NINTENDO DIRECT: Switch 2 Launching June 5th, 2025

At long last, Nintendo has officially announced in their latest (and most anticipated) Nintendo Direct all the major details about their upcoming next generation system, Nintendo Switch 2. Finally we can put all the leaks, rumors and speculation articles behind us as we now look forward to what the future of Nintendo has in store for gamers worldwide. The Direct went live today at 6am Pacific, 8am Central and 9am Eastern, and there were A LOT of announcements made about the console between Nintendo first party and third party developers, along with details about the new features of the console itself.

Just for fun, before the Direct went live, we asked our illustrious hosts to give us their final predictions for this highly anticipated direct. Let’s see how right (and wrong) they were…

• Scott – Mario Paint is a new game for Switch 2 to use the new “mouse” mode
• Jake – “there will be magnets” – [not much help]
• Zack – Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remakes only on Switch 2
• Renaldo Cooper- there will be a translucent SKU – [we all hope!]
• CB – $399.99 price and a surprise Pokémon game

SHOWTIME!

MARIO KART WORLD

Right way, Nintendo came out swinging with the announcement of Mario Kart World, the latest iteration of the beloved racing series. It will be launching day one along the console itself. There will even be a Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle, via digital download.

Mario Kart World is more than just “the next installment”, but instead completely changes the formula to what we know about Mario Kart…

• RAIL GRIND/WALL RUN – New traversal mechanics, similar to the hover mode sections of Mario Kart 8. Can you now rail grind and wall jump to reach tricky sections of the track.
• DYNAMIC WEATHER EFFECTS – Weather changes the road conditions of each course which can affect things like traction, visibility and handling.
• GO OFF-ROAD – You can now free roam the tracks and go off road. Similar to the Forza Horizon series.
• PHOTO MODE – Take group photos of your characters when playing multiplayer online or local.

Another Nintendo Direct with even more details on Mario Kart World will go live on April 17th, which happens to be the birthday of our illustrious leader Scott Clark!

Mario Kart World will launch Day One alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. Check out the trailer below.

GAME CHAT

The newest feature to come with the Switch 2 is Game Chat, a new party chat system to connect online with friends. A new ‘C’ button has been added to the right half of the new Joy-Con 2 controller. You can now create party chatrooms as you play games online. One could say this is Nintendo’s answer to Discord’s “Voice Chat” feature. The Switch 2 now has a built-in microphone at the top of the console and can be used either docked or handheld mode. You can also screenshare when chatting even when playing different games, and much more.

EXTERNAL CAMERA

A new camera accessory can be purchased separately for video chatting while playing. Can be plugged into the second USB-C port at the top of the console. A Nintendo Switch Online account is required to use and will be offered as a paid subscription service. A trial period will be offered for a limited time ending on March 1st, 2026. Existing parental control function will be supported.

Check out the trailer below for more!

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Specs

The console in general works pretty much exactly the same as the current Nintendo Switch. Play Docked, handheld, or tabletop modes.

• Larger screen at 7.9 inches, versus the original’s 6.2 inches
• Same thickness at 13.9mm
• 1080P screen in handheld
• 4K resolution and up to 120 fps when docked on a TV
• Magnetic controller attachment. SL/SR buttons are larger that also acts as the magnetic bond to the tablet portion.
• Larger Sticks
• Larger buttons
• Both Joy-Con 2 controllers feature new mouse functionality by turning the Joy-Cons sideways.
• Built-in microphone at the top of the system
• Improved speakers, clearer audio, and 3D sound support
• Adjustable kickstand, can be set at multiple angles
• Two USB-C ports, one at the bottom for docking, one at the top for tabletop charging or to use the external camera mentioned eariler.
• 256 GB internal storage, compared to Switch 1’s 32GB storage
• Dock will have built in fan to cool system and keep performance stable
• Backward compatible with most Nintendo Switch 1 games, both physical and digital
• Switch 2 cartridges are same size/shape as Switch 1 cartridges.
• Switch 2 cartridges will have faster read speeds and will be red in color.
• MicroSD Express Cards; standard SD cards will NOT be compatible 
• Will have a built in system transfer feature
• NEW pro controller; C button, back paddles, audio jack

NINTENDO SWITCH 2 LAUNCHES JUNE 5th, 2025!!

New Switch 2 games will be released, along with backward compatibility on most Switch 1 games. Certain upcoming game titles will launch simultaneously on both Switch 1 and Switch 2 as separate versions. Nintendo is set to offer upgrade paths on select titles.

NINTENDO SWITCH 2 WELCOME TOUR

A new interactive tech demo called Welcome Tour will be out on day one as a paid digital-only game. It will serve as a fun and interactive way to show off some of the new features for the Switch 2, much in the same vein as titles like Nintendoland for the Wii U, or Astro’s Playroom for the PlayStation 5.

SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE for SWITCH 2 + JAMBOREE TV

• Launches July 24, 2025
• Mouse controls
• Audio Recognitions
• Better Rumble
• Camera Accessory Use
• New Modes
  • Mario Party Mode – in person, or online
  • Bowser Mode – full body movement and sound (camera)
  • Coaster – using mouse controls
  • Tag (painting) – use mouse controls  
• Owners of OG game, can purchase upgrade pack

DRAG x DRIVE

A new title coming to Switch 2 is Drag x Drive, a wheelchair basketball game played entirely using the mouse functionailty. Use both Joy-Con 2 controllers as mice to control each wheel to turn, move and throw baskets. Will be launching Summer 2025. You can view the trailer below.

NINTENDO SWITCH 2 ENHANCED EDITIONS

Certain titles originally released on the Switch 1 will be re-released for the Switch 2 as “Enhanced Editions” that will feature upgraded visuals and performance along with utlizing the new features from the new system.

Zelda Breath of the Wild / Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

• HDR
• Zelda Notes – APP – maps; Share build creations and share with other people via QR code

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

• Improved Graphics, Frame Rates
• Some new story content

Metroid Prime 4

• Two simultaneous releases – Switch 1, and Switch 2
• Switch 2 can use mouse controls
• 4K 60FPS; FULL HD (1080PM) at 120fps both HDR

Pokemon Legends ZA

• Two editions
• All these both physical and digital – you can purchase upgrade packs if already own.

NINTENDO SWITCH 2: Third Party Titles

• Elden Ring 2025
• Hades II 
• Street Fighter Years 1&2
• Daemmon X Machina Titanic Scion
• Split Fiction
• EA Sports: Madden and FC
• Hogwarts Legacy will have mouse control and enhanced version (day 1)
• Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4
• Hitman World of Assination Signature Edition [day 1]
• Project 007  [ coming soon]
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

HYRULE WARRIORS: AGE OF IMPRISONMENT

The next entry in the Hyrule Warriors series was announced and will serve as a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom. It is set to launch Winter 2025.

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

New games coming from certain Nintendo developement partners:

• Deltarune Launch Day
• Borderlands 4 
• Civilization 7 – Launch Day, Switch 2 Edition will feature mouse controls
• NBA 2K
• WWE 2K
• Survival Kids – Releases on Launch Day
• Enter the Gungeon 2 – Coming Soon
• StarSeeker Astroneer Expeditions – 2026
• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – coming, no date

Cyberpunk 2077 Coming to Switch 2

Take the futuristic world of Night City on the go with Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Editon. This edition will include the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion and all the updates over the years and is set to release day one.

Nintendo GAMECUBE Comes to Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo GameCube games have been added to the Nintendo Switch Online service.

A new GameCube controller will be released at the same time as the service goes online and will be part of the NSO Expansion Pack. All existing NSO services will be carried over to the Switch 2.

GameCube games coming to NSO…

• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker 

• SoulCalibur II

• F-Zero GX – Can be played locally or online.

EVEN MORE THIRD PARTY TITLES

The following titles were announced in rapid-fire succession in a video montage.

• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – Launch Day
• Hollow Knight: Silksong – 2025
• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – August 27, 2025
• Goodnight Universe – 2025
• Two Point Museum – Coming Soon
• Wild Hearts S – July 25, 2025
• Witchbrook – Holiday 2025
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S – Launch Day
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Launch Day
• MARVEL Cosmic Invasion – Holiday 2025
• Star Wars Outlaws – 2025
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition – Launch Day
• Fast Fusion – Launch Day
• Shadow Labyrinth Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – July 18, 2025
• RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army – June 19, 2025
• No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – July 25, 2025
• Reanimal – 2025
• Fortnite – Launch Day
• Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER – Launch Day
• Professor Layton and The New World of Steam – 2025
• Tamagotchi Plaza Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – June 27, 2025
• Human Fall Flat 2 – Coming Soon

THE DUSKBLOODS

The latest game out of From Software comes The Duskbloods, which will launch exclusively on the Switch 2. More details will come later from the game’s director.

KIRBY AIR RIDERS

Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, this long awaited sequel Kirby Air Riders is the lastest entry to a game we haven’t heard from since the GameCube era. It’s set to launch later this year.

DONKEY KONG BONANZA

The big guy is back in a brand new 3D action/adventure platformer that features destructible environments. It’s set to swing onto the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th, 2025.

SWITCH 2 PRICE

Though it wasn’t announced in the Direct itself, Nintendo has confirmed on its website that the Switch 2 will retail at $449.99. In addition, a version bundled with Mario Kart World will retail for $499.99

Here’s what comes in the box…

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 Controllers (L+R)
• Joy-Con 2 Grip
• Joy-Con 2 Wrist straps
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
• Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable
• AC Adapter
• (1) USB-C Charging Cable
• Mario Kart World digital download (Bundle version only)

PRE-ORDERS

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will go live starting April 9th which can be purchased from the usual lineup of retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Wal-Mart, Target and others.

The GO News Team’s Thoughts

From Paul Hein:

“New Hardware is always exciting. Bigger screen, more capable SOC, bigger controllers (thank God, maybe some room for these big meaty claws), more storage, and freakin’ mouse mode… With that said, the lineup of games seems robust (at least from third party) even though the majority are last year’s AAA games ported with the “Switch 2 Enhanced” moniker. Regardless, looking forward to what Nintendo has planned for this console and we will see if they get another 8 years out of this one.”

From Sean Coates:

“How do you follow up on Nintendo’s best-selling console ever, one that’s on track to potentially surpass the PlayStation 2 as the top selling system worldwide? One of the biggest hurdles is making sure the Switch 2 doesn’t stumble like the Wii U did. After the enormous success of the original Wii, the Wii U failed because it didnt clearly differentiate itself from its predecessor, had weak marketing and lacked a strong lineup of third party support.

Based on this Direct, its looks like they’ve learned their lessons from the Wii U and are tackling these issues head-on by emphasizing major hardware upgrades, exclusive games, and an easy transition from the original Switch. If Nintendo nails the launch lineup and keeps up the momentum with must play games, the Switch 2 could keep the magic going and solidify Nintendo’s dominance for many more years to come.”

NINTENDO DIRECT FULL PRESENTATION

In case you missed it live, in addition to the individual trailers posted, you can watch the full broadcast below, this time without the technical glitch experienced by those who watched it live.