Nintendo has finally revealed the Switch 2, ending months of speculation with a June 5 launch date. The base model lands at £395.99, while a bundle with Mario Kart World clocks in at £429.99. The headline upgrades: a 7.9-inch 1080p screen, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and a dock that supports 4K output. The console keeps the hybrid design, letting you play handheld or docked, but packs sharper visuals and next-gen features.
For gamers, the Switch 2’s price is a jump from the original, but you’re getting more tech for your money. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically, sport chunkier SL and SR buttons, and double as mice with rollerballs for precision. Nintendo demoed this with Drag X Drive, a wheelchair basketball game where Joy-Cons mimic pushing and steering wheels. Expect more creative uses in upcoming titles.
Launch Titles and Upgrades
The reveal stream kicked off with a trailer for Mario Kart World, showing off an open world map and detailed tracks. Races span global regions and let players go off-road. Other first-party reveals include Legend of Zelda Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, out this winter), Kirby Air Riders, and Donkey Kong Bananza (dropping July 17).
Third-party support is strong out of the gate. From Software is bringing The DuskBloods (2026), while launch or near-launch titles include Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Hades II, Split Fiction, EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Street Fighter 6, and Hitman World of Assassination. Io Interactive also teased a new James Bond game in development for Switch 2.
Hardware Tweaks and Social Features
Switch 2’s built-in speakers now support 3D audio, and the kickstand is sturdier with more viewing angles. The console is fully backwards compatible with most original Switch games, and updated Switch 2 editions will offer visual upgrades. Owners of original titles can buy upgrade packs for enhanced graphics and features.
Nintendo is pushing social play hard. The right Joy-Con gets a new C button for GameChat and in-game voice comms, with a mic that filters out background noise. Players can share screens with friends-even across different games. A launch-day camera accessory enables video chat while gaming. The new GameShare feature lets up to three friends join your game remotely on their own Switch 2 consoles.
Retro fans get a bonus: Nintendo Switch Online will add GameCube classics like Legend of Zelda Wind Waker and Soulcalibur II. A reproduction GameCube controller launches alongside the console.
The bottom line
- Switch 2 launches June 5, starting at £395.99.
- Magnetic Joy-Cons, 120Hz 1080p screen, 4K docked output, and major social upgrades.
- Launch lineup features Mario Kart World, Zelda, Donkey Kong, and strong third-party support.
- Full backwards compatibility and upgrade packs for existing Switch games.
The Switch 2 isn’t chasing PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X specs, but it’s doubling down on what made the original a hit: inventive hardware, killer exclusives, and new ways to play together. June can’t come fast enough.