After months of anticipation and swirling rumors, Nintendo has officially announced the release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 — June 5. The follow-up to one of the best-selling consoles of all time is finally here, and fans couldn’t be more excited.
The buzz really took off back in January when Nintendo confirmed the console’s existence. But now, during a much-anticipated Nintendo Direct presentation viewed by over a million people, the company has shared full details — and it’s clear the Switch 2 is more than just an upgrade.
Release date: June 5, 2025
Price: $449.99, £329.99, €469.99
A Whole New Mario Kart, Plus Major Titles
Leading the pack is Mario Kart World, a fresh take on Nintendo’s most iconic racing game. It’s been completely overhauled with lush new environments, dynamic weather, and sprawling tracks — a clear showcase of the Switch 2’s new hardware capabilities.
And it doesn’t stop there. Other big-name titles announced include Elden Ring, Street Fighter 6, and Donkey Kong Bananza — a brand-new platforming adventure. Plus, Kirby Air Riders is making a comeback after almost two decades, to the delight of long-time fans.
Nintendo also confirmed that existing Switch games will be playable on the new console, and some will even get shiny new Switch 2 editions with enhanced graphics and gameplay tweaks.
On the Nintendo Store, Mario Kart World is listed at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99 for digital versions.
What’s New with the Switch 2?
The new console boasts a larger 7.9-inch screen, upgraded to 1080p with HDR and up to 120fps, offering a much crisper and smoother gaming experience. There are also larger buttons, improved control sticks, and even mouse functionality built into the Joy-Cons for supported games.
One standout feature is the new voice chat button, called the C button, which brings built-in voice communication to the Switch for the first time. Players will appear on-screen in chat windows similar to Zoom, and Nintendo says the system will filter out background noise for clearer communication.
Storage has also gotten a much-needed boost — the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, addressing a common gripe with earlier models.
Third-Party Surprises
In a surprise twist, the Switch 2 is attracting some heavyweight third-party games that previously skipped Nintendo consoles. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Hitman World of Assassination, Hades 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong are all on the way.
And there’s more: FromSoftware is developing a new multiplayer game, The Duskbloods, exclusively for the Switch 2, slated for release in 2026.
Price & Availability
The Switch 2 will be priced at $449.99 for the base console or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World. Prices will vary depending on the region.
Nintendo Switch 2 box contents:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R) with Grip and Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
Big Shoes to Fill
The original Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, was a massive hit — selling over 150 million units, making it the third best-selling console ever behind the PS2 and Nintendo DS.
Its hybrid design, letting players seamlessly switch between handheld and TV play, was a game-changer. Nintendo is clearly hoping the Switch 2 builds on that legacy while offering enough new features to justify the upgrade.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa called the new console “a leap forward,” and emphasized that part of the delay in release was to ensure enough units would be available at launch — a lesson learned from recent console shortages that plagued the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S launches during the pandemic.
Of course, global trade issues — including tariffs introduced under President Trump — could still pose challenges. But for now, all eyes are on June 5.
Let the countdown begin.
