It was the appointment not to be missed. This Wednesday, April 2, 2025, we were finally able to attend the Nintendo Direct on YouTube to find out more about the all-new Nintendo Switch 2 console.
After the dazzling success of the Nintendo Switch, with almost 141.32 million units sold worldwide in 2024, we can only imagine how impatient Nintendo and gamers have been waiting for the Switch 2.
There have been a number of leaks concerning the console. Indeed, prior to its official announcement in January 2025, the firm remained very discreet about the design and new features of its console. A number of companies and media outlets then went ahead to present unofficial images of the console, its Joy-Cons, its dock or even 3D-printed replicas of the console on trade shows, forums or specialized sites.
From release date and price to the new Mario Kart, we've summed up everything we officially know about the Switch 2.
When will the Switch 2 arrive?
It's finally official, Nintendo has announced the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 for June 5, 2025. Pre-orders will be available from April 9, 2025.
How much will the Switch 2 cost?
The price was not announced directly during the Nintendo Direct, but a few minutes later on the official nintendo.com site. Yet another bit of mystery from Nintendo to keep fans on their toes until the very last moment. We know the price of the console, and after so much anticipation, it's left some fans cold. And with good reason: here's the price list announced by Nintendo:
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World pack: €509.99
The pack includes:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 (L) / (R)
- Two Joy-Con 2 straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 docking station
- Joy-Con 2 stand
- Nintendo Switch 2 power adapter
- Ultra high-speed HDMI™ cable
- Mario Kart World (download code)
Nintendo Switch 2 pack: €469.99
The pack includes:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 (L) / (R)
- Two Joy-Con 2 straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 docking station
- Joy-Con 2 stand
- Nintendo Switch 2 power adapter
- Ultra high-speed HDMI™ cable
And yes we're on a much higher price here than the Nintendo Switch, we're going from €329.99 for the Nintendo Switch to €469.99 for the Nintendo Switch 2, €140 more than the first console released in 2017. Understandably, this announcement may have sent shivers down fans' spines.
What's more, the console is already available for pre-order from retailers such as CDiscount and Carrefour, at a lower price than that announced by Nintendo. Retailers are therefore gearing up for a major craze surrounding the console.
Switch 2 games announced
We've all been waiting for it, and Nintendo knew it. That's why they opened the Nintendo Direct with the trailer for the new Mario Kart: Mario Kart World.
"Drive wherever you want with Mario and his friends! Race from track to track in a vast interconnected world! Speed across verdant plains, bustling cities, rumbling volcanoes, bodies of water and more in this new title exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2! "In the new Mario Kart, you're left to drive in an open world where "the whole world is your track".
A first in Mario Kart, the circuit is totally open, and you can drive over all the walls and objects on the circuit, all against 23 other drivers!
The trailer also gives us a glimpse of three exclusive game modes:
- Grand Prix: 4 races in 1 that are linked together, where you'll have to try to reach first place.
- Survival: a marathon of circuits without a break, with the lowest-ranked drivers eliminated as the race progresses.
- Stroll: a mode for enjoying the scenery without the pressure of a race.
Switch 1 games on Switch 2
There were many rumors about the backward compatibility of Switch 1 games on Switch 2.
Nintendo then announced the 4 types of games that will be available on Switch 2:
- Nintendo Switch 2 games: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyrule Warriors: The Seal Chronicles...
- Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games: a paid upgrade of your Nintendo Switch games to take full advantage of the Switch 2's graphics and features (The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Metroid Prime 4 and Kirby and the Forgotten World).
- Nintendo Classic games: an entire catalog of retro games that you can enjoy by subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online (Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Mario World).
- Compatible Nintendo Switch games: some Nintendo Switch games will be compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 (Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening).
How will the Switch 1 differ from the Switch 2?
After the Switch 2 design was revealed back in January, fans were left wondering: will the Switch 2 really be any different from the first?
At the Nintendo Direct, the company took the initiative and confirmed that it had completely redesigned the console.
Here are just a few of the highlights of the Switch 2's capabilities announced by Nintendo:
- Larger 1080p screen
- Definition up to 4K with the console connected to a TV
- Support for HDR, VRR and a frame rate of up to 120 FPS (frames per second)
And many other new features were presented during the Nintendo Direct.
New Switch 2 features
Switch 2 Joy-Cons
We'd seen them in the first live show, but the joycons got a real breath of fresh air. First of all, there's a real improvement in the way the joycons are attached to the console.
On the Switch 1, to remove the joycons from the console, you have to press a button on the back of the joycon and slide it down. This can damage the joycons with use.
The Switch 2's Joy-Cons, on the other hand, feature a magnetic connector that allows them to be removed from the console effortlessly, with no risk of damage over time.
The new Joy-Cons will also feature optical sensors, enabling them to be used in mouse mode, on the edge. A fun, interactive feature that was much in evidence at Nintendo Direct. We can therefore imagine that many games will make use of this new play mode.
GameChat
During the Nintendo Direct presentation of the console's design, we could see 2 new features:
1. a "C" button on the right Joy-Con
2. a new USB-C port at the top of the console
Obviously, this caused quite a stir on the networks and in the press. There were many theories about these 2 new features: a dual screen, a photo/video mode?
Now we finally know what's behind those mysterious buttons and ports: GameChat.
GameChat is Discord-like by Nintendo, where you can call each other, chat, share screens - all while playing!
By pressing the "C" button on the joycon, you can initiate calls, mutate and share screens. Simple and effective.
You can also connect a compatible camera to the USB-C port, so you can chat from the video chat and see each other in-game!
With this new feature, Nintendo is sending out a message: the Switch is THE console for multiplayer gaming, whether you're in the same room or not.
With these new features, games and despite its higher price than the first generation, will this Nintendo Switch 2 meet gamers' expectations?
If you're planning to buy or pre-order the Switch 2, get ready with our accessories specially designed for the new console.
Protect, transport and style your Switch 2 with our Nintendo Switch accessories!