Exciting new details emerged this week surrounding the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, giving gaming fans an idea of what to expect from the next evolution of Nintendo's iconic console.
On Wednesday, Nintendo announced at its Nintendo Direct showcase that the new console will be released June 5 at a suggested retail price of $449.99 in the U.S.
"Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch. With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches," Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said in a statement.
The top trending gaming consoles and games, according to expertsJoost van Dreunen, a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business and writer of a games industry-focused newsletter called the SuperJoost Playlist, told ABC News earlier this year, "Nintendo is building on the massive success of the original Switch while adding just enough improvements to justify the upgrade."
According to van Dreunen, this showcases Nintendo's deep understanding of its audience. "Nintendo is making a carefully calculated bet with the Switch 2 that will likely pay off," van Dreunen said. "While some might have hoped for a more revolutionary device, Nintendo's evolutionary approach shows deep market understanding."
Van Dreunen predicted sales potential of up to 18 million units in its first year. He also noted that the success of the Switch 2 will likely hinge on a number of factors, including its alignment with major cultural moments, such as the release of the new Mario movie in 2026.
"The console's focus on accessible and social gaming rather than competing with Microsoft and Sony on raw technical specs underscores Nintendo's commitment to creating shared experiences for all ages," van Dreunen added.
Below, read everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 so far.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch June 5, 2025.
The Switch 2 will be $449.99, which is significantly higher than the first-generation model's $300 price.
You can also purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle "for a suggested retail price of $499.99 in the United States, which includes a system and a download code for the Mario Kart World game, available from Nintendo Switch 2 launch day on June 5," Nintendo said Wednesday.
Earlier this year, in the Nintendo Switch 2 first-look trailer released in January, the Switch 2 was confirmed to have a larger display compared to the original model.
Nintendo confirmed Wednesday that the Switch 2 "has a large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p while maintaining the same thickness of Nintendo Switch."
"Even while on the go, Nintendo Switch 2 offers vivid, detailed game experiences, as well as smooth graphics showcasing character movements and their rich facial expressions," the company said.
According to Nintendo, the Joy-Con 2 controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch 2 are "newly designed" and "magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console."
"In addition, either Joy-Con 2 controller can be operated like a mouse by sliding it on a surface like a table or on a pair of pants," the company said. "They can be used in multiple ways, including for games that require aiming."
Nintendo said Wednesday that the Switch 2 boasts a new GameChat feature, allowing users to "play games and talk like everyone is in the same room, even if they are miles apart."
"Whether sharing a victory or just waving hello, GameChat makes it feel like online friends around the world are on the same couch," Nintendo said. "Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller. The system’s built-in mic can be used to voice chat while playing games with up to 12 people in different locations."
Read more about the GameChat feature here.
According to Nintendo, the new Switch console comes with the following:
Nintendo said this week that the new Switch console boasts 256 GB of storage space, eight times the storage capacity of the original Switch.
"For additional storage, Nintendo Switch 2 only uses microSD Express cards, which have faster data reading speeds than previous microSD models," the company said.
The Switch 2 will maintain a hybrid design, offering both handheld and docked gameplay modes. It will also feature backward compatibility with existing Switch games, ensuring a seamless transition for current Switch owners.
"Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers and peripherals, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, will also be usable on Nintendo Switch 2 by connecting them wirelessly to the system," the company said this week.
The new Switch will offer players several new titles, as well as Switch 2 Editions, "upgraded versions" of existing Switch games.
New games include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders, as well as third-party exclusives including Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment -- a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, out this winter -- The Duskbloods, from the creators of Elden Ring, Borderlands 4 and more.
Upgraded Switch 2 Editions of previous games include Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, and more.
Click here for full details on all the new titles and upgraded editions.
Preorders for the Switch 2 begin April 9, 2025. Select retailers like Best Buy and GameStop have Nintendo Switch 2 pages live where you can sign up online and be notified as soon as preorder is available. Nintendo is also allowing you to register your interest to buy the new gaming system on its site.
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ABC News' Melanie Schmitz contributed to this article.
