Nintendo Direct - Switch 2 Revealed: Hardware, Games, and More!
The Nintendo Direct unveiled Switch 2’s June 5, 2025 launch at $449.99, with pre-orders starting April 9. Boasting 4K support, new Joy-Con features, and GameChat, it’s packed with launch titles like Mario Kart World and enhanced classics like Breath of the Wild. Third-party hits like The Duskbloods and Elden Ring join GameCube gems on Switch Online, making this a next-gen party worth the wait.
The Nintendo Direct just zoomed in like a Mario Kart turbo boost, unloading a mountain of details about the next big thing in console land. From hardware upgrades to a lineup of games that’ll have you counting the days to June 5, 2025, Nintendo’s packed this reveal with enough surprises to fill a Super Mario coin block. Let’s dive into the warp pipe and explore the highlights!
Hardware and Features: The Switch 2 Unveiled
Release Date, Price, and Pre-Order Buzz
First up, the star of the show: the Nintendo Switch 2 hits shelves on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99—or $499.99 if you snag the Mario Kart World bundle. Pre-orders kick off April 9 in North America, and if you’re eyeing the My Nintendo Store, register now for a shot at an invite dropping May 8. Bonus points if you’ve clocked 50 hours and a year of Switch Online—those folks get first dibs!
Tech Specs That Pack a Punch
The console’s rocking a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, but dock it and you’re in 4K territory with 120fps potential. New Joy-Con 2s snap on magnetically, flaunting mouse controls and a mysterious “C” button tied to a fresh online feature called GameChat. Red cartridges, 256 GB of storage (expandable with microSD Express), and 3D spatial sound round out the tech treats.
Online Fun: GameChat and GameShare
Chat and Play with GameChat
Speaking of GameChat, it’s Nintendo’s shiny new toy for chatting and playing with pals. Hit that C button to voice chat, share screens, or video call with the $49.99 Switch 2 Camera accessory. It’s free until March 2026, then it’s a Switch Online perk.
Share the Love with GameShare
Oh, and GameShare lets you rope friends into your games even if they don’t own ‘em—talk about a Super Smash Bros.-style assist!
Accessories: Gear Up for the Ride
The accessory haul’s a blast, too. A $79.99 Pro Controller adds an audio jack, back buttons, and GameChat support, while Joy-Con 2 sets run $89.99. There’s a Charging Grip ($34.99), Wheel pair ($19.99), and a slick Dock Set ($109.99). Toss in carrying cases and an AC adapter, and you’re ready to roll.
First-Party Games: Nintendo’s Heavy Hitters
Mario Kart World Speeds In
Now, the games—where do we start? Mario Kart World leads the pack as a launch title, turning the racetrack into a sprawling world. Race 24 drivers across cars, boats, even planes, or grind rails and dodge giant MooMoo Meadows cows. New modes like Knockout Tour (a battle royale dash) and Free Roam (cruise at your own pace) spice things up, though the $79.99 price might make you double-take. Mark April 17 for a dedicated Direct!
Donkey Kong and Kirby Join the Party
Then there’s Donkey Kong Bananza, smashing in July 17 with 3D platforming and chunk-tossing chaos, and Kirby Air Riders, a Sakurai-helmed racer zipping in later 2025.
Enhanced Classics Shine Bright
Switch 2’s giving love to classics, too. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom get enhanced editions at launch, complete with a Zelda Notes app for shrine-hunting. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond adds mouse controls and dual modes (4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps), while Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World drops August 28 with new Mouthful Modes. Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (July 24) brings camera and mic minigames, and Pokemon Legends Z-A boosts resolution later this year.
Third-Party and Retro: A Packed Lineup
FromSoftware and More Steal the Show
Third-party gems shine bright, too. FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods bites into 2026 with gothic PvPvE flair, and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition lands in 2025 with extras. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment explores the Imprisoning War this winter, while Deltarune Chapters 3 + 4 and Hades 2 join the launch party. Add Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cyberpunk 2077, and Project 007 to the mix, and the Switch 2’s flexing some serious muscle.
GameCube Classics Return
Oh, and GameCube fans—your time’s come! Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SOULCALIBUR II hit Switch Online at launch, with a wireless GameCube controller to match.
Whether you’re racing, exploring, or chatting, the Switch 2’s shaping up to be a wild ride. June 5 can’t come soon enough!