Nintendo Co. revealed its long-awaited Switch 2 console will hit stores on June 5 for $449.99, marking the Japanese company’s first major hardware update in over eight years.
The new system features redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that magnetically attach to the device and can function as mouse-like pointers. The 7.9-inch LCD screen delivers full HD visuals while maintaining the original Switch’s thickness.
Nintendo is emphasizing expanded social features with “GameChat,” allowing up to 12 players to voice chat during gameplay. The system also enables screen sharing and video chat via an optional camera attachment.
The company claims significantly improved processing power that enables 4K output and frame rates up to 120fps when docked to a TV. Internal storage has been increased to 256GB, eight times that of the original Switch.
Backward compatibility with Nintendo Switch games will be maintained, though some titles may not be fully supported. Users can share digital games through a new “virtual game card” feature.
Launch titles include “Mario Kart World,” which introduces seamless racing across connected courses with up to 24 drivers, and “Donkey Kong Bananza,” a 3D platformer arriving in July. Third-party support includes Cyberpunk 2077 and several FromSoftware titles.
Nintendo will begin taking pre-orders in North America on April 9. A bundle including Mario Kart World will retail for $499.99.
The Switch 2 arrives as Nintendo aims to revitalize hardware sales, which have declined 30% year-over-year for the original Switch according to recent financial reports.
