Nintendo finally revealed a ton of information about the Switch 2, revealing that it’s going to be an extremely powerful handheld console. Based on all the games that were showcased during the Direct, it seems like this system is on par with Valve’s Steam Deck. While everything about the console is pricey, this could be a generational system when it comes out.
For fans who missed the Direct or those who just want the nit and gritty, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Switch 2.
Release Date
After months of waiting for the Direct, Nintendo revealed that their new console will be available for purchase on June 5. That’s only a few months away, so gamers have time to save up or even sell their old Switch if need be. It will be interesting to see how fans react when the new system eventually comes out.
Price
When the Switch 2 comes out, fans will have two pricing options thanks to unique bundles:
- Standard Edition ($449.99)
- Mario Kart World Bundle ($499.99)
As expected, the first version just has the console itself and will retail at a slightly lower price of $450. Gamers who want to save money on Mario Kart World can get the game for $50 if they buy the $500 version, though it is a digital code. Considering how the game will retail at $80, this might be a steal.
Launch Games
There were a ton of games revealed during that Nintendo Direct. However, only a couple of them were confirmed for the system’s launch. Most of these games are quality though, so Switch 2 owners will be eating good when they system comes out.
Here are all of the Switch 2 launch games:
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Survival Kids
- Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
- Fast Fusion
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition
- Deltarune (Chapters 3+4 are launching on June 5)
- Fortnite
- Street Fighter 6
- Split Fiction
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening
Switch 2 Edition Games
Games from the original Nintendo Switch era will be getting “Switch 2 Editions,” improving the framerate and resolution of various games. Some of them will also come with additional DLC like Kirby and the Forgotten Land. In addition to these upgrades, a majority of the Switch library will also be playable thanks to backward compatibility.
Original Switch games getting Switch 2 Editions are as follows, with more to come. Some of these games don’t have release dates yet:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Sid Meier’s Civilization 7
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Frame Rate and Resolution
To show that the Switch 2 is going to be a big boy console, Nintendo went all the way to make sure these games look great. Plenty of games will be able to run at 120 FPS. If the Switch 2 is in 4K mode, games will be limited to 80 FPS. For handheld players, this powerful console can run at 1080p and can even reach 120 FPS depending on the game.
Game-Keys and Game Cards
After Game-Key Cards were revealed, many fans were worried that physical media for video games would be rendered dead. Luckily, that’s not the case, and Game-Key cards are only for more powerful titles that can’t fit in a regular card. Cheap publishers who also don’t want to invest in Game Cards can also use the Game-Key option.
In short:
- Game-Keys are digital game downloads that need the “physical key” to be played
- Regular Game Cards are like standard Switch cartridges and will have full games on them
That’s everything you need to know about the Switch 2 thus far. Expect more information to be dropped when Nintendo’s new system comes out this June. Until then, take the time to remember how great the original Switch was/is.