Mario Kart World: The Grand Entrance
The reveal started off strong with Mario Kart World, which looks absolutely stunning! It features 24-player online play and a massive open world where you can drive anywhere you want. And yes, there’s even a cow riding a bike! The only downside? The price. The digital version costs €80, while the physical version is a record-breaking €90.
The All-New Joy-Con 2
Nintendo has redesigned the Joy-Con controllers, now called Joy-Con 2:
- Larger size for better ergonomics
- Magnetic attachment to the console
- New “C Button” added
- Bigger SL and SR buttons for improved usability
- Integrated mouse sensor, allowing the Joy-Con to function as a mouse
The C Button and Game Chat
The C Button introduces an exciting new feature: Game Chat. This is Nintendo’s answer to Discord, enabling:
- Voice chat
- Screen sharing
- Camera support (sold separately for €60)
- Automatic face tracking and cutout
Built-in Microphone & Headset Support
The Switch 2 includes a built-in microphone, so you can chat without a headset. However, for better audio quality, the Pro Controller now has a headset port. Game Chat requires an online membership, but it will be free for all users until March 31, 2026.
Download Play is Back!
Game Share allows players to play a game together with only one copy of the game. The game will be wirelessly downloaded to nearby consoles for local play. The first game to support this is 51 Worldwide Classics, with more to follow. Even better, this feature will also be available on the original Switch!
The Console: Bigger and Better
New Display and Hardware Upgrades
- 7.9-inch screen (previously 6.2 inches)
- 1080p HDR 120Hz display
- Louder, clearer speakers with 3D audio (headphones supported at launch, speakers in a future update)
- Built-in noise-canceling microphone
- More versatile kickstand (similar to the OLED model but thinner and more adjustable)
- Two USB-C ports (both support charging!)
- Charge while in tabletop mode!
- The second USB-C port is perfect for the optional camera accessory
- 256GB of faster storage (only supports SD Express cards, not standard microSD cards)
New Dock with 4K Support
The new Switch 2 dock features:
- 4K HDR output (up to 60fps)
- 1080p 120fps support
- Built-in cooling fan
- Integrated Ethernet port
Backward Compatibility
The Switch 2 supports physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, though not all games are compatible. A compatibility list will be available.
“Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour”
Nintendo introduced “Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour”, a game designed to showcase the console’s new features. However, in true Nintendo fashion, this is a paid game.
New Game Cards
Switch 2 game cards are physically identical to the original Switch cartridges but are now red and feature faster storage.
System Transfer
You can transfer save data, digital games, and more from the original Switch to the Switch 2.
New Pro Controller
The updated Pro Controller features:
- C Button for Game Chat
- New back buttons (GR and GL) that can be remapped
- Smoother control sticks
- Headphone jack for Game Chat
The original Pro Controllers and Joy-Cons are also compatible with the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrades
Some existing Switch games will receive paid or free Switch 2 upgrades. Examples:
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom (performance upgrades + mobile app support)
- Super Mario Party Jamboree+ Jamboree TV (new graphics, gameplay, camera & microphone support)
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land+ Star-Crossed World (enhanced visuals)
- Metroid Prime 4 (4K 60fps or 1080p 120fps, mouse support)
- Pokémon Legends Z-A (improved graphics and performance)
New & Third-Party Titles
Several new and third-party games were announced:
- DragXDrive – A unique game using Joy-Cons as mice
- Elden Ring
- Hades 2
- Street Fighter 6
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Borderlands 4
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025 release!)
- Nintendo Switch Online: GameCube Games!
- First games: Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, Soul Calibur 2
- New Wireless GameCube Controller announced
The Grand Finale
Nintendo closed the Direct with two massive reveals:
- Duskbloods – A Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive from FromSoftware (totally not Bloodborne?)
- Donkey Kong Bonanza – A physics-driven adventure launching July 17
Additionally, Kirby Air Riders (essentially Kirby Air Ride 2) was announced, directed by Masahiro Sakurai.
Pricing & Release Date
The Switch 2 will launch in two bundles on June 5:
- Base Console: €469
- Mario Kart World Bundle: €510
Lesser-Known Facts
- A “Secret” Japan-Only Budget Model – This version only supports Japanese and requires a Japanese Nintendo account.
- Physical vs. Digital Pricing – Physical copies cost €10 more than digital.
- Anti-Scalper Measures – To pre-order, you must have an active Nintendo account with substantial playtime.
- Supports 1440p – As seen in the trailer.
- Virtual Game Cards – A new way to own digital titles physically.
- Game Key Cards – A new system for digital-only games that lets you sell and trade them like physical games.
That wraps up everything revealed about the Nintendo Switch 2. With a huge lineup of games, exciting new hardware features, and some controversial pricing decisions, this next-gen Nintendo console is shaping up to be something special. Are you excited for the Switch 2? Let me know in the comments!
