It’s here. The big Nintendo Direct focused on Nintendo Switch 2, where we finally learn what’s new with Nintendo’s next console. The Direct revealed what’s new with the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, new features, games, accessories, and more. Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, for $449.99.

“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. “With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”

Nintendo Switch 2 will have a large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p while maintaining the same thickness of Nintendo Switch. The new joy-cons, which connect magnetically to the console, can be operated like a mouse by sliding it on a surface like a table or on a pair of pants. They can be used in multiple ways, including for games that require aiming.

The new stand on the back of the Nintendo Switch 2 can be adjusted freely. The Nintendo Switch 2 features two USB-C ports, one at the bottom and one at the top of the system. Players can connect the included AC adapter to charge their system or connect a compatible USB-C camera, like the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory.

Nintendo Switch 2 will feature significantly improved CPU and GPU performance resulting in faster processing speed and enabling new visually advanced gameplay. The sound quality is more natural and clearer with an even more balanced sound range. The internal storage will be 8 times the storage capacity of Nintendo Switch, at 256 GB.

The new Nintendo Switch 2 Dock will output video up to 4K resolution and play games at up to 120 FPS with compatible games and displays.

GameShare is a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, where players can share and play the same game with others who don’t have the game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. GameShare can also be used with GameChat for online play, so players can chat with others while all of them play the same game.

GameChat is the big Nintendo Switch 2 online feature where players can play game and talk to each other as of they are in the same room. Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller. Players can use the system’s built-in mic to voice chat with up to 12 people in different locations. Up to four friends can share their screen, and if they connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), they can also video chat, seeing each other’s faces as they cheer, shout, or laugh while playing. Additional friends can join the chat via audio only. Until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be used without the need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

Nintendo Switch 2 will have three types of games to choose from: Nintendo Switch 2 games, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, and Nintendo Switch compatible games.

Mario Kart World is a brand-new experience set in a vast interconnected environment. Players can race seamlessly across connected courses that deliver Mario Kart racing like never before. 24 drivers will be able to participate in a race. World features new modes like the Knockout Tour, where players barrel through back-to-back courses and checkpoints, with no pit stops along the way. f a player doesn’t make it to each checkpoint at a high-enough placement, they will be eliminated. In Free Roam, players can go off the racetrack and drive in any direction they wish, explore areas, and take photos with friends. The game launches June 5 alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. A Mario Kart World Direct is set for April 17 at 06:00 PST / 09:00 EST.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand-new 3D platforming action adventure – available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Players will crash, bash, and climb through nearly everything in DK’s path and tear off chunks of terrain to swing around and throw in groundbreaking exploration. The more that is demolished with powerful punches, the more areas open up to discover. Donkey Kong Bananza launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

Kirby Air Riders is a brand-new title originated from  Nintendo GameCube classic racing-action game Kirby Air Ride, and Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, was announced for release this year.

Drag x Drive is a new online 3v3 game experience that challenges players to o use the mouse controls with both Joy-Con 2 at the same time to intuitively steer, speed up, perform tricks and make plays such as dunks.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the newest title in the Hyrule Warriors series. The game tells the untold story from Hyrule’s distant past of the Imprisoning War that ultimately led to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game launches on Nintendo Switch 2 this Winter.

The Duskbloods is a new Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive from FROMSOFTWARE. The moontears will flow for one and one alone in a brand new multiplayer title from the creators of DARK SOULS and ELDEN RING.

Players can get Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs to receive the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions which will feature enhanced graphics, exclusive content offerings, and new gameplay experiences.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV features unique modes and minigames that showcase mouse controls, the system’s built-in mic, and Nintendo Switch 2 camera. Friends can join together to join Bowser Live,  a game show-themed experience with 2v2 team battles and physical challenges. Losers will have to answer to Bowser himself. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV launches July 24.

Both The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Both titles will feature smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics that will make for a fresh experience when revisiting these adventures. Also coming is Zelda Notes, a game specific service exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of the game which can be accessed via the Nintendo Switch app. Zelda Notes helps players navigate to  various locations, like that difficult-to-find shrine or hidden Korok, and will even feature commentary from Princess Zelda herself that was not part of the original games. Both upgraded titles will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 launch day, June 5.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World launches on August 28. The upgrade pack includes new content which can be played in single-player and local-co-op, as well as improved performance for the entire game.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will allow for both standard controls and joy-con 2 mouse controls as players  wield Samus’s arm cannon with more precision, plus enhanced visuals and performance. Players can also choose between  Quality Mode and Performance Mode, both of which support HDR, based on your preference and playstyle. The game launches in 2025.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokemon Legends: Z-A will feature enhanced resolution and frame rates.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features new mouse controls that offer a more intuitive experience layers’ decisions will shape the cultural lineage of their empire. Construct cities and architectural wonders, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the world. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available on launch day.

Notable third-party games coming to Nintendo Switch 2 include Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Fortnite, Enter the Gungeon 2, HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Project 007, STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, DELTARUNE, Survival Kids, Star Wars Outlaws, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II, EA Sports Madden NFL and EA Sports FC, NBA 2K and WWE 2K, Split Fiction, Cyperpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster, and Borderlands 4. 

Nintendo Switch 2 will come with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, Joy-Con 2 grip. Joy-Con straps, Nintendo Switch 2 dock, Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable, Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter, and a USB-C charging cable.

Those interested can get the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for a suggested retail price of $499.99. This includes the system and a download code for the game.

Pre-orders for the system start next week on April 9.