Cover image via IGN / YouTube
Nintendo's much-anticipated Switch 2 is on its way, promising a slew of hardware upgrades, innovative features, and a brand-new Mario Kart experience
Nintendo announced that pre-orders open on 9 April, and the console officially launches on 5 June.
The Switch 2 arrives with a price tag of USD449.99 (RM2,004), a notable jump from its predecessor.
For those wanting a little extra, a limited-time USD499.99 (RM2,227) bundle includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World, the headline launch title.
Priority pre-order registration is reserved for long-time Switch Online members, with invitations rolling out from 8 May.
Image via Nintendo of America / YouTube
The Nintendo Switch 2 will come with the following accessories:
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
Image via Nintendo of America / YouTube
At 7.9 inches, the Switch 2's display is larger and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, with HDR support promising richer visuals
Internal storage sees a major upgrade too — 256GB compared to the original's 32GB.
A built-in mic with noise cancellation, dual USB-C ports, and an improved stand round out the new hardware.
When docked, the console supports 4K output. The dock also features a fan to keep it cool.
Image via Nintendo of America / YouTube
Image via Nintendo of America / YouTube
The only similarity between the new console and its predecessor is its thickness, which remains the same at 13.9mm.
Image via Nintendo of America / YouTube
The Joy-Con 2 controllers are larger, attachable magnetically, and can be used as a mouse — a dream come true for first-person shooter game fans. You can also play certain games using two mice. The new controllers also offer customisable rear buttons and an audio jack.
Image via Nintendo of America / YouTube
The device also features an adjustable stand, allowing better flexible viewing angles when playing your favourite games.
Nintendo is also making communication easier with GameChat, a built-in voice and video chat feature
Players can talk, share screens, and see friends via the new Switch 2 Camera accessory.
While GameChat will eventually require a paid Nintendo Online membership, it's free until March 2026.
Image via IGN / YouTube
Image via IGN / YouTube
New Joy-Con 2 controllers introduce a "C" button for seamless GameChat access. Simply tapping on it brings up the chat menu which include options to turn off video and microphone, screen share, chat while playing different games, and expand the screen to view another friend's game.
Meanwhile, GameShare allows multiple users to play locally with just one copy of a game.
In terms of games, Mario Kart World takes centre stage with 24-player races and an open-world map
Other exclusives include Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Duskbloods, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby AirRiders.
Third-party titles like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Final Fantasy VII Remake bolster the launch catalogue.
Image via IGN / YouTube
Here are all the third-party titles that will be available for the Switch 2:
- Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
- Borderlands 2
- Civilization VII Switch 2 Edition
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
- Deltarune
- Drag x Drive
- EA Sports FC 25
- EA Sports Madden 25
- Fast Fusion
- Final Fantasy VII: Remake
- Fortnite
- Goodnight Universe
- Hades II
- Hitman: World of Assassination
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Human Fall Flat 2
- Kirby Air Riders
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- NBA 2K
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files
- Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
- Project 007
- Puyo Puyo Tetris S2
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- Reanimal
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Shadow Labyrinth
- Split Fiction
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Street Fighter 6
- Super Mario Jamboree
- Survival Kids
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4
- Two Point Museum
- Wild Hearts
- Witchbrook
- WWE 2K
- Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
