Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

Nintendo, Video Game News

Nintendo has finally unveiled the long-awaited Switch 2, confirming a June 5 release date. The showcase was packed with exciting game announcements, new hardware features, and a few surprises. However, the event also left some major questions unanswered—most notably, the price. Additionally, technical issues with the stream and some questionable upgrade policies raised concerns. Here’s everything that was revealed, from the beginning to the end of the event.

The Big Reveal: Switch 2 Arrives on June 5

The event kicked off with the confirmation that the Nintendo Switch 2 will officially launch on June 5. The announcement set the stage for an exciting summer for gamers, with many expecting more reveals at Summer Game Fest.

Switch 2 Specs: A Powerful Upgrade

Nintendo provided key details about the Switch 2’s hardware. The new console features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with HDR support, capable of running at 120 frames per second. The Joy-Cons, which now attach magnetically, boast larger side buttons and thumbsticks for improved comfort. The system includes 256GB of internal storage, and its dock supports up to 4K resolution and HDR in TV mode. Additionally, the dock has a built-in fan to help cool the system during intense gaming sessions.

GameShare and GameChat: A Step Forward for Multiplayer

One of the more promising new features is GameShare, allowing multiple Switch 2 consoles to connect and share games without forcing players to split Joy-Cons. Players can link up to three other consoles locally or online, provided they have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Complementing this is the new GameChat feature, which pairs with GameShare for voice and text communication between players.

A New C-Button and Pro Controller

The Switch 2 also introduces a dedicated C-button, which pulls up a chat menu for in-game communication and live streaming. A new Pro Controller was revealed, featuring a headphone jack, paddle buttons on the underside, and improved ergonomics.

Upgrades and Enhancements: A Mixed Bag

Nintendo announced the “Switch 2 Editions” program, which enhances older Switch games with better graphics and performance. Titles such as Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be among those receiving upgrades. However, instead of offering these enhancements as free updates, players will need to purchase the upgraded versions—a frustrating decision that drew criticism. Similarly, Civilization 7 will support mouse controls on Switch 2, but existing owners will need to pay for an upgrade to access them. These monetization decisions feel like a misstep, especially considering how other platforms handle similar updates for free.

A Wave of Game Announcements

The showcase delivered a strong lineup of upcoming games:

  • Mario Kart World -The latest entry in the long-running franchise. Unlike previous installments, this version will emphasize open world play with dynamic tournaments, custom track creation, and real-time weather effects that change based on a player’s location. Nintendo showcased a variety of new and returning courses, along with an upgraded physics engine designed to make the game feel more immersive than ever. The game will launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, with the bundle offering an exciting entry point for new players.
  • More Exclusive to Switch 2:
    • Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
    • Drag x Drive (arriving summer 2025, designed entirely with mouse controls)
    • The Duskbloods (2026)
    • Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)
    • Kirby AirRiders (2025)
  • Upgraded Editions (Paid Upgrades for Existing Owners):
    • Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch 2 Edition launches July 24, 2025; adds mouse controls, audio recognition, and camera support)
    • Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Edition with HDR support and Zelda Notes)
    • Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition with HDR support and Zelda Notes)
    • Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2 Edition with a new storyline and improved graphics)
    • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch 2 Edition with mouse control support and options for 4K at 60fps or HD at 120fps)
    • Pokémon Legends Z-A (Switch 2 Edition with improved graphics)
    • Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (Switch 2 Edition leveraging mouse controls)
  • Other Confirmed Titles:
    • Elden Ring
    • Hades 2
    • Street Fighter 6
    • Split Fiction
    • EA Sports FC and EA Sports Madden NFL
    • Hogwarts Legacy
    • Tony Hawk’s ProSkater 3+4
    • Hitman World Assassination Signature Edition
    • Project 007
    • Bravely Default Flying Fairy
    • Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
    • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
    • Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX (via NSO Expansion Pack)
    • Deltarune
    • Borderlands 4
    • Final Fantasy VIII
    • Cyberpunk 2077
    • Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
    • Witchbrook
    • Fast Fusion
    • Marvel Comic Invasion
    • Star Wars Outlaws
    • Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
    • Professor Layton and The New World of Steam
    • Fortnite and Human Fall Flat 2
    • Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27, 2025)

Stream Issues and the Need for Better Hosting

Unfortunately, Nintendo’s stream had technical problems. Viewers experienced desynced audio, missing trailers, and even a full-minute freeze during the broadcast. Nintendo’s reliance on YouTube and Twitch for its streams continues to be a weak point, though the streams are high definition. It’s time for the company to offer additional viewing options on platforms like X and Facebook.

No Price Reveal

Despite all the exciting reveals, Nintendo left one major question unanswered: how much will the Switch 2 cost? Rumors place the price between $350 and $500, with most estimates around $400, but Nintendo offered no confirmation. This omission feels particularly odd, as fans now have to continue speculating rather than planning their purchases.

After the presentation, one of the most debated reveals was the price of the Switch 2. Nintendo announced that the console will launch at $499.99 for the base model, while the Mario Kart World bundle will cost $549.99. This makes the Switch 2 one of Nintendo’s most expensive consoles to date, raising concerns about affordability for many players.

Article by Mario J. Lucero, updated 8:15 AM (MST), April 2, 2025 after the stream ended, and then again at 9:10AM after Nintendo released a press release.