game launches in 2025.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can
enjoy your adventure in Lumiose City on Nintendo Switch 2 with
enhanced resolution and frame rates, coming late 2025.
Kirby Air Riders, a brand-new title originated from the Nintendo
GameCube classic racing-action game Kirby Air Ride, and Masahiro
Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, was
announced for release this year. The trailer revealed a dramatic
introduction of Kirby on his Warp Star machine and other Kirby
air riders on a variety of unique machines, as they joined
together on a racetrack. Kirby Air Riders will glide onto
Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
Use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and enjoy a new experience by
strapping into Drag x Drive. A new online 3v3 game experience,
Drag x Drive (pronounced “Drag and Drive”) challenges players to
use the mouse controls with both Joy-Con 2 at the same time to
intuitively steer, speed up, perform tricks and make plays such
as dunks. Get ready to gear up when Drag x Drive launches on
Nintendo Switch 2 this summer.
While it’s understandable that players will want to hit the
ground running (or racing) with Nintendo Switch 2, they can also
explore a variety of features and details the new system has to
offer. Players can enter a virtual exhibition with Nintendo
Switch 2 Welcome Tour and gain insights into what makes Nintendo
Switch 2 such a unique gaming experience. Through tech demos,
minigames and other interactions, players will get to know the
new system inside and out in ways they may never have known
about otherwise. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be
available to buy from Nintendo eShop from Nintendo Switch 2
launch day, June 5.
Exciting Games from Global Developers and Publishers
From acclaimed hits like SPLIT FICTION and ELDEN RING to sports
phenoms like EA SPORTS Madden NFL and NBA 2K, and highly
anticipated games like Hades II and Borderlands 4, Nintendo
Switch 2 is the place where players can find the full range of
gaming experiences. Here are some of the games coming to
Nintendo Switch 2 from development and publishing partners.
Hades II: Battle beyond the Underworld to vanquish the Titan of
Time as the Princess of the Dead in this bewitching sequel to
the original rogue-like dungeon crawler. Hades II lets players
explore a bigger, deeper mythic world with the full might of
Olympus at their call in a story that reacts to their every
setback and accomplishment. The game is coming first on console
to both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, taking advantage
of the new system’s higher-definition display with responsive
action at a target of 60 frames per second. Look out for more
information about Hades II later this year.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC: EA SPORTS is bringing
fans together from across the world** – both on the pitch and on
the gridiron. EA SPORTS Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC will be
coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
NBA 2K and WWE 2K: Dominate on the court and in the ring — NBA
2K and WWE 2K are coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the newest title in the
Hyrule Warriors series and is developed by Koei-Tecmo Games with
support from Nintendo. The game features epic battles against
hordes of enemies as it tells the untold story from Hyrule's
distant past of the Imprisoning War that ultimately led to the
events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Fans of the
Legend of Zelda series and players of both The Legend of Zelda:
Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
can experience the thrill of battle and this canonical tale
featuring Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other familiar
characters. Fight for Hyrule’s future when Hyrule Warriors: Age
of Imprisonment comes to Nintendo Switch 2 this winter.
SPLIT FICTION: Jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this
co-op action adventure**, where contrasting writers Mio and Zoe
have become trapped in a simulation of their own stories. SPLIT
FICTION keeps you on the edge of your couch with weird and
unexpected moments as players have to coordinate and work
together to overcome challenges. Players can also invite a
friend to play with for free via cross-play on Nintendo Switch 2
with Friend’s Pass******. Jump into the action when SPLIT
FICTION releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE: Experience a modern
reimagining of one of the most iconic games of all time on
Nintendo Switch 2. Set in Midgar, players will immerse
themselves in a standalone gaming experience designed for RPG
players that crave unforgettable characters, a powerful story,
and a strategic battle system that merges real-time action with
command-based combat. Including FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, an
additional story arc happening during the events of the game,
players can fight for the future of the planet when FINAL
FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE comes to Nintendo Switch 2.
Street Fighter 6: Experience the next evolution of Street
Fighter in Street Fighter 6 with three distinct game modes, new
gameplay features, and enhanced visuals. Fight your way to the
top with new game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like
Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches****. Enjoy new
party modes utilizing Joy-Con 2 controllers like Gyro Battle and
Calorie Contest. Plus, players can check out three new amiibo
figures and 22 amiibo cards at launch. Choose from Street
Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighter Edition, or the digital version of
Street Fighter 6, for Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
Sid Meier's Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Steer
the course of history in Sid Meier's Civilization® VII –
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Featuring new mouse controls that
offer a more intuitive experience, players’ decisions will shape
the cultural lineage of their empire. Construct cities and
architectural wonders, improve your civilization with
technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival
civilizations as you explore the world. Whether you choose to
follow history or forge your own path, create a legacy that
echoes through the Ages when Sid Meier's Civilization® VII –
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch
day.
Hogwarts Legacy: Experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry like never before in Hogwarts Legacy, which has been
updated with Joy-Con 2 mouse support, improved graphics and
audio, seamless map load times, and controls for Nintendo Switch
2. Players can become the center of their own adventure with
this open-world, action role-playing game as they discover
magical beasts, customize their character, master spell casting,
and become the witch or wizard they want to be. Rediscover the
magic when Hogwarts Legacy arrives on the same day as Nintendo
Switch 2.
BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster: Follow four Warriors
of Light on a journey to restore the elemental crystals in the
HD remaster of the Nintendo 3DS RPG masterpiece, BRAVELY
DEFAULT. Experience an RPG that brings new depth to classic,
turn-based battles with the introduction of the “Brave &
Default” system – featuring an array of options to customize
your characters with over 20 unique jobs. The game also includes
quality of life updates and two new minigames that leverage the
dual mouse controls of Nintendo Switch 2. BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING
FAIRY HD Remaster comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
More adventure awaits in new and updated titles including…
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Two legendary Activision games
return with new skaters, gnarlier tricks, a sicker soundtrack,
and, for the first time in over a decade – new parks! Drop into
cross-platform online multiplayer** and relive the classic fun.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 this
summer.
Fortnite: Whether you want to be the last player standing in
Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, and Fortnite OG, or you want
to explore LEGO Fortnite experiences, blast to the finish with
Rocket Racing or headline a concert with Fortnite Festival – the
choice is yours. Find it all in Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 on
launch day.
Enter the Gungeon 2: Experience the reloaded sequel to the
iconic bullet dungeon crawler with Enter the Gungeon 2.
Featuring a new 3D art style, weapons, and new gameplay tricks,
players can load in on Nintendo Switch 2 next year.
Project 007: Step into the shoes of James Bond and earn your 00
status. Featuring a wholly original Bond story, Project 007 will
come to Nintendo Switch 2.
And that’s not all, as Nintendo Switch 2 welcomes STARSEEKER:
Astroneer Expeditions, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion,
DELTARUNE, Survival Kids, Star Wars Outlaws, Hollow Knight:
Silksong, and more!
* Limited time production through Fall 2025 (available while
supplies last)
** Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo
Account required for online features, including GameChat.
Compatible USB camera required for video features. Not available
in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply.
support.nintendo.com Games, systems, memberships and some
accessories sold separately.
*** Limit one purchase per Nintendo Account with paid Nintendo
Switch Online membership. Controller ships to U.S. and Canada
only. Offer not available in all countries or for free trial
memberships. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
required to access Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics
collection of games. This controller is optional and not
required to play the Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics
collection of games. System update required.
**** Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be
required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some
accessories sold separately.
***** Nintendo Account, persistent internet and compatible smart
device required. Data charges may apply.
****** Friend’s Pass requires installation of the Friend’s Pass
and applicable platform account.
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