It's finally here! With the latest Nintendo Direct comes news regarding the Switch 2, including price, features and pre-orders! Let's delve into the various fun things coming to the Switch 2.

Release and Pre-order


It's been confirmed, finally - The Switch 2 is hitting stores on June 5th.

Further more, pre-orders are soon upon us, and people are raring and ready: Nintendo are taking pre-orders from the 8th of April for UK and Europe.

There's a small caveat if you're pre-ordering directly from Nintendo, however - you must have a paid online membership for two years minimum, have a certain amount of play-time on the original switch - with priorities to those with more playtime - and you have to opt-in to their promotional emails. It's a few hoops to jump through, but it'll guarantee a pre-order at least.


Currently, there are two versions you can pre-order: a stand-alone console, and a console alongside a physical copy of their big game, Mario Kart World. It should be noted that the Mario Kart World version saves you a fair sum if you were to buy it separately - more on that later though.

But what exactly does pre-ordering get you? Well...

Specs

With a bunch of new updated specs, there's a few things to note in regards to the new system, including:

  • A 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen - Slightly larger than the Switch OLED (who's screen was 7inches), though many are questioning the decision to move to LCD instead of continuing with OLED. Thankfully, the Switch two will support HDR.
  • A Custom processor made by NVIDIA. Specifically, a Tegra T239, boasting an octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU and an Ampere-based GPU, offering significant performance upgrades compared to the original Switch, which ran on an Nvidia custom Tegra X1 processor split into four ARM Cortex A57 CPU cores.
  • A 256 GB storage space, though note that some of this will be reserved for the system to operate.
  • When docked to a supporting TV, the video output can support 4k, though the screen itself runs at 1080p in handheld mode, supporting 120fps for select resolutions.
  • Both Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch cartridges will be accepted by the console (if compatible, that is).
  • A micro-sd express card can be fitted for up to 2tb of additional game storage, but original switch micro-sd memory cards will not be compatible.

You can see a full list of the Switch 2 specifications at the official Nintendo website.

Features

With a new system, comes new toys! In true Nintendo fashion, they're continuing to add new, interesting mechanics to their consoles. 

The joy-cons, for example: parting from the sliding mechanic of the original switch in favour of a magnet system, the joy-cons feature a "mouse" mode, where it can be used in the same way as a standard PC mouse. Good for a more precise advantage?

Introducing a new button! With an integrated "Gamechat" button on the joy-con, allowing people to chat with friends on the system itself. You can also share your screen in real-time, and even say hello face to face (with the appropriate camera attachment, of course).

With a stronger support, the Switch 2 improves on the stand that comes integrated into the system - with 150 degrees of movement, you can play in the standard 3 play-styles - handheld, tabletop, or docked. The top of the system now comes equipped with a USB-C port for easier access while in tabletop mode.

Backwards compatible wise, there's some good news - Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital games that have been released on Nintendo Switch. Some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, however, so keep an eye on what is and isn't compatible.

Clearing something up

We've seen a lot of misinformation surrounding posts regarding the Switch 2, particularly in terms of their cartridges. 

Specifically, many people are confused around their stance on codes being in physical cases.

Rest assured this isn't going to be the standard - you can still get physical cartridges for your games! 

The confusion comes from the Switch upgrades that are downloadable to the Switch 2 to enhance the experience of original switch games. Otherwise, cartridges will still be included with new releases.

Furthermore, people are mixing up the digital only concept with the new Gameshare feature, allowing those without a copy of the game to play with others, by sharing locally or with an internet connection. Note however, only the Switch 2 can share games, while both switch and switch 2 can receive shared games.

Cartridges are still included in most physical boxes, but if you're ever unsure it pays to be attentive! CIAB (code in a box) releases are more common, so be aware when purchasing that you're getting what you want!

Wrapping up 

There's a lot going around discussion wise and we'd love to hear your opinions on the announcement!

So far it's been announced that the Switch 2 will cost £395.99 for a standalone console, and £429.99 for the Mario Kart bundle, RRP.

We're very excited to see where the future of the Switch takes us!

P.S - our listing is now up, wink wink! Be sure to keep an eye on it and wishlist it here

All information taken from the official Nintendo website, correct as of 5/4/25.