Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Roundup

It’s been eight years since the release of the Nintendo Switch, but we’re finally getting a view of what’s to come for its successor. Rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2 have been going around since last year, and it was teased this January. There’s a lot to unpack on the upcoming handheld, not to mention the games announced on the Nintendo Direct, so let’s get to the most important bits.

Nintendo Switch 2 features

The most obvious change to the handheld console is the size at 7.9 inches – more than an inch bigger than its predecessor. Despite the size, it retains its thickness at 13.9mm. The LCD screen can deliver high resolution at 1080p at 120 fps with HDR and VRR support, but it can offer up to 4k support for compatible games when docked. Other improvements to the hardware include better speakers that allow a 3D audio experience, as well as two USB-C ports and 256GB of memory for a better gaming experience.

Aside from that, there are other notable changes to the hardware, including the external memory working only for MicroSD Express Cards (not working for regular Nintendo Switch MicroSD cards) and having compatibility with games from the previous generation. There’s also the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – a USB-C camera that you must plug into the console to work. The console also has a Welcome Tour game, which reminds me of Astro’s Playroom, that explores the inner workings of the DualSense Wireless Controller. The game has a same-day release but is also a paid digital-only game. Although it’s probably not that expensive since it’s JPY 990  (around USD 6.77) in Japan, I think this should’ve been a freebie.

All about the new Joy-Con

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into a few things that stood out from the Nintendo Direct. Right off the bat, they focused a bit on the Joy-Con 2 controllers. These controllers no longer have slides to slip into the console – instead, they snap onto the sides of the Nintendo Switch 2, thanks to its magnets. Since the device’s screen is bigger, it follows that the controllers are also bigger, but more importantly, the shoulder buttons and joysticks seem more functional, thanks to the upsize.

The Joy-Con 2 also supports mouse mode, allowing finer aim and varied gameplay controls on supported games. If you’re still not sold on the Joy-Con 2, the new Pro Controller now has GL and GR buttons to customize controls further. There’s also an audio jack for a more immersive sound experience or if you want to play and not wake your roommate up. Not to mention that there’s a built-in mic, which I’ll get into in a bit.

In-game functionalities

Diving further into the Switch 2’s controller, one change is the C button for GameChat. Nintendo used to offer a chat capability as one of the few functions in its Nintendo Switch Online app, but from what I’ve experienced, it didn’t take off. For GameChat, you don’t need a separate app. However, one would need an online membership to access this. This is where the microphone comes into play, too. Users can invite their friends over for a chat while playing a game – it doesn’t matter if they’re playing the same game or a different one entirely. Thanks to the built-in mic, they can share their screen while talking to their friends.

The Nintendo Switch 2’s mic can pick up a user’s voice from afar, which means that one can play with their Switch docked to show on their TV while they’re on the couch and still have their voice captured. The mic would still catch the user’s voice if there were background noise. Pretty nifty, but I’m quite skeptical about how much this works in real life. The camera also makes playing with friends more fun, especially with games that utilize this functionality. Unfortunately, GameChat will require an online membership. Thankfully, the function will have open access until March 31, 2026, meaning players don’t need a membership until then.

Another feature is the GameShare functionality, which allows players to play locally and online with other Switch 1 and 2 consoles. Essentially, a group of users can play multiplayer games without everyone owning the game; it only takes one player who owns a game to share it with everyone else temporarily. The function is only available as a software update for a select number of games.

Exclusive games

Now that we have hardware to look forward to, one would ask what the exclusives are, and there were many games to look out for. For starters, the Direct kicked things off with Mario Kart World coming out the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2. Beyond the new racetracks to look out for, there are also new features, like picking up power-ups that turn your character into a giant, riding on rails and doing wall jumps, and bracing the change in weather. While there are 24 racers to get ahead of, players can also go off the beaten path and explore the racetrack world with their friends.

Up next is, of course, a Zelda game. In this case, the Direct showcased Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Not much is revealed in the preview, but it’s most likely a story about what Zelda was up to when she went back to fight against Ganondorf.

One surprising game marked as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 is The Duskbloods, slated for 2026. Developed by FromSoftware, this looks to be a gothic, multiplayer, Souls-like game, which isn’t normally associated with Nintendo due to its demanding and challenging gameplay. However, I think it’s a welcome departure from Nintendo’s assumed style.

Finally, the Direct closed off with the return of Nintendo’s beloved monkey, giving the franchise the Super Mario Odyssey treatment with Donkey Kong Bananza scheduled for release on July 17, 2025 – a month after the Nintendo Switch 2 release. This new, smashing 3D adventure game also incorporates some 2D platforming reminiscent of its predecessors.

Upgrades for grabs

Players can still pick up their games from the previous console and play them on the Switch 2. There’s no worry for those who love keeping physical copies of the games; physical copies have the same design, apart from the color upgrade. Speaking of an upgrade, some games from the Switch will get an upgraded Switch 2 version. Some games will have free visual upgrades, while others with more content won’t.

One of the games that has been showcased as having upgrades is Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV. This game adds mouse control, audio recognition, and camera use, as well as new modes like Bowser Live and Carnival Coaster.

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will also have an upgrade, the most important being an exclusive for Switch 2: the Zelda notes via the Nintendo Switch app. Thankfully, players don’t need a membership for this. The app can work as an in-game GPS to search for new areas on the map. It also allows players to share creations so other players can build them.

For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, players can take advantage of the Joy-Con 2 controller’s mouse compatibility. The game is also available in 4 K at 60 fps for a more immersive gaming experience.

Pricey expectations

The Direct showed a lot of games for the Nintendo Switch 2. Split Fiction, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition are just a few. Of course, the most important detail on everyone’s mind is when the console will be coming out and how much it will set them back. First, the easy part – it will be out on June 5 this year, with pre-orders starting on April 9.

Now, the not-so-fun part. The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at USD 449.99, while the bundle with Mario Kart World will be at a hefty price of USD 499.99. Interestingly, there are different pricing strategies in Japan. The Japanese version will cost JPY 49,980 (USD 334), while the multi-language system will cost JPY 69,980 (USD 467).

If you want to buy additional accessories, you must empty your wallet. The Pro Controller will cost USD 79.99, and a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers will cost USD 89.99. If you’re looking to get the camera, it’s USD 49.99, though if you happen to have a compatible camera on hand, then at least you don’t need to spend an extra one specifically for the console.

On top of that, one would have to consider the cost of each game. Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at USD 69.99, but Mario Kart World reportedly costs USD 79.99. This isn’t exactly an enticing amount for an otherwise interesting game to start the Nintendo Switch 2.

All in all, I think the Nintendo Direct was a success. It showed much about the Nintendo Switch 2 and had enough games to excite gamers. However, the pricing is something to consider, which is probably why they didn’t show it in the Direct in the first place. I think I can hold on to my coins before purchasing the Switch 2 on day one, but I’m definitely watching out for it to give me more games to justify the pricing.

YouTube: Nintendo Switch 2 – Overview Trailer

Photo credits: All images shown are owned by Nintendo and have been made available as part of their press kit.
Source: Nintendo Direct / Vikki Blake (IGN)