Nintendo has officially announced the release date and price of the Switch 2 during a special edition of its Direct showcase. The console will be on the market starting on June 5, 2025, at a recommended retail price of $449.99.
As previously shown, the Switch 2 looks like an oversized Switch, featuring a 7.9-inch 1080p display and more power under the hood thanks to better hardware. Its Joy-Con can be used like a mouse, allowing users to control games with the same precision as they would be able to on PC. That'll come in especially handy for genres like shooting and strategy games. Players are even able to plug in a USB mouse directly in lieu of using the Joy-Con.
In addition to the brand-new Joy-Cons and Pro Controller, the Switch 2 will be compatible with the existing equipment for its predecessor.
Naturally, Nintendo is not unleashing its brand-new console without an array of fresh games to accompany it. Here are the biggest announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
Mario Kart World
This one wasn't a surprise, given that Nintendo has shown footage of it during the Switch 2's initial announcement -- but now it has a name and we know something about the changes it brings to the track. The game features new playable characters, vehicles -- including plane transformations -- and costumes that change dynamically during the race. Most importantly, the game is taking some semi-open-world cues from the likes of Forza Horizon, and it looks incredibly refreshing. There's even a free roam mode like Diddy Kong Racing.
Mario Kart World will be a release title for the Switch 2, coming out alongside the console on ABC, 2025. More details will come in a Mario Kart World Direct, airing on April 17.
GameChat, GameShare, and the C Button
Next up was a showcase of the new JoyCon, and the C Button that's been added to the right JoyCon. This allows you to stream to your friends from your Switch 2 console, and join group chats to keep in contact, even while playing different games. The C Button is the Chat button, which allows you to access the Chat menu where you can set your streaming settings and more. A camera accessory will be available on launch day that allows you to stream your face to your friends too.
GameShare allows you to share "compatible games" with friends, allowing you to play multiplayer games without your friends needing to own the game you want to play. You can GameShare with your friends as if they were playing on the same console as you.
System Specs
The Nintendo Switch 2's 7.9" 1080p screen supports up to 120fps and HDR. It's not an OLED screen, but these are great features to have. The system supports 4K and HDR resolution when outputting to a TV, but does not support 120fps at the same time.
The JoyCon 2 controllers connect to the console with magnets and have a button on the back to release them from the system. The JoyCon 2s have bigger sticks, in addition to mouse functionality.
The system also includes a built-in microphone with noise cancelling technology for voice chat and 3D audio is supported.
The new USB-C port on the top of the system can be used for charging, but can also be used for accessories like the new camera.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
A bit like Astro's Playroom or Aperture Desk Job, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is an interactive demonstration of all of the console's features. There are a bunch of minigames and factoids hidden inside to give you a solid demonstration of the console's capabilities. The game will be available on launch day, but unlike those other tech demo examples, it won't be free.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games
Some existing Nintendo Switch games will be getting upgrades on the Switch 2. Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV is shown as a demonstration first, and we get to see new camera accessory gameplay and new multiplayer features. Bowser Live is added as a new mode, and uses the new Nintendo Switch 2 features almost exclusively. Unfortunately, these upgraded features aren't free, and require the purchase of an upgrade pack for anyone that already owns the game.
Other games include Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World, and the new Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will get a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at launch, the latter being a particularly big deal due to the ability to play the new game at 4K, 60fps on Switch 2.
The full list of Switch 2 Edition games which you buy upgrades for are:
Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Pokémon: Legends Z-A
Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions
The biggest games on the Nintendo Switch are getting Switch 2 editions, enhancing the framerate and adding HDR. You will also be able to share your autobuild creations in Tears of the Kingdom with people online.
Drag x Drive
This is a unique wheelchair basketball game where you'll play in 3v3 online matches while using the mouse functionality of the new JoyCon.
Elden Ring
How's that for a shocker? FromSoftware's soulslike masterpiece, Elden Ring, is coming to the Switch 2 in a version that will feature the base game and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
Hades II
Hades II, the sequel to the acclaimed roguelike, will be launching on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6, one of the best fighting games you can play right now, will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 with new modes, amiibo figures and amiibo cards. You can buy a version that comes complete with the first two years of DLC. SF6 and the amiibo will be available on launch day.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
A new Daemon X Machina game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. It looks really cool, with a lot of action, emotional screaming and mech battles.
Split Fiction
Split Fiction, Hazelight's recently celebrated co-op multiplayer adventure, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 at launch.
EA Sports FC and Madden NFL
EA Sports FC and Madden NFL will both be coming to Nintendo Switch 2, though no more details are available yet.
Hogwarts Legacy
The Harry Potter game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4
The new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remake is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, and the new trailer teases some Spongebob Squarepants crossover content. It launches summer 2025.
Hitman and James Bond's Project 007
Hitman: World of Assassination Signature Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 at launch, and Project 007 from IO Interactive will also release on the console in the future.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Bravely Default, one of the best 3DS RPGs, returns on Nintendo Switch 2 with new minigames and HD graphics. This will also be available at launch.
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
Another Nintendo Switch 2 launch game, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is making its way to Nintendo Switch 2 at launch. This Director's Cut version has not been seen before on other platforms, and we're eager to see what's new.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
The Hyrule Warriors series returns with a new game that tells the story of Zelda as she travels to the past during the events of Tears of the Kingdom. We'll finally be able to see what she's been up to, and will be able to play as a bunch of the ancient races we didn't see much in Tears of the Kingdom. The game will launch this winter.
Nintendo Switch Online: Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo Switch Online+ Expansion Pack members will finally be able to play Nintendo GameCube games on Nintendo Switch 2. You'll be able to play these games via either local or online multiplayer, at a higher resolution than the original game. A new replica GameCube controller will also be available for purchase at launch.
The following games will be available at launch:
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Soulcalibur II
F-Zero GX
These games are anticipated to be available after launch:
Super Mario Sunshine
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Super Mario Strikers
Chibi-Robo
Luigi's Mansion
Pokémon Colosseum
Deltarune
Deltarune, the game from Undertale developer Toby Fox, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with four complete chapters on launch day, with two of them being entirely new.
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 comes to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Civilization VII is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and will be compatible with mouse controls.
WWE 2K and NBA 2K
WWE 2K and NBA 2K are both coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, but like the EA Sports titles, we don't have any details about these yet.
Survival Kids
Survival Kids is a new entry in Konami's long-running Survival Kids series, which you may know as Lost in Blue. This is a new multiplayer-focused entry that will see you fishing and surviving alongside three friends. This will be available on launch day.
Enter the Gungeon 2
Enter the Gungeon 2 is the sequel to the fan-favorite roguelike game, and it's fully 3D. No more details are available yet.
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
Coming in 2026, Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is another multiplayer title that'll see you taking on the galaxy with friends.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
CD Projekt RED's massive cyberpunk RPG is coming out on launch day.
Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade, one of the best looking RPGs out there, will be making its Nintendo Switch 2 debut. This includes the Intergrade DLC, which features Yuffie. A release date has not been confirmed yet, though.
The Duskbloods
A brand new game from the acclaimed development team FromSoftware has been confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, and it clearly takes heavy inspiration from a variety of existing FromSoftware games, especially Bloodborne. The game is due for launch in 2026 and is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.
Kirby: Air Riders
A sequel to Kirby's Air Ride is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2025, from beloved director Masahiro Sakurai. Kirby: Air Riders is an all-new game, and a rare non-Smash Bros. title from Sakurai-san.
Donkey Kong: Bananza
A brand new Donkey Kong 3D adventure game was showcased, and it includes 2D Donkey Kong Country-style segments, as well as 3D exploration that'll be familiar to Donkey Kong 64 or Super Mario Odyssey fans. It looks incredibly crisp, with impressive, destructible environments. The game will be released on July 17, 2025.
Upcoming Highlight Reel
Nintendo quickly displayed release dates for a huge swathe of titles, and these are all of them:
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launch day
Hollow Knight: Silksong, 2025
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, August 27, 2025
Goodnight Universe, 2025
Two Point Museum, 2025
Wild Hearts, July 25, 2025
Witchbrook, Winter 2025
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, launch day
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, launch day
Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Winter 2025
Star Wars Outlaws, 2025
Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, launch day
Fast Fusion, launch day
Shadow Labyrinth, July 18, 2025
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, June 19, 2025
No Sleep For Kaname Date -- From AI The Somnium Files, July 25, 2025
Reanimal, 2025
Fortnite, launch day
Arcade Archies 2 Ridge Racer, launch day
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, 2025
Tamagotchi Plaza, 27 June, 2025
Human Fall Flat 2, coming soon