After repeated teases, we finally got concrete information about the Nintendo Switch 2 in an hour-long Nintendo Direct livestream that revealed the console’s release date alongside its launch lineup. The biggest takeaway is that most of the system’s initial catalog will be upgraded versions of existing Switch games and third-party releases that didn’t make it to this previous system (in most cases because they would have caused the Switch to explode). Beyond this, though, we did get a look at some new games, too, including the first mainline Mario Kart entry in a decade (Mario Kart 8 on the Switch was a Wii U re-release), a new Donkey Kong, and a fresh FromSoftware title that will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
Perhaps most striking, though, was the fact that Nintendo didn’t announce the price of the system directly in the live stream, instead quietly putting out this info in a press release after the fact. Apparently, the “suggested” USD price is $449. This price reveal comes amidst concerns that the ongoing trade war between the United States and countries like Japan could affect pricing in the US.
To help organize all the information provided in the hour-long direct, we will be dividing the information between console hardware-specific announcements, new game reveals, Switch 2 upgraded games, and previously announced third-party games coming to the system.
Nintendo Switch 2 Console Information
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Announced
First and foremost, the Nintendo Switch 2 is out on June 5 of this year. It will be sold standalone or bundled with the new Mario Kart, Mario Kart World (more on that later). Beyond this, Nintendo gave a fairly extensive breakdown of the Switch 2 and the features that distinguish it from its predecessor.
The Switch 2 will be sold standalone as well as with a Mario Kart World bundle. The page to register early interest in the system through your Nintendo account is already up here.
Some Nintendo Switch 2 Specs Shown, But Not Everything
Nintendo announced some of the system’s technical specs, which can be found here. The system will have a 7.9-inch wide LCD screen that supports 1080p resolution, HDR, and can play games at up to 120 frames per second. The new dock supports 4K resolution and HDR. It will have eight times the Switch’s built-in memory with 256 GB of storage. It will also have a built-in microphone with noise filtering, and it supports 3D audio with headphones. However, they didn’t reveal anything about the CPU or GPU yet, only stating that these are custom-made by NVIDIA.
New Communication Features
One big emphasis was on the Switch 2’s new communication features, which can be accessed through the controller’s new C-Button. This lets you access things like voice chat via a microphone built into the Nintendo Switch console and enables you to share your game screen with other players. We also got a look at the GameShare feature, which lets you share certain compatible games with other Switch 2 users, allowing several people to play together on their Switch 2s online even if only one user owns the game.
Additionally, the Switch 2 supports a camera that allows you to videocall friends or superimpose your faces into games so you can really see the look of abject horror in your buddy’s eyes as you steal their star in Mario Party. A Nintendo Switch Online Membership will eventually be required to use the voice chat, but it will be free until March 2026.
Controller Changes
The new Joy-Cons feature magnets used to attach them to the Switch 2 console. Alongside the previously mentioned C-button used for communication functionality, the new Joy-Cons also feature larger joysticks, mouse controls (by using the Joy-Con as if it were a Computer mouse), and better rumble. For the Pro Controller it now features additional paddle buttons behind its hand grips. Hopefully, the original Joy-Con’s infamous drift problem has been addressed.
Nintendo Switch 2 Online Will Feature GameCube Games
The Nintendo Switch 2’s online subscription service will include the existing retro catalog alongside the addition of GameCube games. Some of the games shown include The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2, and F-Zero GX. It features online play for games that feature multiplayer. More titles are on the way, like Super Mario Sunshine. It will be coming out on the same day as the Nintendo Switch. There will also be a new wireless controller modeled after the GameCube controller.
There will be three types of games on the Nintendo Switch 2: Nintendo Switch 2 games, compatible Nintendo Switch games, and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. As for this third category, these are games previously released on the original Switch, which feature improved visuals or Switch 2-specific functionality, like using the new Joy-Con’s mouse mode.
New Games Announced
Mario Kart World
Starting off the show, Nintendo announced the first original Mario Kart game in over a decade, Mario Kart World. The trailer showed several new mechanics, including rail grinding, wall riding, outfits, new vehicles, additional tracks, and fresh power-ups. However, the biggest reveal is that it has much more interconnectivity between tracks, even allowing players to roam the world freely.
In the classic Grand Prix mode, you fight through stages in the classic Mario Kart style. There’s also the Knockout Tour, where players race nonstop through a series of connected stages, with players getting eliminated if they are too far behind. Finally, there’s free-roam, which lets you drive through these stages like you are in an open world. It will be launching with the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.
Donkey Kong Bananza
We got a first look at a new Donkey Kong 3D platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza, the first Donkey Kong game in this style since the Nintendo 64 days. Here, a redesigned DK punches through terrain, lifts chunks of stone, and barrels his way through a variety of vibrant 3D worlds in search of crystal bananas. It’s out on July 17th.
The DuskBloods, A Vampire-Themed Game By FromSoftware
In one of the most out-of-left-field announcements of the show, a new FromSoftware game is headed to the Switch 2 in 2026. It features a gothic, vampire-themed world that at least superficially calls to mind Bloodborne, but its eclectic mix of characters seems to imply it’s more multiplayer-oriented, like the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign. The strangest part, though, is that it’s a Switch 2 exclusive.
Deltarune Coming To Switch 2 and New Chapters Out With System Release
Deltarune, the spiritual successor to Undertale, will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. While the game’s first two chapters had already been released on PC for free, this new version will include the unreleased Chapters 3 and 4. It’s going to be out on release day.
Kirby Air Riders
Following up on the GameCube cart racing game Kirby Air Ride, we saw a teaser trailer for Kirby Air Riders. It’s being directed by Masahiro Sakurai, who originally created Kirby and previously directed the Super Smash Bros. series.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment was announced, a collaboration between Nintendo and Koei Tecmo Games. It’s set during the Imprisonment War, depicting the story leading into Tears of the Kingdom as Zelda is transported to the past. As another entry in the Hyrule Warriors series, it builds on the Dynasty Warriors template. It’s set for this Winter.
Drag N’ Drive
We saw a wheelchair basketball game called Drag N’ Drive that uses the Joy-Cons’ mouse controls for controlling your wheels and motion sensor to let you shoot. It’s coming out this Summer.
Enter The Gungeon 2
We got an announcement that the shoot ‘em up roguelike Enter the Gungeon will be getting a sequel.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
We also saw Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a game that provides details on how the Switch 2 works, tech demos, and mini-games. While it seems like it would be a free pack-in with the system, it will be for purchase.
Switch 2 Upgraded Games
As previously mentioned, the Switch 2 will have the option to upgrade certain games. You can either purchase them standalone or upgrade them for an additional fee.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
An upgraded version of Super Mario Party Jamboree is coming with mouse controls, audio recognition, better rumble, and Switch 2 camera compatibility. It will also have the new Boswer Life mode, which uses full-body movement and sound. It’s out July 24.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
These re-releases will both feature better resolution and framerates, alongside HDR support. They also support the Zelda Notes feature, a phone app that helps guide you to items you haven’t found yet (which seems like it defeats the joys of those games, but to each their own). You can also use the app to share vehicle schematics and more.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
This version will also have improved graphics and framerates, alongside the new Star-Crossed World expansion that will have additional levels to explore.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will launch with a Switch and Switch 2 edition. The Switch 2 edition will support mouse controls in addition to other control types. On the Switch 2, you can choose between quality or performance visual mode, which trades resolution for framerate.
Pokémon Z-A Legends
Pokémon Z-A Legends is also launching with a Switch and Switch 2 edition, with the latter version featuring better performance and graphics.
Third-Party Game Re-Releases and Previously Announced Titles
Hollow Knight: Silksong Still Exists, Still Doesn’t Have An Exact Release Date
The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong made a brief appearance in a montage but still doesn’t have an exact release date, and it’s currently slated for 2025.
Third-Party Re-Releases Coming to Switch 2
With the Nintendo Switch 2’s increased graphical power, it seems we’re going to see several recently released third-party games. For starters, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is headed for the Switch 2 later this year. Street Fighter 6 is coming as well, which will include all DLC characters from the first two years of the game when it comes out on the same day as the Switch 2. The following will also be re-releasing with the Switch 2 launch on June 5: Fortnite, Split Fiction, Hitman World of Assassination, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Civilization VII, Cyberpunk 2077: Alternate Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess,Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Fast Fusion, Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer, and Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition.
Several more will come out after the Switch 2’s release date, including Two Point Museum (2025), Star Wars Outlaws (2025), Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025), and Wild Hearts S (July 25). EA’s sports series like Madden will be coming to the system, as well as 2K’s NBA2K series and the wrestling series WWE2K.
Unreleased Games Coming To Switch 2
As for unreleased games, Hades II is coming to the system whenever it fully launches. Other unreleased third parties coming to the Switch 2 include the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 remake (Summer), Borderlands 4 (September 23), Story of Season: Grand Bazaar (August 27), Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Holiday 2025), Daemon Machina: Titanic Scion (September 5), Goodnight Universe (2025), Witchbrook (Holiday 2025), Shadow Labyrinth (July 18), RAIDOU Remastered: The Myster of the Soulless Army (June 19), No Sleep For Kaname Date- From AI: The Somnium Files (July 25), REANIMAL (2025), Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27), Human Fall Flat 2, and IO Interactive’s upcoming James Bond game.
You can view the full Nintendo Switch 2 Direct below:
