Rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 have been circulating for years. Whispers of the next-gen Nintendo console first started when The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was initially teased in 2019, then gained steam when the Switch OLED launched in 2021. There’s no doubt that the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console — it has a unique and impressive game library (with more upcoming games slated for this year), the number of features included with Nintendo Switch Online is constantly improving, and it’s still our favorite portable console — but it isn’t without its flaws. But there’s plenty of room for improvement in a follow-up console.
After what felt like years of leaks and rumors, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2 to the world. Here’s everything we know about the system so far, as well as what is still up in the air.
Switch 2 release date
On April 2, Nintendo hosted a special hour long Nintendo Switch 2 Direct where we finally learned the release date for the upcoming console. The Switch 2 will hit store shelves on June 5, with preorders starting on April 9.
Switch 2 Backward compatibility
As part of the Switch 2 announcement, Nintendo confirmed that both physical and digital Switch games will be compatible with the Switch 2. However, there is one asterisk here in that not every game will be compatible. Nintendo hasn’t released that list of games yet, so there’s no telling how extensive it is.
While it isn’t directly related to backward compatibility, we also learned that the Switch 2 will use the new Virtual Game Card system to make sharing digital games between consoles easier. Additionally, several Switch games can be upgraded to Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for a fee, though how much that is hasn’t been disclosed as of yet.
Switch 2 Design
On the surface, the Switch 2 looks almost identical to the original Switch. It retains the same basic form factor and design but with a larger screen and Joy-Con controllers. Otherwise, the only major design change is a more sturdy-looking kickstand for the screen when playing with the Joy-cons detached. Nintendo went with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality with the console.
The Joy-cons have the most new features hidden inside. First, they are now magnetically connected to the main screen so you no longer have to slide them in and out of position. What is most unique this time, though, is the ability to use a Joy-con similar to a mouse by placing it on its edge on a surface. This could open up a new world of possibilities for how we interact with games on a console. The only game we have seen this in action for thus far is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond but expect it to be an option in more games as they release.
Price
It’s time to start saving up because the Switch 2 will cost you $499 at launch or $500 for the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle. Considering the original Switch never got a price reduction, don’t expect this system to get any official price cut either.
Internal specs
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct came with a ton of info about what’s under the hood of Nintendo’s new console. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the technical details revealed to date about the Switch 2, though a few details are still question marks for now. We also have comparisons of the Switch vs Switch 2 and Switch 2 vs Steam Deck if you’re on the fence about which one you should invest in.
| Size | 3.9mm thick |
| Weight | TBD |
| Screen | 7.9-inches, 1080p HDR, 120Hz. |
| CPU/GPU | Nvidia GPU |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Video output | 4K docked, 1080p handheld |
| Audio output | 3D audio |
| Speakers | Stereo |
| USB connector | 2 USB Type-C ports |
| Headphone/mic jack | Built-in mic with noise-cancelling tech, but audio jack included in the new Pro Controller |
| Game card slot | Nintendo Switch game cards |
| microSD card slot | Supports microSD Express |
| Internal battery | Lithium-ion battery/522mAh or ~20Whr |
| Battery life | 2 – 6.5 hours |
| Charging time | TBD |
| Availability | Launching on June 5 |
One aspect that doesn’t fit neatly into that table is DLSS. Nintendo has confirmed that the new system will take advantage of this AI upscaler, as well as ray tracing technology, but it wasn’t willing to share how. This makes sense, given we know that the system uses an Nvidia GPU, but we were told by Tetsuya Sasaki, GM of Nintendo’s Technology Department Division, that “Nintendo doesn’t share too much on the hardware spec. What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information.”
The company was similarly cryptic about ray tracing beyond the fact that the GPU does support that technology as an option for developers.
Screen quality
Sadly, the Switch 2 will not have an OLED option at launch and will stick to an LCD display. However, it is going to be able to produce far better visuals than the original Switch. While docked, the Switch 2 can output at up to 4K visuals with full HDR depending on the game and whether you pick the performance or quality mode, but it is limited to 1080p in handheld mode regardless.
Controllers
The Switch 2 will use new magnetic Joy-Cons that are slightly larger than the originals but have a few other notable upgrades. For one, they now connect magnetically instead of sliding into place, but the big new feature is the ability to use them similar to a mouse. Certain games will allow you to place one Joy-Con on a flat surface and essentially use it as a pointer, like a traditional mouse for aiming in FPS games or playing strategy games.
The Switch 2 will also come with a new and improved Pro Controller that is a big step up from the original. This new version includes the new C button for the new GameChat feature, an audio jack, and customizable back buttons. This brings it in line with the best PS5 controllers and best Xbox controllers in terms of functionality.
Preorder
With the launch date revealed, we are all getting ready to preorder the Switch 2 before they sell out. Check out our dedicated preorder guide for a full list of retailers and handy links to specific preorder pages, but the long and short of it is that you can go to any major outlet starting on April 9 for a chance to reserve your system.
