Nintendo revealed Switch 2 in two stages: a first-look trailer on January 16, 2025, followed by a Nintendo Direct on April 2 with the launch date, hardware details and games. The console launched on June 5, 2025. Here is what Nintendo announced, what changed from the original Switch, and which launch-era prices and dates are now historical.
How the Switch 2 reveal unfolded
The January 16, 2025 first-look trailer established that Nintendo was making a successor to Switch, showed its larger shape and redesigned controllers, and confirmed broad compatibility with Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo saved most of the specifics for its April 2 Nintendo Direct.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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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 |
The Direct filled in the hardware, communication features, release timing and game lineup. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa described the system in the April 2 U.S. launch announcement as “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.” Switch 2 subsequently launched on June 5, 2025.
Nintendo reported that Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide during its first four days after launch. That is Nintendo’s figure, based on its internal data, for that specific period in 2025—not a current sales total.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
What did Nintendo show at the Switch 2 Direct?
The April presentation paired the hardware reveal with games and services for the new system. Its highlighted announcements included:
- Mario Kart World: Nintendo listed it for the June 5, 2025 launch.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: Nintendo listed it for July 17, 2025, rather than the console’s launch day.
- The Duskbloods
- Drag x Drive
- Kirby Air Riders
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
- Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics
The dates above are Nintendo’s 2025 announcements, not a claim that every highlighted game was available on June 5. Nintendo’s April 2 Direct page collects the presentation’s official highlights.
What changed in the hardware?
Nintendo’s U.S. technical specifications describe a larger handheld with a 7.9-inch LCD screen, 1920 × 1080 resolution, HDR10 support and variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz. The system has 256 GB of internal UFS storage, some of which is reserved for system use, and a custom NVIDIA processor. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance tests.
Screen and TV output
In handheld mode, the listed display resolution is 1920 × 1080. When docked, Nintendo lists maximum TV output of 3840 × 2160 at 60 frames per second; 120 fps is supported at 1920 × 1080 or 2560 × 1440 settings. The dock also has a wired LAN port, while the console supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth.
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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.***
Battery and charging
Nintendo estimates approximately 2–6.5 hours of battery life, depending on the game, and approximately three hours to charge while the system is asleep. Those are manufacturer estimates; actual runtime varies with use and is not a guaranteed playtime.
What is different about Joy-Con 2?
The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the console magnetically. Nintendo also says each controller can function as a mouse in compatible games, creating an additional control option where a game supports it. The mouse feature is not a promise that every game can use the controllers that way.
The April reveal also introduced GameChat and other communication features. Nintendo’s announcements present these as part of the Switch 2 experience, rather than as a change to the basic idea of a system that can be played at home or on the go.
Can Switch 2 play original Switch games?
Yes, Nintendo says Switch 2 supports Nintendo Switch games in both physical and digital form, as well as games made for Switch 2. Its qualification matters: some original Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible. Check a specific game’s compatibility information before relying on a particular title, feature or accessory to work without restrictions.
Nintendo’s technical page confirms that both Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch game cards can be inserted. That does not remove the title-by-title compatibility caveat announced with the system. Nintendo’s U.S. technical specifications list the system’s card support and hardware details.
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 kind of SD card does Switch 2 use?
For game storage expansion, Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards, with support up to 2 TB. An ordinary microSD card is not the format for expanding game storage on Switch 2. Nintendo says standard microSD cards can be used only to copy screenshots and videos from Switch.
The distinction is important when choosing an expansion card: look specifically for microSD Express and confirm the card is suitable for Switch 2. Nintendo’s 2025 U.S. price list named a Samsung 256 GB microSD Express card, but that historical listing does not establish current price or availability.
When did Switch 2 come out, and how much did it cost at launch?
Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025. Nintendo announced U.S. suggested retail prices of $449.99 for the console and $499.99 for a bundle that included a download code for Mario Kart World. Nintendo reiterated those figures on April 18, 2025. They are historical U.S. launch MSRP, not current retailer prices or prices for other countries.
Nintendo’s April 18, 2025 U.S. MSRP list also included these accessories and games. All prices below are historical U.S. figures announced in April 2025; they do not indicate today’s price or stock.
| Item | April 2025 U.S. MSRP |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | $79.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | $69.99 |
| Switch 2 Pro Controller | $84.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 pair | $94.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip | $39.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | $54.99 |
| Dock Set | $119.99 |
| Carrying Case & Screen Protector | $39.99 |
| Samsung 256 GB microSD Express card | $59.99 |
These are Nintendo’s dated U.S. MSRP announcements, not a comparison of current offers. For any purchase, check current regional pricing and confirm that an accessory is specifically compatible with Switch 2.
What to keep in mind when choosing accessories
The revealed hardware points to a few practical distinctions, rather than a need to buy every accessory. A microSD Express card is the relevant option if you want more space for games; a standard microSD card does not provide that purpose on Switch 2. A carrying case and screen protector are optional travel-protection products, and the fit should be for Switch 2 rather than the original console. A Pro Controller is another optional way to play, not a requirement for using the system.
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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.
