Nintendo Switch 2 Set to Launch with Exciting New Features

NEW YORK -- Nintendo has officially announced the upcoming release of its next-generation console, the Switch 2, scheduled to launch on June 5 at a price of $449.99. This new device promises to enhance the gaming experience with innovative features, including interactive chat and screen-sharing capabilities for gamers.

During a comprehensive 60-minute presentation, Nintendo showcased the Switch 2's vibrant display, which boasts a larger screen compared to its predecessor, as well as several titles that will debut alongside the console. A key addition is the new "C" button on the Joy-Con controller, designed to activate a feature called "GameChat." This function, available through a subscription to Nintendo's online service, enables players to communicate with friends and family while playing, and also allows for game screen sharing. Additionally, the controller includes a built-in microphone for seamless communication among gamers.

Gaming industry expert Hannah Cowton-Barnes highlighted the significance of the new features, particularly for popular titles like Mario Kart and Super Mario Jamboree, which have consistently ranked among the most played games on the Switch. The enhancements aim to cater to the social aspects of gaming, enriching the multiplayer experience.

Another notable feature of the Switch 2 is the ability to utilize the Joy-Con controllers as a computer mouse, providing players with unique control options in various gaming scenarios, such as adjusting angles in sports games.

The Switch 2 will come equipped with a 7.9-inch LCD screen capable of displaying graphics in 1080p resolution. When docked, the console can support up to 4K resolution for compatible games, significantly improving visual quality.

The presentation also spotlighted the launch title, Mario Kart World, which introduces new gameplay elements, including a knockout mode and skateboard-style rail grinding mechanics, adding a fresh twist to the beloved racing franchise. In addition, Nintendo revealed a new James Bond game titled Project 007, a nod to the classic Nintendo 64 title cherished by first-person shooter enthusiasts.

Two more exclusive titles for the Switch 2 were announced: Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D adventure featuring the iconic character on July 17, and Kirby Air Riders, a racing game directed by a prominent figure in the Super Smash Bros. series, expected later in the year. Other third-party exclusives generating excitement include Koei-Tecmo's Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, set for a winter release, and From Software's upcoming title, The Duskbloods, scheduled for 2026.

For fans of the classic GameCube, Nintendo confirmed that Switch Online subscribers will have access to a limited selection of GameCube titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. The new console will also maintain backward compatibility, allowing users to play both physical and digital games from the original Switch, although a new microSD express memory card will be required for storage, as standard microSD cards will not work with the Switch 2. Data transfer from the original Switch to the new device will be supported.

The Switch 2's launch price represents a significant increase compared to the original Switch, which was priced at $299. A bundle including the new Mario Kart title will be available for $499.99. The impact of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration on the video game console industry has been highlighted by experts, indicating that these costs contribute to the increased price for consumers. The tariffs particularly affect hardware manufactured and shipped from China, complicating the already challenging margins for new hardware releases.

To allow gamers to experience the new system firsthand, Nintendo will host "Switch 2 Experience" events in major cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, starting this month.