Nintendo’s next console is on the way, with a follow-up to the Nintendo Switch designed to make the popular system even better. While the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced not too long ago, Nintendo’s latest Nintendo Direct revealed more details, including a price, release date, and games.
So without further ado, let’s look at the Switch 2 announcement, its new features, and some of the games announced with it.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2, like the first Nintendo Switch, is designed to seamlessly switch between handheld, tabletop, and TV modes, so players can enjoy games at home or on the go. Much of the Switch 2 builds on what the Switch began, with improved JoyCon controllers that connect magnetically, enhanced audio, adjustable stand, and a larger screen with better graphics (including HDR support, up to 120 frames per second, and 1080p high-definition video).
However, it also adds new features. The JoyCon controllers, for instance, can now be used as a mouse for select games. But one of the biggest upgrades is the addition of voice and video chat and screen sharing, allowing friends to play together from anywhere and chat as they play. The Switch 2 has a built-in microphone, but players will still need to purchase a video camera accessory to make use of the video chats.
The Switch 2 will be compatible with most Nintendo Switch games… but “most” doesn’t mean “all.” So many popular games will be compatible with the Switch 2, including Animal Crossing New Horizons, Super Mario Maker 2, and Super Smash Bros, but there will be some less popular games that won’t have the same compatibility.
However, some games will not only be compatible with the Switch 2, but will even come with optional upgrades that add extra levels and features made for the Switch 2. So players who purchased Kirby and the Forgotten Land, for instance, won’t have to buy it again to get the Switch 2 version, although they will need to pay a little extra to upgrade their game.
Similarly, upcoming games will be available for either the Switch or Switch 2, including Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Game Announcements
Of course, there’s no point in announcing a new console without including games to go with it, and the Nintendo Direct included plenty of new games. The first headliner was Mario Kart World, the latest addition to the popular Mario racing game.
That wasn’t the only popular Nintendo franchise to get a new announcement. The Legend of Zelda series delves into the Imprisoning War in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which continues the Hyrule Warriors spinoff series while delving into the Legend of Zelda lore.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is also getting a major update for the Switch 2 with the addition of classic GameCube games. While this is a paid service, it lets players access a wide variety of older games, starting with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur II (featuring Link), and F-Zero GX. When Nintendo showed future titles to be added, viewers could also see classics including Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, and Pokemon XD and Colosseum, so fans have plenty to look forward to.
With that said, the price tag has left many players feeling less than excited. Nintendo Switch 2 games are currently set to cost significantly more than regular Nintendo Switch games, with titles like Mario Kart World costing a whopping $80. We can only speculate how that will affect sales and if prices will change after launch.
Nintendo also shone a spotlight on some partner titles coming to the Switch 2. Standouts among them include the Final Fantasy 7 remake, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Deltarune, and Borderlands 4, but there are plenty of options for gamers of all tastes.
“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. “With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 will hit stores on June 5th and will retail for $449.99. Players can also buy a bundle that includes Mario Kart World for $499.99. Other accessories and additional controllers can be purchased separately.
You can catch the full Nintendo Direct presentation here:
