Nintendo's highly anticipated next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, is generating excitement worldwide with its confirmed global launch date. Gamers in most territories can mark their calendars for June 5, 2025, when the console will hit the shelves. However, fans in South-east Asia will have to wait a bit longer, with the release slated for sometime between July and September 2025. This later release in South-east Asia includes Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Nintendo is also working to launch online services, including Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo eShop in these four countries.
The Nintendo Switch 2 aims to compete directly with Sony's Playstation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S, positioning itself as a key player in the ninth generation of video game consoles. Retaining the hybrid concept of its predecessor, the Switch 2 can be used as a portable handheld device, a tablet-like device, or docked to connect to an external display. The detachable Joy-Con controllers, now dubbed Joy-Con 2, have been updated and attach horizontally to the system.
Several enhancements have been made, including a larger 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen with 1080p resolution and HDR support, boasting a variable refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. When docked, the console can output up to 1440p at 120 Hz or 4K resolution at 60 Hz with HDR. Internal storage has been significantly increased to 256GB. The Switch 2 will only support loading games from microSD Express cards for expanded storage, though it can still access microSDHC and microSDXC cards for viewing screenshots and videos.
The new console will cost $450 USD as a standalone, but a bundled digital copy of Mario Kart World will cost $500 USD.
The reveal trailer in January 2025 showcased early footage of Mario Kart World, which is scheduled to launch alongside the console. Other first-party Nintendo games for 2025, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, will also be available on Switch 2 as "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" titles, featuring graphical and performance enhancements. A digital exclusive tour game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will also launch with the console.
The Switch 2 maintains the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service for some multiplayer games and access to classic emulated games. Nintendo GameCube games will be exclusive to the Switch 2 under the "Nintendo Classics" moniker, available through the Expansion Pack tier. Launch titles include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX. The new C-button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller enables GameChat, allowing players to chat remotely, share screens, and include webcam footage.
The console includes a USB-C port on the bottom for power and docking, a headphone jack, and a cartridge slot, along with a second USB-C port on top and an internal microphone with noise cancellation. The Switch 2 is powered by a non-removable 5,220 mAh Lithium-ion battery, providing an estimated 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime, depending on the software used.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers connect magnetically and can be used as a mouse in compatible games. A new Pro Controller will also be available, featuring HD Rumble 2, remappable GL/GR buttons, and a standard audio jack.
Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility, allowing users to play physical and digital Switch games on the new system, though some games may not be fully compatible. The company is also working to launch Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo eShop in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, but details are yet to be announced.
