The Nintendo Switch 2 is Nintendo's successor to its landmark 2017 hybrid console, officially launching worldwide on June 5, 2025, at a retail price of $449.99 USD. It retains the Switch's signature dock-and-play design while delivering a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen, a more powerful processor, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a new online voice-chat feature called GameChat. The launch title Mario Kart World ships alongside the console, marking Nintendo's biggest hardware refresh in eight years.
What's New in the Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware?
The Switch 2 is physically larger than its predecessor, housing a 7.9-inch LCD display (up from 6.2 inches on the original Switch) within a redesigned chassis that weighs approximately 401 grams. Nintendo has not officially disclosed the exact processor, but analysis points to a custom NVIDIA Tegra T239 chip supporting DLSS upscaling — enabling games to target 4K output when docked. Internal storage doubles to 256 GB, and the console supports microSD Express cards for faster load times. The most visible hardware change is the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which attach magnetically rather than via sliding rails, and include a new 'C Button' dedicated to the GameChat social feature. A built-in mouse-mode lets Joy-Con 2 function as a mouse on flat surfaces, opening new gameplay possibilities.
What Games Are Available at Launch for Switch 2?
Mario Kart World is the headline launch title, the first mainline Mario Kart game since Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in 2017, featuring open-world track exploration for the first time in the franchise's history. The Switch 2 also launches with Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer announced for July 17, 2025. Third-party support is broad from day one: Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, and Assassin's Creed Shadows are all confirmed Switch 2 titles, demonstrating the console's substantially improved processing power over the original Switch. Nintendo has also introduced 'Switch 2 Edition' upgrades for select existing titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, offering enhanced resolution and frame rates.
| Feature | Nintendo Switch (2017) | Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.2-inch LCD | 7.9-inch LCD |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 256 GB |
| Joy-Con Attachment | Sliding rail | Magnetic |
| Docked Output | 1080p | Up to 4K (DLSS) |
| Launch Price (USD) | $299.99 | $449.99 |
| Online Chat Feature | Nintendo Switch Online App | GameChat (built-in) |
What Is GameChat and How Does It Work?
GameChat is a native Switch 2 feature accessed via the C Button on Joy-Con 2, enabling players to voice and video chat with up to three other Switch 2 users simultaneously without a smartphone app. It also supports screen-sharing, letting friends watch or give advice during gameplay in real time. GameChat is included with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, which continues to provide access to a library of classic NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis titles. The feature directly addresses one of the most common criticisms of the original Switch's cumbersome third-party app requirement for online voice communication.
