Rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 have been circulating for years . Whispers of the next - gen Nintendo console first started whenThe Legend of Zelda : Tears of theKingdomwas ab initio teased in 2019 , then gained steam whenthe Switch OLEDlaunched in 2021 . There ’s no doubt that the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console — it hasa unique and impressive game library(withmore coming gamesslated for this twelvemonth ) , the routine of features included withNintendo Switch Onlineis incessantly improving , and it ’s stillour favorite portable console — but it is n’t without its flaws . But there ’s plenty of room for improvement in a follow - up console table .
After what felt like years of leaks and rumors , Nintendo has in conclusion unveil the Switch 2 to the macrocosm . Here ’s everything we know about the organisation so far , as well as what is still up in the air .
Switch 2 release date
On April 2 , Nintendo host a special hour longNintendo change 2 Directwhere we at long last see the release date for theupcoming console . The Switch 2 will hit memory board shelves on June 5 . Preorders were originally arrange to go live on April 9 but were detain until April 24 due to novel tariffs being precede but we now have all the information you need abouthow to preorder the Switch 2 .
Switch 2 Backward compatibility
As part of the Switch 2 declaration , Nintendo confirmed that both physical and digital Switch game will becompatiblewith the Switch 2 . However , there is one star here in that not every game will be compatible . Nintendo has n’t issue that tilt of game yet , so there ’s no severalise how extensive it is .
While it is n’t directly related to backward compatibility , we also acquire that the Switch 2 will use the newVirtual Game Cardsystem to make sharing digital game between consoles easy . Additionally , several Switch game can be upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for a fee , though how much that is has n’t been disclosed as of yet .
Switch 2 Design
On the surface , the Switch 2 looks almost identical to the original Switch . It retains the same canonic form factor and design but with a larger screen and Joy - Con accountant . Otherwise , the only major designing variety is a more sturdy - looking kickstand for the screen when playing with the Joy - cons detached . Nintendo went with an “ if it ai n’t broke , do n’t set it ” mentality with the console .
The Joy - bunco have the most unexampled feature hidden inside . First , they are now magnetically connected to the main screen so you no longer have to slue them in and out of position . What is most unique this time , though , is the ability to use a Joy - con exchangeable to a mouse by placing it on its edge on a Earth’s surface . This could open up a new world of hypothesis for how we interact with games on a console table . The only game we have see this in action for thus far isMetroid Prime 4 : Beyondbut have a bun in the oven it to be an option in more game as they release .
While not specifically tie to plan , one interesting thing missing from the Switch 2 is any descriptor of achievements . Speaking toPolygon , Nintendo Vice President Bill Trinen was asked if players could look ahead to earn any kind of arrangement - all-encompassing achievements on the Switch 2 , to which he simply answer , “ Nope . ”
Price
It ’s fourth dimension to protrude make unnecessary up because the Switch 2 will cost you $ 499 at launch or $ 500 for the Switch 2 andMario Kart Worldbundle . There were concerns that the price would go up after multiple tariffs were present in the US , which caused the preorder date to be delayed , but Nintendo confirmed that those damage will stay the same for the clip being , although the price on some accoutrement were impacted . We have reckon console increase in cost after launch , however , so we can never be sure this price will stay at this amount indefinitely .
Considering the original Switch never get a damage decrease , do n’t look this system to get any official price cut either .
Internal specs
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct came with a short ton of information about what ’s under the hood of Nintendo ’s new console . Here ’s a quick partitioning of all the technical details bring out to day of the month about the Switch 2 , though a few detail are still question marks for now . We also have comparisons of theSwitch vs Switch 2andSwitch 2 vs Steam Deckif you ’re on the fence about which one you should invest in .
One face that does n’t fit neatly into that board is DLSS.Nintendo has confirmedthat the raw system will take advantage of this AI upscaler , as well as ray of light tracing technology , but it was n’t willing to share how . This makes sense , given we cognise that the system uses an Nvidia GPU , but we were told by Tetsuya Sasaki , GM of Nintendo ’s Technology Department Division , that “ Nintendo does n’t share too much on the ironware spec . What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers . But I do believe that our mate Nvidia will be sharing some information . ”
The ship’s company was likewise cryptic about ray tracing beyond the fact that the GPU does support that engineering science as an alternative for developers .
Screen quality
deplorably , the Switch 2 will not have an OLED option at launch and will stick to an LCD display . However , it is go to be able to get far better visuals than the original Switch . While docked , the Switch 2 can output at up to 4 K visuals with full HDR depending on the game and whether you pick the performance or quality modality , but it is limited to 1080p in handheld mode regardless .
Controllers
The Switch 2 will practice new magnetic Joy - Cons that are slightly large than the pilot but have a few other notable upgrades . For one , they now associate magnetically alternatively of slue into place , but the heavy novel feature is the ability to use them standardized to a shiner . sure games will allow you to set one Joy - Con on a flat surface and basically use it as a cursor , like a traditional mouse for aiming in FPS games or encounter strategy game .
The Switch 2 will also number with a fresh and improved Pro Controller that is a big footmark up from the pilot . This new version includes the unexampled C button for the newfangled GameChat feature of speech , an audio jack , and customizable back buttons . This institute it in note with thebest PS5 controllersandbest Xbox controllersin terms of functionality .
One bit of sad news thatNintendo Lifeuncovered is in esteem to the rampant Joy - yardbird movement issues that were present on the original Switch . Many hoped that the Switch 2 would use hall gist sticks , which are much more long-lasting and less prostrate to issues , but Nintendo of America ’s Nate Bihldorff straight states this is not the case . “ Well , the Joy - Con 2 ’s restrainer have been design from the primer coat up . They ’re not Hall Effect sticks , but they feel really unspoilt . ”
It is too soon to be alarmed about the return of Joy - con drift , but this is n’t a overconfident sign .
Preorder
With the launch date revealed , we are all draw ready topreorder the Switch 2before they sell out . The original preorder engagement was April 9 but was pushed back to April 24 , so tick your calendar and get multiple devices ready to check out when the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. comes for the practiced luck at scoring one . Check out our dedicated preorder guide for a full list of retailers and ready to hand links to specific preorder varlet .
