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The Nintendo Switch is already a fantastic handheld console, and now the Switch 2 is set to raise the bar higher. With its larger, more vibrant screen, enhanced performance, exciting new features, and the release of a new Mario Kart, it's shaping to be a must-have for the summer.
Nintendo Switch 2 is here!
Nintendo sure knows how to tease, but we finally have details and a release date for the much-anticipated console. The Switch 2 brings upgrades like a 7.9-inch LCD display that’s brighter and more vibrant. A more powerful processor delivers faster load times and smoother gameplay, and magnetized Joy-Con 2 controllers offer a more secure, comfortable grip that enhances both portability and playability.
Launch date
The official launch date for the Nintendo Switch 2 is June 5, 2025, but pre-orders open earlier on April 9. But, there’s a way to get in line and be one of the first to get your hands on a Switch 2 as soon as possible.
Where to pre-order
To be one of the first to secure your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, you’ll need to sign in to your Nintendo Account and register your interest through the My Nintendo Store. Once pre-orders open, you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to purchase the system and any accessories you want.
Priority invitations will go out starting May 8, 2025 for anyone who registers with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50 gameplay hours logged by April 2, 2025. Invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to everyone else who signed up and does not meet the priority invitation criteria.
You’ll have 72 hours to finalize your purchase once you get your invitation.
There are two options to choose from: the Nintendo Switch 2 standard system or the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle, which comes with the system, and the newly announced Mario Kart World game—exclusive to the Switch 2.
Meet the Nintendo Switch 2, which comes with a larger, more vibrant screen, improved Joy-Con 2 controllers, and enhanced performance.
Pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 here lets you bundle Mario Kart World to get your gaming on.
The Nintendo Switch 2 might not come out until June, but pre-ordering ensures you'll be one of the first to get the new and improved Switch.
What you can expect: Features, games, compatible devices
The Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with some of the accessories from the original Nintendo Switch.
For instance, while original Joy-Con controllers can be used wirelessly with the new system, they cannot be charged directly on the Switch 2. You’ll need a Joy-Con charging grip or charging stand for that. Additionally, the Home button on these controllers won't wake the system from sleep mode.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and retro controllers like the Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Mega Drive controllers connect wirelessly. They can be charged through the Switch 2 dock via a USB cable. However, NES controllers must be plugged in via USB to charge and play.
If you’ve already got a Nintendo Switch stylus, there’s good news—it’s still usable for any touch-based games.
Regarding games, the Switch 2 is backward compatible with many Nintendo Switch titles, so you can continue enjoying your existing library with the added benefits of faster load times and smoother gameplay. This means games like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Princess Peach Showtime, and more will work perfectly on the Switch 2.
Plus, the Switch 2 will launch with a brand-new exclusive game, Mario Kart World, and introduces open world and off-roading elements to the franchise.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs. original Nintendo Switch—how they differ
The Nintendo Switch 2 builds upon the original's success without reinventing the wheel. It boasts a larger 7.9-inch LCD display with Full HD resolution compared to the original's already impressive 6.2-inch screen, delivering richer colors and sharper images. A powerful new processor enables faster load times, smoother gameplay, and enhanced graphics, making both new and old games more enjoyable.
The redesigned magnetized Joy-Con 2 controllers are said to offer better comfort and a more secure fit, while also being more durable for longer gaming sessions.
Battery life is one area that hasn't been improved with the Switch 2 and is shorter than both the original Switch and the Switch OLED models. With a playtime estimated to be 2 to 6.5 hours.
The Switch 2 refines pretty much everything we loved about the original Switch consoles without being a total game changer. It keeps the best features while offering subtle improvements for a smoother gaming experience.
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