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Nintendo Revealed Switch 2: What’s New and What Came Later

Nintendo revealed Switch 2 in January 2025, then announced its June launch, US launch price, hardware features, and compatibility details.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Nintendo officially revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 on January 16, 2025, calling it the successor to the original Switch and showing the console in a first-look video. The reveal set a 2025 release window and confirmed support for Switch 2 games and compatible original Switch games; Nintendo announced the full launch details later, and the console launched June 5, 2025.

What did Nintendo announce on January 16, 2025?

Nintendo’s first announcement introduced Switch 2 as a new hybrid console—the successor to Nintendo Switch—and showed the hardware. It said the system would play games made for Switch 2 as well as physical and digital games for the original Switch, while cautioning that some original Switch titles might not be supported or fully compatible. Nintendo said more information would arrive in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025. Nintendo’s January 16 announcement

At that point, Nintendo had given a 2025 release window, not a launch date, price, or complete specification. Those details came in later announcements.

What changed compared with the original Switch?

Nintendo’s US launch announcement described a larger screen, updated controllers, more internal storage, and improved processing and graphics performance. The following figures and features come from Nintendo’s launch information, not independent testing.

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#1 Best Overall
Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Feature Nintendo Switch 2 Original Nintendo Switch
Screen 7.9-inch LCD with 1080p resolution, according to Nintendo’s US launch announcement. Not stated in the cited launch announcement.
Performance and TV output Nintendo describes improved CPU and GPU performance. In TV mode, output can reach 4K resolution and 120 fps when supported by the game and television. Not stated in the cited launch announcement.
Controllers Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the system. They can also operate like a mouse in compatible games. Not stated in the cited launch announcement.
Internal storage 256 GB, according to Nintendo’s US launch announcement. Not stated in the cited launch announcement.
Expandable storage Requires microSD Express for additional storage. Not stated in the cited launch announcement.
Original Switch games Plays compatible physical and digital Switch games; some may not be supported or fully compatible. Not applicable.

Nintendo’s Switch 2 launch and features announcement describes the console and its launch-era features. The comparison is limited to details established in that announcement and Nintendo Support’s compatibility guidance; it does not imply a complete specification comparison.

Which original Switch games and accessories work?

Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital games from the original Switch, but compatibility is not universal. Nintendo warns that some games may not be supported or may not work fully. Check Nintendo’s current compatibility guidance for a particular title before relying on it. Nintendo Support’s Switch 2 compatibility information

Rank #2
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
  • The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
  • Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***

Accessories also vary: Nintendo’s support guidance distinguishes accessories that can pair wirelessly from those that cannot be reused. The original Switch dock is not compatible for its usual dock function on Switch 2. Conventional microSD cards are not the card type for Switch 2 game storage; use microSD Express for added storage. Consult Nintendo Support for the status of a specific accessory.

When did Switch 2 launch, and what did it cost?

Nintendo announced a June 5, 2025 launch and a US suggested retail price of $449.99. That is the US launch price, not a current price or a universal price for every region. Nintendo of America’s launch announcement

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Rank #3
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth
  • 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
  • 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
  • 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
  • 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
  • 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What features came in the later announcement?

The January reveal was not a full feature list. In its later launch announcement, Nintendo also described GameChat, GameShare, virtual game cards, accessibility options, and software features. These should not be read as details all established by the January reveal.

Nintendo said open access to GameChat ended on March 31, 2026; after that date, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required. Service terms can change, so check Nintendo’s current information before relying on this feature.

How many Switch 2 systems did Nintendo say it sold?

Nintendo reported more than 3.5 million Switch 2 units sold worldwide during the first four days after the June 5, 2025 launch. Nintendo described that as the highest global first-four-day sales level for any Nintendo hardware. This is Nintendo’s own announced figure, not an independently audited third-party total. Nintendo’s first-four-day sales announcement

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$568.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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