Though that’s not to say we didn’t learn an awful lot from that presentation.
(Especially when it came to thepartner game line-up.)
We’ve outlined theSwitch 2 specs, taken a look at theconsole’s featuresandevery game currently announcedfor the console.
First though, take the time to see what we learned at ourSwitch 2 hands-on session.
More importantly we got our Switch 2 release date!
Just bear in mind to attend one of the Switch 2 hands-on events you will need a Nintendo Account.
Switch 2 release date
The Switch 2 will bereleased on Thursday 5th June.
It may also differ between storefronts and you should be careful of scalpers and scams.
When it comes to choosing your storefront, keep in mind the prices above in mind.
You don’t want to overpay and you want to be especially careful of scalpers.
Keep in mind that certain storefronts have already started offering pre-orders.
(At the time of writing, Currys is only accepting pre-orders made in-person.)
Though it’s important to note that you better have an invite to order from Amazon.
Things work a little differently when it comes to ordering from Nintendo themselves though…
The Switch 2 has two important dates you gotta remember when it comes to pre-ordering.
The first isTuesday 8th April when pre-orders for the Switch 2 will open on the My Nintendo Store.
Nintendo has confirmed there areno plans to adjust the ongoing pre-order process for the UK.
Here’s the criteria for pre-ordering a Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store.
The inclusion of these games has been speculated ever sinceFCC filing for a GameCube controllerwas discovered.
What the Switch 2 game cards taste like is yet to be confirmed.
(Very close to what Bloomberg has previously reported on!)
While it’s still an LCD screen, it runs 1080p and supports up to 120 fps.
It will also be able to support HDR on selected titles.
Not just that, it looks far sturdier thanks to the wider base.
Do not like how it wobbles sometimes.
Namely, the sound of the fans.
It should also help keep your Switch 2 healthier for long as it should help prevent overheating.
Finally, the Switch 2 dock supports both 4K for compatible games and HDR in TV mode.
Firstly, both the SL / SR buttons and the control sticks have been made larger.
The controllers now attached magnetically - something Nintendo considered adding to the original Switch.
The rumours about the controllers having mouse controls have also been proven to be correct.
There’s also some motion controls thrown in there as well.
Two new buttons have been added - GL and GR.
It allows up to four players to chat and play games at the same time.
Though you don’t have to be playing the same game!
It includes screen sharing where you’re able to see each other’s game screen.
This screen is also adjustable and it’s possible for you to expand another player’s game screen.
When it comes to the C-Button, pressing it will fire up the GameChat menu.
GameChat also supports Nintendo Parental Controls.
It will also be possible to set the camera’s field of view.
(Once this period passes, you will have to pay to use GameChat.)
Mic
GameChat works using the in-built mic found at the top of the Switch 2.
(A much better position compared to the mic on the Nintendo DS.)
GameShare
The Switch 2 will also support GameShare.
Players don’t even need to be using the same Nintendo console!
it’s possible for you to even lend games to other players for a limited time period.
On the Switch 2, you’ll be able to use GameChat and GameShare at the same time.
It will also begin with 51 supported Switch titles and on selected Switch 2 titles.
GameShare will begin with a free update for 51 Worldwide Games on the Nintendo Switch.
It also confirmed during thedeveloper presentation Tom Phillips attended.
Elsewhere thereports from VGCabout the Switch 2 having an LCD screen have been proved to be correct.
This in turn allows them to focus on improving other aspects of the Switch 2.
Interestingly,Bloomberggot very close with its claim that theSwitch would have an eight-inch LCD screen.
In truth the screen is 7.9 inches, but I’d count that as a win personally.
Sure, it resembles the original but the wider base clearly offers more support that the original was lacking.
The Switch 2 dock also has the ability to support both 4K and HDR on compatible games.
Yet, what I like the most is the in-built ventilation.
Now titled the Joy-Con 2, they benefit from larger control sticks and SL / SR buttons.
(Which, let’s face it, isn’t the best.)
The latter focuses heavily on these mouse controls, with some motion controls as well, for its gameplay.
Nintendo’s next console was demoed behind closed doors at the event, according toour sourcesand aVGC report.
Nintendo Switch 2 Editions will also be available as both physical and digital games.
This will offer Voice Guidance for finding Shrines and Korok Seeds.
It is a launch title.
This will offer Voice Guidance for finding Shrines and Korok Seeds and sharing QR codes of Fusion creations.
It is a launch title.
It will be released on Thursday 24th July.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land- Improved graphics, improved frame rates and an additional storyline.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond- Supports mouse controls, 4K at 60fps and full HD support at 120 fps.
Released alongside Switch version.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A- Enhanced resolution and frame rates.
Released alongside Switch version.
The selected games will have higher image quality and higher resolution than the original releases.
A Nintendo GameCube controller will also be released for this service at launch.
It will be able to connect wireless to your Switch 2 and will have a C-Button for Game Chat.
Just keep in mind that this controller will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members.
So far we know there’s going to be a desert, city and country fields.
You’ll also have to content with changes of the time of day and different weather conditions.
Each race will have 24 drivers and there’s a whole host of cups to partake in.
One of these new cups is Knockout Tour.
Here you’ll race non-stop from one side of the map to another.
It will put your knowledge of both the tracks and the map itself to the test!
Just verify you’re hitting those check points or else you’ll be eliminated.
Mario Kart World will be released on Thursday 5th June alongside the Switch 2 itself.
There will be a special Mario Kart World Direct at 2pm (BST) on Thursday 17th April.
Sadly, this game isn’t free.
(Though it really does sound like it should be.)
Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananzais platforming action adventure game focusing around Nintendo’s favourite gorilla.
At the time of writing, we don’t know how much about the title.
Together they’ll travel through a variety of landscapes, including platforming classics like a desert and snowy tundra.
The storyline also looks like it’s connected to a place called Ingot Isle.
Donkey Kong Bananza will be released on Thursday 17th July 2025.
Drag X Drive
Drag X Driveis a three-on-three basket ball multiplayer game.
Drag X Drive will be released in Summer 2025.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Man do I wish this was a launch game.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be released in Winter 2025.
It’s a racing game.
Honestly don’t know why it needs a follow up.
Anyway, Kirby Air Riders is being directed by Masahiro Sakurai.
Kirby Air Riders will be released later in 2025.
The Duskbloods
Developed by FromSoftware,The Duskbloodsis a PvPvE title focused around online multiplayer.
It will give up to eight players the chance to either fight each other or against powerful foes.
As the trailer suggests, the game’s plot has something to do with vampires.
(And a cool rat with wings.
I want to learn more about him.)
The Duskbloods will be released exclusively on the Switch 2 in 2026.
Yet, this does create the question - what other games might be on the horizon for Switch 2?
It will also be launching for Android and iOS smartphones.
Towards the end of 2024thousands of people were invited to playtesta new Switch Online feature.
That game is Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, andit’s heading to the OG Switch in 2026.
We previously discussed the possibility of Metroid Prime 4 coming to the Switch 2in a Newscast.
The Switch 2 Direct then went on and proved some of these rumours to be true too.
Not only that put the leaker was correct about the Elden Ring port too.
(Don’t forget about Nate the Hate’s Cyberpunk 2077 prediction either!)
Potential games Nate the Hate highlighted included Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil 4 Remake and Monster Hunter Wilds.
That’s according to industry insiders Nate the Hate and Midori, who claimedPersona 6 will be multi-platform.
It has also been claimedMetaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 3 Reloadwill be heading to the Switch 2 as well.
It also looks like the upcoming remaster ofYooka-Laylee will be heading to the Nintendo Switch 2. pic.twitter.com/DTbwaFjPgP
Another developer that looks to have teased an upcoming Switch 2 release is Level-5.
The title, which is called My Time At Evershine, is coming to “future Nintendo platforms”.
That’s despiteNintendo launching legal actionagainst the Japanese studio.
you’ve got the option to watch the full analysis from DF below.
Switch 2 reveal
The Nintendo Switch 2 was officially revealed on Thursday 16th January 2025.
