Nintendo Switch 2: Complete Guide to What We Know About Nintendo’s Upcoming Console

After a prolonged period of anticipation spanning approximately two years, Nintendo has officially introduced the Nintendo Switch 2. Recent announcements from the company have clarified various specifications and features regarding this highly awaited console, and this article aims to consolidate all pertinent information.

Release Date and Price

The official release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set for June 5, 2025, following its announcement during a dedicated Nintendo Direct stream on April 2, 2025. Although no pricing details were disclosed during the stream, information was promptly shared in subsequent press releases and on Nintendo’s official website.

The console’s pricing is as follows: $449.99 in the United States, $629.99 in Canada, $699 in Australia, €469.99 in Europe, and £395.99 in the United Kingdom. Notably, Japan will feature a special, more affordable version priced at ¥49, 980 (approximately $330), though this version will be region-locked. The region-free variant will only be available through Nintendo’s online store in Japan.

Pre-orders commenced on April 9 in most regions; however, they faced delays in the U. S.and Canada, largely due to concerns about impending tariffs introduced by Donald Trump. Financial analysts and consumers expressed anxiety that these tariffs could lead to an increase in the already elevated pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Fortunately, Nintendo has confirmed that the hardware prices will remain unchanged, although some accessories will see a price increase.

Hardware Specifications

The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains a familiar design reminiscent of its predecessor, marking a departure from Nintendo’s traditional approach of radically changing designs since the Super Nintendo era. This console continues to blend handheld and home gaming, now powered by advanced NVIDIA Tegra technology.

One of the significant upgrades is the larger screen, which boasts Full HD resolution and supports High Dynamic Range (HDR).This version also features NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, offering a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that can reach up to 120 Hz. However, it’s unclear whether VRR is available in docked mode, as certain specifics have been omitted from official online resources. When docked, the Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of delivering 4K resolution at 60Hz, and the dock includes a cooling fan to ensure optimal temperature management.

The integration of NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution upscaling technology is set to enhance frame stability during gameplay, although developers have several upscaling options available. While the console technically supports ray tracing, it is uncertain if many developers will utilize this feature due to its substantial demands on the hardware.

Returning with enhancements, the Joy-Con 2 controllers feature magnetically attachable designs—a change likely to be welcomed by fans. While some earlier speculations about Hall Effect sensors in the joysticks were not realized, Nintendo assures that the joysticks are smoother and more reliable than before. The SL and SR buttons have been enlarged for better usability, and the controllers can now be employed like a computer mouse in games that enable this functionality. Additionally, a new C button now activates the novel Game Chat feature, allowing up to 12 users to participate in voice chat during gameplay, even across different titles.

Players can share their screens in real-time, and with an optional USB-C camera accessory, they can engage in video chats. Notably, the Game Chat feature will be available free of charge until March 31, 2026, after which an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be required for access.

Game Sharing Feature

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces an innovative Game Share capability, enabling users to share compatible games with friends and family who do not own the title. Interestingly, while only a Switch 2 can initiate game sharing, a Switch 1 can receive shared content. This feature operates both locally and online (though not all games are compatible) through the aforementioned Game Chat.

Below is the current list of titles confirmed to support the Game Share feature: