- Nintendo’s Switch 2 console launches June 5, 2024 at $450, or $500 bundled with Mario Kart World.
- The new system features a 7.9-inch LCD display, 256GB storage, 4K TV output, and compatibility with original Switch games.
- Launch titles include Mario Kart World and several upgraded Switch games, with GameCube titles coming to Switch Online subscribers.
Nintendo has officially revealed its long-awaited Switch 2 console during a Wednesday livestream, announcing a June 5 release date for North America. The new gaming system will retail for $450 for the base model, marking a $150 increase from the original Switch’s launch price. A bundle including Mario Kart World will be available for $500.
The Switch 2 maintains the convertible design of its predecessor while delivering significant hardware improvements. The system features a larger 7.9-inch LCD display with 1080p resolution and HDR support, capable of running games at up to 120 frames per second. Nintendo emphasized that despite these enhancements, the new console won’t be any thicker than the original model.
Hardware Upgrades and New Features
Internal storage has been dramatically increased to 256GB—eight times more than the original Switch. The system supports microSD Express cards for expansion but won’t work with traditional microSD cards. When docked, the Switch 2 can output games at 4K resolution to compatible TVs.
The redesigned Joy-Con controllers feature magnetic attachments and larger control sticks, potentially addressing the “drift” issues that plagued the original controllers. They can also function individually like a mouse for supported games. A new “C” button on the right Joy-Con activates GameChat, allowing Discord-like voice communication with friends while gaming. This feature will be free until March 31, 2026, after which it will require a Switch Online subscription.
Game Lineup and Backward Compatibility
Mario Kart World headlines the launch lineup, featuring expanded tracks, 24 simultaneous drivers, and new elements like weather effects and interconnected courses. Nintendo will provide more details about the game in a dedicated April 17 livestream.
Other announced titles include Kirby’s Air Riders and Donkey Kong Bananza (releasing July 17), along with enhanced versions of popular Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These upgraded editions will offer improved graphics and performance, with owners of original versions able to purchase upgrade packs.
The Switch 2 will be backward compatible with both physical and digital Switch games. Additionally, GameCube titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX will be available exclusively to Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, with both local and online multiplayer support.
Third-party support includes Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, among others, ensuring a robust game library for early adopters.
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