Nintendo Switch 2 Is Out Now: What You Should Know

Nintendo Switch 2 Is Out Now: What You Should Know

After 8 Long Years, Nintendo Finally Launched the Switch 2. It’s an exciting day for gamers around the world as Nintendo officially launched its long-awaited new console — the Nintendo Switch 2. This marks the company’s first major console release since the original Switch debuted nearly eight years ago in 2017.

In Japan alone, over 2.2 million fans entered a lottery to purchase the console, according to a translated post from Nintendo on X (formerly Twitter). In the U.S., most Best Buy stores opened just after midnight to meet the demand.

Priced at $450 in the U.S., the Switch 2 retains the popular hybrid design of the original — offering the flexibility to play in handheld mode, tabletop mode, or docked to a TV. While the core concept hasn’t changed, Nintendo has introduced notable hardware improvements: a larger display, enhanced Joy-Con controllers, and new social features to enhance multiplayer and connectivity experiences.

Nintendo’s decision to stick with the proven formula of the original Switch shows confidence in its design, but it’s also a bold move. The company is betting that the Switch 2 can capture attention for the next several years, even as competition heats up from PC-based handhelds like the Valve Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go — which have gained traction in recent years.

Whether you're a longtime Nintendo fan or a new gamer looking to jump in, the Switch 2 going to be all round experience for gaming.

Nintendo has given the Joy-Con controllers a significant upgrade with the Switch 2. While they still attach to the console for handheld play or can be used wirelessly, they now support mouse-like functionality — a feature not found in the original model.

This new capability lets players slide the Joy-Cons across a flat surface, such as a table or even a lap, to control in-game movement with greater precision — mimicking how a computer mouse works.

Nintendo is already taking full advantage of this innovation with new titles. In “Drag x Drive,” players control characters in futuristic, wheelchair-style vehicles and compete on a basketball court, scoring points by sliding and dragging the Joy-Cons to shoot hoops.

The feature also adds a fresh layer of control to classic franchises. In “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,” players can use the Joy-Con like a mouse to achieve more accurate aiming when battling enemies — offering a level of precision typically reserved for PC gamers.

“For those used to gaming with a mouse and keyboard, this is a kind of experience that hasn’t been possible on a Nintendo console — until now,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.

The Switch 2 supports 1080p resolution and connects to the console via USB-C. One of its standout additions is the new Game Chat feature, which allows players to video call and voice chat directly through the console — making online multiplayer feel more social and connected.

It also supports motion control gameplay and is capable of tracking up to four players at once. That means you can set it up in your living room, get off the couch, and enjoy interactive games with friends or family — no extra setup needed.

The console now boasts a larger 7.9-inch display, up from the 6.2-inch screen on the original Switch, offering a more immersive handheld experience.

The Switch 2 has eight times more internal storage, giving players much more space for digital games and content. Plus, the new dock supports 4K resolution, dramatically enhancing graphics quality when the console is connected to a compatible TV.

These enhancements help justify the $450 price tag, a notable increase from the original’s $300 launch price.

Launch Titles and Backward Compatibility

The Switch 2 launches alongside one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises — “Mario Kart World.” This new installment of the beloved racing series allows players to drive off-track and explore open-world environments, expanding the traditional gameplay.

More titles are on the way this year, including:

• Donkey Kong Bonanza – launching July 17

• Drag x Drive

• Kirby Air Riders

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

In terms of compatibility, the Switch 2 can run most original Switch games, though Nintendo notes that some titles may not be fully supported. To bridge the gap, the company is also releasing Switch Edition 2 versions of popular older games — optimized for the new hardware with enhanced graphics and expanded gameplay features.

Switch 2 Editions

Nintendo is already rolling out Switch 2-enhanced editions of its most beloved games. Both “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom” are now available in updated versions.

More titles will get the Switch 2 treatment later this year, including:

• “Super Mario Party Jamboree”

• “Kirby and the Forgotten Land”

• “Pokémon Legends: Z-A”

These updated editions will feature visual improvements and expanded features, giving longtime fans a fresh reason to revisit their favorite franchises.

Nintendo is still selling its previous-generation consoles. Like :

• The Switch Lite for $200

• The standard Switch for $300

• The Switch OLED model for $350

These options offer more affordable entry points into the Nintendo, especially for casual gamers or families. However, this wide range of choices could also impact early sales of the Switch 2, particularly with some major titles.