The new Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been released and will cost you $450

Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, costs $450, offers HDR, 256GB storage, 4K support, new controls.

: Nintendo's Switch 2 launches in the U.S. on June 5, priced at $450, with pre-orders from April 9. It features a 7.9-inch 1080p display, HDR support, 256GB storage, and 4K compatibility through its dock. New innovations include GameChat, visual improvements with HDR, and expanded game compatibility, including support for GameCube games. Accompanying game releases, such as Mario Kart World and expanded controls, mark significant enhancements over previous versions.

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, in the United States, priced at $450 for the standalone console. Pre-orders commence on April 9 and a special bundle featuring the new game Mario Kart World will be available for $500. The Switch 2 boasts several advanced features, such as a 7.9-inch, 1080p IPS LCD display, HDR support for improved visuals, and a new magnetic JoyCon design with additional USB-C ports. Notable improvements include enhanced storage capacity of 256GB and compatibility with 4K resolution in TV mode, facilitated by the new dock's cooling system.

A singular feature of the Switch 2 is the GameChat function, facilitated by the newly added 'C' button and the system's built-in microphone. This allows users to communicate with friends online while playing games, showcasing streams of friends’ screens even if they are engaged in different games. The console requires a Switch Online subscription for GameChat access, though purchasers will enjoy a complimentary one-month trial. Complementing these features is support for a camera accessory that focuses on players' faces, though its effectiveness remains in question due to blurry image presentations.

The design of the Switch 2 builds on the docked handheld model from its predecessor, featuring more top vents and additional buttons. Its JoyCons now slot into the console body magnetically, eliminating the previous slide-on feature, and are equipped with a new latching mechanism at the rear to detach the sticks. The JoyCons introduce rounded edges, expanded mouse controls, and a distinct 'C' switch under the Home button, signaling versatility with a chime upon activation. These innovations align with Nintendo's commitment to maintaining an engaging gaming experience rather than unprecedented graphical quality.

Further promoting their console, Nintendo revealed compatibility with three types of games: exclusive titles for the Switch 2, upgraded versions of existing games with enhanced visuals and features, and games that operate across both Switch generations. Eagerly awaited titles like Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokémon Legends Z-A are expected on the platform. The company also announced future ports, including major titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, expanding the Switch 2's appeal across different gaming demographics.

Among the exclusive games, FromSoftware's DuskBloods, expected in 2026, and a new Donkey Kong platformer arriving on July 17, 2025, highlight Nintendo's launch festivities. Additionally, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will arrive the same year, alongside 2026's Kirby Air Ride. These titles enrich the Switch 2's launch catalogue, reinforcing Nintendo's plan to support both local and online multiplayer modes for up to four players. Nintendo’s unveiling also included Virtual Game Cards for digital storage and game transfers, aiming to mitigate previous stock and supply issues associated with console releases.

Sources: Nintendo, Kyle Barr, YouTube, CD Projekt Red, FromSoftware

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