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Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 in detail on April 2, 2025, setting a June 5 launch date and confirming the hardware, games and services that would define its successor to the original Switch. The console has since launched. Its headline changes include a larger 1080p screen, magnetic mouse-capable Joy-Con 2 controllers, 256 GB of internal storage and support for compatible original Switch games.
What Nintendo announced—and when Switch 2 launched
Nintendo had already confirmed on January 16, 2025 that a successor to the Switch would arrive that year. The April 2 announcement supplied the name, specifications, features and launch date: Switch 2 went on sale June 5, 2025. Nintendo’s announcement described it as the next step in the Switch concept, while Nintendo of America called it a system for at-home and portable play. Nintendo of America’s launch announcement quoted president Shuntaro Furukawa: “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.” That is Nintendo’s positioning, not an independent performance assessment.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What changed in the hardware?
| Feature | Switch 2 specification or function |
|---|---|
| Built-in screen | 7.9-inch wide-colour-gamut LCD, 1920 × 1080 resolution, HDR10 and variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz. |
| Controllers | Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically. Each can act as a mouse on a surface in compatible games. |
| Internal storage | 256 GB, with some capacity reserved for system use. |
| Processor | Custom processor made by NVIDIA; Nintendo has not provided a comparative benchmark in the cited announcement. |
| Docked video output | Up to 4K resolution, capped at 60 fps. Up to 120 fps is available in compatible circumstances at lower output resolutions; neither limit means 4K at 120 fps. |
| Ports and tabletop play | A second USB-C port on top enables tabletop charging with the included adapter. |
Resolution and frame rate depend on the game and compatible display equipment. Nintendo’s specifications describe supported output, not a guarantee that every game uses the maximum. Nintendo’s hardware announcement lists the display and system details.
What comes in the box?
Nintendo’s US launch listing included the console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, grip, straps, dock, Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable, AC adapter and USB-C charging cable. A camera for GameChat video calls is separate hardware. Nintendo of America’s launch announcement also describes the system and Mario Kart World bundle.
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- 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
Can you play original Switch games on Switch 2?
Many compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games work on Switch 2, but backward compatibility is not universal: Nintendo warns that some games may be unsupported or may not work fully. Check Nintendo’s Switch 2 compatibility information for a particular title. For third-party games, Nintendo directs players to the relevant publisher for title-specific details; its support information explains compatibility and related questions.
Some original Switch games have free updates or paid upgrades for Switch 2. These can add content or improve performance, but there is no blanket upgrade for every older game. Also check accessories individually: original Switch Joy-Con and some peripherals, including the Switch Pro Controller, can pair wirelessly, but compatibility varies. The original Switch dock and conventional microSD cards for game storage are not supported, and Nintendo lists several Joy-Con 2 attachments as incompatible.
What storage card does Switch 2 use?
For expandable game storage, Switch 2 requires a microSD Express card. Conventional microSD cards cannot store Switch 2 games. Nintendo says an ordinary microSD card can be used only to view screenshots and videos captured on the original Switch. See Nintendo’s compatibility guidance before reusing an existing card.
Rank #2
- 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.***
How do GameChat and GameShare work?
GameChat
GameChat supports voice chat, screen sharing and optional video chat with a compatible USB-C camera, sold separately. Nintendo’s launch-era terms offered free access through March 31, 2026, then said a Nintendo Switch Online membership would be required. Because that date has passed, check Nintendo’s current Switch 2 service information for the terms that apply now. Users under 16 need parent or guardian approval to start GameChat. Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app support and accessibility options—including font and colour-tone adjustments, text verbalization and button customization—are also listed among the system features. Nintendo’s announcement provides the feature details.
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GameShare lets a Switch 2 owner invite others to temporarily play supported games under Nintendo’s conditions. The Switch 2 owner must initiate sharing, and the games that original Switch systems can receive are limited. Check Nintendo’s GameShare and compatibility information for the applicable conditions.
Virtual Game Cards
Virtual Game Cards let players manage compatible digital games across two Switch or Switch 2 systems. Eligible loans to members of a family group can last up to 14 days, subject to Nintendo’s conditions. Nintendo details eligibility and setup in its Switch 2 information.
Rank #3
- 【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.
What did Switch 2 cost at launch?
These are historical suggested retail prices announced for launch, not current offers. Prices and bundles vary by region; the Japan-only products below should not be generalized to other markets.
| Market and launch product | Announced launch suggested price | Bundle software |
|---|---|---|
| United States: Switch 2 system | $449.99 | None listed |
| United States: Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle | $499.99 | Download code for Mario Kart World |
| Japan: Japanese-language Switch 2 system | ¥49,980 | None listed |
| Japan: Switch 2 Mario Kart World Set | ¥53,980 | Mario Kart World |
| Japan: multi-language system through My Nintendo Store | ¥69,980 | None listed |
Nintendo of America announced the US launch prices in its launch announcement; Nintendo announced the Japan-specific systems and prices in its April 2025 release. Neither is evidence of today’s retail price or availability.
Quick Recap
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.
