Nintendo Switch 2: Launch Date Announced

After months of speculation and eager anticipation, Nintendo has officially unveiled its much-anticipated successor to the Switch console: the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to hit the shelves on June 5, it will retail for $449.99 and will launch alongside the new Mario Kart World.

Features and Specifications

During a 60-minute Nintendo Direct presentation, the company showcased impressive details about the new gaming console. The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a larger 7.9-inch screen, featuring double the pixel density of its predecessor and offering stunning 1080p resolution. Gamers can enjoy smooth animations with support for up to 120 frames per second, alongside enhanced high dynamic range lighting for improved color contrast, all while maintaining the same slim profile as the original model.

Additionally, the dock now supports up to 4K resolution when connected to a TV. The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically to the console, and their SL and SR buttons have been enlarged for greater comfort when used as standalone controllers. What's more, each Joy-Con includes a rollerball, allowing it to function as a mouse for precise navigation. This innovative feature was demonstrated through a wheelchair basketball game called Drag X Drive, where players used the Joy-Cons to maneuver the wheels effectively.

“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,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. “With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”

Things coming with Nintendo Switch 2

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
• Joy-Con 2 Grip
• Joy-Con 2 Straps
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
• Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
• USB-C Charging Cable

Just like its predecessor, the Switch 2 is designed as a hybrid system, enabling users to enjoy games on its built-in screen or on a TV, with the flexibility to switch between the two seamlessly.

The console will also be fully compatible with the majority of original Switch games, ensuring a smooth transition for existing players. Upgraded versions of these games will feature enhanced visuals. Shortly after the console's release, the party game Super Mario Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will hit the shelves, introducing features like mouse controls, audio recognition, camera support, and improved rumble effects. Additionally, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will boast higher resolution graphics and exciting new gameplay elements, including a smartphone-style map app. Other popular titles such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land will also receive Switch 2 editions, allowing original owners to purchase upgrade packs for a fresh experience.