Nintendo is finally ready to unveil its next-gen game console.
This week, games giant Nintendo finally held its long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, spilling (almost) all the details on the next-gen console. The hour-long online presentation saw Nintendo show off multiple upcoming games for the console, including Mario Kart World Tour and Kirby Air Riders. On the hardware side of things, we finally learned about what the ‘C’ button does on the Nintendo Switch 2, and got lots of details on the console's new features.
Here’s a new trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2:
New software details for the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers now include a ‘C’ button, which allows for all-new console features. Take, for example, GameChat. This is a Discord-like voice and video chat system that uses the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in mic, which also has noise-cancelling features. Players can even throw their faces onto their characters in certain video games. GameChat can be coupled with Nintendo’s own, and all-new, Nintendo Switch Camera. GameChat will be free for all to access until 31 March, 2026.
GameShare is another new Nintendo Switch 2 feature. This allows players to share their own games with others who don’t own that game. Thus, multiple devices can be used to play a single game, as if it were being played in local multiplayer.
We also got confirmation of backwards compatibility: the Nintendo Switch 2 will support Nintendo Switch games. Several GameCube games are coming to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, including The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and more. These games will be playable at a higher resolution than was available at launch. A Nintendo GameCube Controller is also in development, styled after the original.
New hardware details for the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2’s screen is 7.9 inches wide, and comes with a high definition 1080p display that supports up to 120fps gameplay. HDR is supported as well.
We also got confirmation that the new Joy-Cons connect to the main console magnetically, and can be released with the press of a button. The sticks on the new Joy-Cons are larger, and the Joy-Cons themselves can be used as mice for compatible games. The Nintendo Switch 2 also supports clearer audio in handheld and tabletop modes. When paired with a headset, the console will also support 3D audio via a future software update.
The Nintendo Switch 2 also comes with an adjustable stand, which allows the console to be laid almost flat on its back. The console comes with two USB-C ports instead of one, with one at the top and one at the bottom.
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a whopping 256GB of internal storage, with improved speed for reading and writing data. A fan is also included within the console to keep things cool. A new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is coming with two new buttons on the back, and a new C button on the front. The controller also has a headphone jack.
Nintendo Switch 2 launch date and price
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on 5 June, 2025. It will also be available as a bundle with Mario Kart World Tour. The console's price was also revealed via a news release after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: US$449.99.
