Nintendo Switch 2 Details! Our impressions on today's Nintendo Direct (April 2nd)
It finally happened! Nintendo finally pulled back the curtain and allowed for us to see what is going on with their new system: Nintendo Switch 2. So much speculation have been posted online for the last several month. Now, we have concrete information about the system and what we can expect during the first several months of the console’s release.
The Console Reveal
Nintendo finally gave us a detailed look into the new console from Nintendo. The format is similar to the current system with some notable visual difference. The screen is larger and has a more vivid image quality. The new screen is 1080P and has the capability to display games in higher frame rates, up to 120 frames per second. The screen can also display HDR colors, which is not currently available on the original or OLED models. The new Joy Cons come with some updated designs and connect to the console differently. The Joy Con 2 are now connected by a magnet, instead of the current format, which has the Joy Con slide and connect to the system on a rail. Also, the thumb stick and the SL and SR buttons are larger too. Beyond the connectivity and larger buttons, each Joy Con can be used as a mouse, which can be used for different games like Civilization VII and Metroid Prime 4. The control is expected to give more precise controls. The dock for the console has been updated as well. The new dock allows for 4K, HDR gaming up to 60FPS on your television. This is 4 times the resolution of the previous console.
New Online Feature
While it is a common feature on other consoles, audio chat with friends online is new to Nintendo consoles. GameChat is a new way of chatting with friends online that is different than what is currently available on other consoles. GameChat allows for gamers to connect with others, even when playing different games. Not only can you cross chat over different games, you can also share a feed of the games you are individually playing while playing your own game. This feature is enhanced by the Switch 2 Camera, which is sold separately. The camera allows for your friends to see you while having your gameplay as your background when playing the same or different titles. The video also displayed the friends also showing their environment instead of their gameplay too. Games like Mario Party Jamboree adds your face into the game while playing with friends.
Safety has been a reason why Nintendo steered away from having native online chat from their consoles (unless you use the Nintendo app for the Switch, which was not convenient). Nintendo has feared some of their younger customers communicating with the wrong people online. With the parental controls through the Nintendo app, parents can control who their children communicate with.
Games Galore at Launch!
One of the common complaints that some consumers have, at the launch of a new system, is the lack of games. Nintendo has brought this concern to rest with the plethora of games that they announced will be available at the launch of the system. While most of the games are Switch 2 Editions of current Switch titles or already released third party games, the Switch 2 is releasing with so many games that will allow for you to have some awesome, high-definition games to play, on the go. During the presentation, we saw games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring coming to the system. Along with those titles, we also show upcoming, new titles that will release soon on the system, including Professor Layton and The New World of Steam and Shadow Labyrinth. Nintendo also announced that several current Switch titles that will have enhancements like improved graphics and better framerates. We will cover more titles in the near future as more details become released over time. As for now, here are two of the big Switch 2 exclusive titles that are releasing during the launch window of the Switch 2:
The first title that was shown that was a Switch 2 exclusive and a launch title is Mario Kart World. This entry in the series marks the first time you can play with up to 24 players and will have an open world element. Similar to the recent Forza Horizon titles, you can drive to different racing events.
Donkey Kong Bananza was the last first party game of the Direct and it did not disappoint. The new look for Donkey Kong seems more reminiscent of his original design. This new design is also present in Mario Kart World and The Super Mario Bros film from 2023. The trailer shows DK being able to augment the environments he rips through while he ventures through the different areas. DK also seems to have a purple stone companion that rides on his back and may be able to assist him in his adventure to different underground areas. Donkey Kong Bananza is launching close to the Switch 2’s launch window: July 17th, 2025.
Launch Information for the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 has the launch date of June 5th, 2025. The system release includes two different SKUs or versions. The cost was not initially announced during the Direct but was later revealed to be: $449.99 for the core console and $499 for a version of the console that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World. The preorders for the console will start opening up on April 9th at a different array of retailers. Nintendo is also providing preorders through their site. They are currently registering interest in what system each person wants to preorder. If you have a Nintendo Online Account, have played at least 50 hours on your account (as of April 2, 2025), and had a 12 month paid online account, they will place you in a queue and send out invitations to preorder the system directly through them. If and when you receive the email confirmation, Nintendo will provide you with a 72 hour time period to verify your request and preorder the system. This program will start sending out preorders on May 8, 2025. This program appears to be a method to allow Nintendo to cut out some of the bots and potential scalpers from the shopping process. Below is the link to Nintendo’s preorder interest page: https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/how-to-buy/
If you’re interested in participating in a old-fashion midnight release, Best Buy has announced that they will have a midnight launch at some of their locations.
Final Thoughts
When reviewing the offerings from Nintendo with this new console,. I can’t help but feel excited for it’s release. While the price is high, it doesn’t seem out the realm of reality of devices that have a similar function but have less features. The pricing for the games will be the bigger point of contention for some. Seeing that Mario Kart World will be $80, it will provide a sticker shock that could push some gamers away. If you get the the Switch Bundle with Mario Kart World, the game will only cost $50. Confusing, yes, but makes sense as an incentive to get more gamers to buy the more expensive SKU.
Nintendo seem to have found a sweet spot of keeping a format that is familiar to the gaming audience while adding in some changes that were needed and maybe unexpected. I also love the roster of games that are being released within the launch window. I do have a large backlog of Switch titles so I do hope that most of the games will be able to be played on the Switch 2.
I am excited that Nintendo is also trying to provide a new preorder system through their site to help established Nintendo fans get a Switch 2 without having to deal with scalpers. Hopefully, most people who want the console at launch or this calendar year will be able to buy it at retail price and enjoy this new console. Also, if gamers were able to get their preorder through a different retailer prior to Nintendo’s preorder time (May 8th, 2025), they can skip over their reservation spot through Nintendo and allow someone else to get their system.
I am also excited to play some of the GameCube titles that are coming to Virtual Console. So much will be available from the accessory side of things but will hold off on getting too many items outside of the Camera and maybe the Pro Controller. As we get closer to the launch of the system, more impressions of the system and it’s accessories will come to light and may change thoughts on what I or other gamers may buy when the time comes.
In conclusion, I’m excited! While some may not be excited about the Switch 2, I am very excited. I have bought every Nintendo console at Launch since the DS and look forward to having fun with this console.