OUT NOW! Nintendo Switch 2

Good old Nintendo are at it again. I must confess, I stopped buying Nintendo consoles after Gamecube. But with The Duskbloods coming I might need to get one.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches Worldwide

June 5, 2025, the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched worldwide, marking the first major console release from Nintendo since the original Switch in 2017. With midnight launch events at retailers like Best Buy, Target, and GameStop, fans lined up to get their hands on the successor to one of the best-selling consoles of all time, which has sold over 150 million units. Described as potentially “the biggest games console launch of all time,” the Switch 2 has generated significant excitement, though stock shortages and pricing concerns have sparked discussion.

Key Features and Upgrades

The Nintendo Switch 2 builds on its predecessor’s hybrid design, offering both portable and docked gaming for TV play. It features a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display (up from 6.2 inches and 720p on the original) and improved hardware for enhanced graphics and performance. New magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers include larger SL/SR buttons for better multiplayer functionality and a unique “mouse mode” where controllers can be tilted sideways for cursor control in supported games. However, some reviewers note this feature lacks the precision of a traditional mouse.

The console supports backwards compatibility with most original Switch games, with free performance updates for titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and No Man’s Sky, optimizing visuals and frame rates for the new hardware. However, a day-one software update (Ver. 20.1.1) is required to unlock features like online access, backwards compatibility, and digital game downloads via Game-key cards.
A standout launch title, Mario Kart World, has been praised as “pure, unpredictable fun,” with new GameChat features allowing players to use the console’s 1080p camera or built-in microphones for voice and video chat during races, though the camera’s image quality has received some criticism. Other launch titles include enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

Pricing and Availability

The Nintendo Switch 2 retails at $450 for the standalone console, with a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499. Individual game prices, such as Mario Kart World at $80, have raised eyebrows, though many fans argue the content justifies the cost. Accessories like new Legend of Zelda and Street Fighter 6 Amiibo figures are also available, priced at $30 and $40, respectively.

Securing a Switch 2 has proven challenging. Pre-orders, which opened on May 8 through an invite-only system at My Nintendo Store, were disrupted by U.S. tariff concerns and overwhelmed retailer systems. Many stores, including Walmart and Best Buy, reported cancellations of pre-orders, but retailers like Target, GameStop, and Costco have confirmed additional stock for launch day, with Target hosting in-store events and online orders starting June 6. In the UK, retailers like Argos have restocked, but units sold out quickly. Nintendo has shipped “Out of Stock” signs to stores, anticipating high demand.

Reception and Challenges

While the Switch 2 has been lauded for its sturdier hardware and seamless online functionality, some critics call it an iterative upgrade rather than a revolutionary leap, citing similarities to the original Switch’s design and marketing strategy. The $7.99 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour demo has drawn criticism for its cost and lackluster execution, and features like GameChat requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription have sparked debate. Additionally, Nintendo’s strict policies against unauthorized modifications, such as emulators, could remotely disable consoles, raising concerns among modders and archivists.

What’s Next?

With 27 titles, including 2 first-party exclusives, 20 third-party games/ports, 2 enhanced Switch 1 editions, and 3 GameCube classics. With a growing library of enhanced titles, the Switch 2 is poised to continue Nintendo’s legacy of innovative gaming. Retailers advise fans to act quickly to secure units, as stock is expected to remain limited. For those looking to purchase, checking major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, or registering for My Nintendo Store’s invite system, offers the best chance to join the Switch 2 craze.
As Nintendo’s latest console hits shelves, it’s clear the Switch 2 is a celebration of the company’s enduring appeal, blending nostalgia with modern upgrades. Whether it lives up to the hype will depend on how Nintendo addresses stock shortages and fan expectations in the coming months.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games (June 5, 2025):

First-Party Exclusives

• Mario Kart World (Nintendo) – An open-world racing game with 24-player races, new modes like Knockout Tour, and Free Roam exploration. Priced at $80 or included in a $499 console bundle.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (Nintendo) – An interactive exhibit with minigames and quizzes showcasing the console’s features, priced at $10.

Third-Party Games and Ports

• Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer (Hamster Corporation) – A re-release of the original arcade Ridge Racer, marking the start of the Arcade Archives 2 series.
• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster (Square Enix) – An HD remaster of the 2012 3DS RPG with updated graphics, new minigames, and mouse controls, priced at $24.99.
• Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Firaxis Games/2K) – An enhanced version with Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, improved graphics, and performance.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (CD Projekt Red) – Includes the base game and Phantom Liberty expansion, optimized for Switch 2.
• Deltarune: Chapters 1-4 (8-4/Toby Fox) – Includes the first two chapters (previously available) and new Chapters 3 and 4, priced at $24.99 with free updates for future chapters.
• Fast Fusion (Shin’en Multimedia) – A futuristic racing game with car customization and local multiplayer support.
• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Square Enix) – Includes the base game and Yuffie DLC, optimized for Switch 2.
• Fortnite (Epic Games) – A free-to-play battle royale with rhythm and survival crafting elements, updated for Switch 2.
• Hitman: World of Assassination (IO Interactive) – Includes all three modern Hitman games with Mario-themed cosmetics for pre-orders.
• Hogwarts Legacy (Portkey Games/Warner Bros.) – An open-world RPG set in the Harry Potter universe, with enhanced graphics and mouse controls.
• No Man’s Sky: Switch 2 Edition (Hello Games) – A free upgrade for existing owners with enhanced multiplayer and performance.
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening – Complete Edition (Koei Tecmo) – A military strategy game with new scenarios and DLC included.
• Puyo Puyo Tetris – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Sega) – An updated version of the 2020 puzzle game with new multiplayer modes.
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (Marvelous) – A fantasy farming sim with RPG elements.
• Shine Post: Be Your Idol! (Developer not specified) – A game centered around idol culture and performance.
• Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts) – A critically acclaimed co-op platformer with a Friend’s Pass system and cross-play support.
• Street Fighter 6 (Capcom) – Available in base and Years 1-2 Fighter Editions, including all DLC characters like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui.
• Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars (Konami) – Remastered classic RPGs with enhanced visuals.
• Survival Kids (Konami) – A co-op survival crafting game set on desert islands.
• Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut (Sega) – A prequel to the Yakuza series with new cutscenes and multiplayer modes, exclusive to Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Editions (Enhanced Versions of Switch 1 Games)

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Nintendo) – Features improved frame rate, resolution, HDR, and Zelda Notes app integration. Free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members or $9.99 upgrade.
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Nintendo) – Similar enhancements to Breath of the Wild, including Zelda Notes with Autobuild recipe sharing. Free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members or $9.99 upgrade.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (GameCube Classics)

• F-Zero GX (Nintendo) – Classic GameCube racing game.
• Soulcalibur II (Bandai Namco) – Classic GameCube fighting game.
• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo) – Classic GameCube action-adventure game.

Additional Notes

• Backward Compatibility: Most Nintendo Switch 1 games are playable on Switch 2, with some receiving free performance updates (e.g., Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, Super Mario Odyssey).
• Game-Key Cards: Some third-party titles use this new format, requiring a download with the card inserted for play.
• Pricing: Most games are priced between $24.99 and $80, with Mario Kart World at the higher end. Upgrade packs for Switch 2 Editions vary, typically $2.59–$10.

Technical Specs

Nintendo Switch 2:

Size	Approximately 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x .55 inches thick (with Joy-Con™ 2 controllers attached). *The maximum thickness from the tip of the control sticks to the protruding parts of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.2 inches.
Weight	Approximately .88 lbs (Approximately 1.18 lbs with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached)
Screen	Capacitive touch screen 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen 1920×1080 pixels HDR10 support VRR up to 120 Hz
CPU/GPU	Custom processor made by NVIDIA.
Storage	256 GB (UFS) *A portion of the storage is reserved for use by the system.
Communication features	Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6) Bluetooth In TV mode, Nintendo Switch 2 can be connected using the wired LAN port on the dock.
Video output	Output via HDMI connector in TV mode Maximum of 3840×2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps (TV mode) Supports 120 fps when 1920×1080/2560×1440 resolutions are selected Supports HDR10 *Maximum 1920×1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode, following screen resolution.
Audio output	Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch Output via HDMI connector in TV mode *Surround sound effect can be applied when outputting to headphones or to the built-in speaker (surround sound effect when outputting to the built-in speaker requires a system update).
Speakers	Stereo The independent enclosure structure provides natural, clear sound quality.
Microphone	Built-in microphone (monaural) Noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and auto gain control provide a more comfortable voice chat experience.
Buttons	POWER Button/Volume buttons
USB-C® connectors	2 USB-C® connectors The port on the bottom is used to charge the console and connect to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. The port on the top is used to connect accessories and/or charge the console.
Audio jack	3.5mm 4-contact stereo mini-plug (CTIA standard) Please note: Nintendo cannot guarantee functionality with all products.
Game card slot	Both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch game cards can be inserted.
microSD Express card slot	Compatible with microSD Express cards only (up to 2 TB) *microSD memory cards that are not compatible with microSD Express can only be used to copy screenshots and videos from Nintendo Switch.
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensor located in Joy-Con 2 controllers Brightness sensor located in console
Operating environment	41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity
Internal battery	Lithium-ion battery/5220mAh
Battery life	Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours *These are rough estimates. The battery life will depend on the games you play.
Charging time	Approximately 3 hours *While the system is in Sleep mode.

Nintendo Switch 2 Dock:

Size	Approximately 4.5 inches tall x 7.9 inches wide x 2 inches thick The height includes the .08 inches added by the feet on the bottom of the dock.
Weight	Approximately .84 lbs
Ports	2 USB Ports (USB 2.0 compatible) on the side System connector AC adapter port HDMI port LAN port

Joy-Con 2 Controllers:

Size	Approximately 4.57 inches tall x .56 inches wide x 1.2 inches thick *The maximum thickness from the tip of the control sticks to the protruding parts of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.2 inches.
Weight	Joy-Con 2 [L] 2.3 oz Joy-Con 2 [R] 2.4 oz
Buttons	Joy-Con 2 [L] Left Stick (pressable) Up/Down/Left/Right/L/ZL/SL/SR/- Buttons Capture Button Release Button Sync Button Joy-Con 2 [R] Right Stick (pressable) A/B/X/Y/R/ZR/SL/SR/+ Buttons HOME Button C Button Release Button Sync Button
Wireless	Joy-Con 2 [L] Bluetooth 3.0 Joy-Con 2 [R] Bluetooth 3.0/NFC
Sensor	Joy-Con 2 [L] Accelorometer Gyroscope Mouse sensor Joy-Con 2 [R] Accelorometer Gyroscope Mouse sensor
Vibration	HD rumble 2
Internal battery	Lithium ion battery / battery capacity 500mAh
Battery life	Approximately 20 hours *Battery life may vary depending on the usage.
Charging time	Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes *Joy-Con controllers are charged when attached to the system or Joy-Con 2 charging grip.

Joy-Con 2 Strap:

Size	Approximately 4.6 inches tall x .65 inches wide x .28 inches thick *Excluding cord part
Weight	Approximately .25 oz *Excluding cord part

Joy-Con 2 Grip:

Size	Approximately 4.57 inches tall x 5.67 inches wide x 1.58 inches thick
Weight	Approximately 3.35 oz