Nintendo revealed Switch 2 on January 17, 2025, then delivered the promised full presentation on April 2. The console launched June 5, 2025, with a U.S. launch MSRP of $449.99. The April announcement set out its hardware, backward-compatibility caveats, online features, and launch games; these dates and prices are historical, not a guide to current retail availability.
When did Nintendo announce and release Switch 2?
Nintendo’s first-look announcement arrived January 17, 2025. The fuller Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and U.S. launch announcement followed April 2, confirming a June 5, 2025 release. The promised additional details therefore arrived on the announced date. Nintendo’s launch announcement and April 2 Direct page provide the original announcement material.
| # | 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 |
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How much did Switch 2 cost at launch?
Nintendo of America’s April 2, 2025 announcement set U.S. launch MSRPs at $449.99 for the console and $499.99 for a bundle that included Mario Kart World. On April 18, Nintendo said those console and bundle launch prices remained unchanged. These are U.S. 2025 launch prices, not verified current selling prices. Nintendo’s April 18 update also set launch prices of $79.99 for Mario Kart World, physical or digital, and $69.99 for Donkey Kong Bananza; accessory prices were adjusted from those announced April 2. Nintendo’s April 18 pricing update has the revised details.
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What hardware did Nintendo announce?
The following are Nintendo’s published specifications and estimates, not independent measurements. In handheld mode, the console has a 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10, and VRR up to 120 Hz. Its internal storage is 256 GB UFS, with some capacity reserved for system use.
#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
| Feature | Nintendo’s published specification |
|---|---|
| Handheld display | 7.9-inch LCD; 1920×1080; HDR10; VRR up to 120 Hz |
| Internal storage | 256 GB UFS; some space reserved for system use |
| TV output | Up to 3840×2160 at 60 fps, or 1920×1080 and 2560×1440 at up to 120 fps |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth |
| Ports | Two USB-C ports and a 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Battery | 5220 mAh lithium-ion; estimated 2–6.5 hours depending on the game |
| Charging in Sleep mode | Approximately three hours |
Handheld and tabletop output is limited to the screen’s 1920×1080 resolution. Nintendo lists a custom NVIDIA processor. See Nintendo’s technical specifications for its full specification list.
What kind of SD card does Switch 2 use?
For game-storage expansion, Switch 2 accepts microSD Express cards only, up to 2 TB, according to Nintendo. A standard microSD card is not a substitute: Nintendo says non-Express cards can only be used to copy screenshots and videos from the original Switch. Check that a card is explicitly labeled microSD Express before buying it for expanded game storage.
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.***
Can original Nintendo Switch games play on Switch 2?
Nintendo says Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, but warns that some titles may not be supported or may not be fully compatible. That qualification matters: the announcement does not promise that every game, accessory, or feature from the original system will work without limitation. Consult Nintendo’s current compatibility information for a particular game before relying on it.
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What new features and games did Nintendo reveal?
Joy-Con 2 and GameChat
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically and can function as a mouse in compatible games. Nintendo’s launch-day description of GameChat included voice chat for up to 12 people and video chat for up to four people with a compatible USB-C camera. Video requires that camera. Nintendo’s launch material said online features including GameChat require an internet connection, a Nintendo Account, and Nintendo Switch Online membership after a free-use period that ended March 31, 2026. Since online-service conditions can change, check Nintendo’s current support information for requirements before setting it up.
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.
Launch lineup and scheduled games
Nintendo named Mario Kart World as a launch game and included it in the U.S. launch bundle. In its April 2 Direct, Nintendo also listed Donkey Kong Bananza for July 17, 2025. Those were announcement-era release details; they are not a current schedule or availability check.
How many units did Switch 2 sell in its first four days?
Nintendo reported that Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days after launch. Nintendo attributed the figure to its internal data in its June 11, 2025 announcement, so it should be understood as the company’s reported sales figure, not an independently audited count. Nintendo’s June 11 sales announcement contains the attribution.
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.
