It’s here, gamers! The day we’ve been breathlessly waiting for has finally arrived. The Nintendo Switch 2 console is officially on store shelves worldwide, marking Nintendo’s first major console launch in roughly eight years. And let me tell you, the excitement? It’s palpable. We’re talking millions of hopefuls in Japan applying for lottery systems just to get their hands on one, and massive queues forming across the US, from Tokyo to New York, eager to snatch up this next-gen Nintendo system.
But beyond the launch day frenzy, what exactly does this new hybrid console bring to the table? Is it simply a rehash, or a true evolution? We’re diving deep into the hardware, the games, and whether this innovative gaming device truly justifies its buzz.
What’s New Under the Hood of the Switch 2?
While the original 2017-era Switch bravely pioneered the concept of a home console that doubles as a portable powerhouse, the Nintendo Switch 2 console isn’t just doubling down on that idea—it’s supercharging it. Nintendo has made significant upgrades, clearly aiming to cement its dominance amid growing competition from PC rivals like Valve and Lenovo.
The first thing you’ll notice? That gorgeous, larger 7.9-inch display, a noticeable step up from the original’s 6.2-inch screen. But the upgrades don’t stop there. The JoyCon controllers? They’re magnetic now, snapping into place with satisfying ease, and they even support computer mouse-like functionality. Imagine dragging a JoyCon across your lap to precisely aim in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, or piloting a powered-up wheelchair in Drag x Drive. This is a game-changer, folks!
As Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser put it, this innovation allows for an experience PC players might not replicate, saying, “People who may play on a PC with a mouse and a keyboard, that’s an experience they can’t replicate. “
Credit: Marques Brownlee – Nintendo Switch 2 Unboxing & First Gameplay!
Beyond the Hardware: Social Features and Storage Boost
Nintendo is known for its quirkiness, and the Nintendo Switch 2 console embraces this with its new social features. Picture this: your friends’ faces popping up in tiny bubbles near your character in Super Mario Party Jamboree, making it feel like you’re truly part of the game. This, however, requires Nintendo’s 55 camera, sold separately. Doug Bowser emphasized the value here: “Being able to now take that experience and virtually create it, we think, is something special, because we know more and more people are playing online. “
And for those of us who constantly wrestle with storage space? Good news! The new system boasts eight times the storage of its predecessor, and the dock supports crisp 4K resolution when connected to a compatible TV. More games, better visuals—what’s not to love?
Credit: JerryRigEverything – Nintendo Switch 2 Durability Test!
The Price Point: Value or Gamble?
Priced at $450 in the US, the Nintendo Switch 2 console is significantly above the original’s $300 tag. Is that a tough pill to swallow for some? Absolutely. But Nintendo is pointing to these hefty upgrades—the larger screen, enhanced JoyCons, and increased storage—to justify it. Doug Bowser believes it offers a “value to the consumer, because they’ll see the benefit in all these features. “
Here’s a quick look at how the prices stack up across Nintendo’s current console lineup:
| Console Model | US Price (Launch/Current) |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Lite | $200 |
| Original Nintendo Switch | $300 |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | $350 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Console | $450 |
Game On: Launch Titles and Backwards Compatibility
What’s a new console without new games? The major launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 console is none other than Mario Kart World, a fresh take on the beloved kart racer that lets players drive off-track to explore the world around them. And yes, it’s every bit as chaotic and fun as you’d imagine.
Upcoming titles for later this year include Donkey Kong Bonanza (July 17), Drag x Drive, Kirby Air Riders, and < em>Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment. But here’s a crucial detail: the Switch 2 can also run games from the original Switch. However, to truly tap into the new hardware’s potential, Nintendo is releasing “Switch Edition 2” versions of existing games. Think improved visuals and new gameplay modes for your favorites.
Currently available Switch 2 Editions include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Later this year, expect enhanced versions of Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and < em>Pokémon Legends ZA.
Credit: Austin Evans – The Truth about Switch 2
Securing Your Switch 2: A Launch Day Odyssey
So, you want to get your hands on a Nintendo Switch 2 console? Join the club! Online stock evaporated faster than a Piranha Plant in a Super Star. As of launch day, securing a unit means either incredible luck or hitting up physical retail stores. Many people, including some Engadget staffers, reported success at their local Target and GameStop, even without preorders.
Retailers like Target have confirmed online restocks for early morning on June 6th, so set those alarms! Walmart, GameStop, and Sam’s Club also had midnight launch events and promised more in-store stock for walk-ins. It’s a mad dash out there, but persistent gamers stand a chance.
Selling Your Old Switch: Act Fast!
If you’re upgrading, what about your original Switch? Since the Nintendo Switch 2 console is largely backwards compatible, selling your old device now might be a smart move. Mat Piscatella of Circana called the original Switch’s success a “double-edged sword”—a huge base, but also a massive target to surpass. The market for used Switch consoles is already seeing values dip. Waiting too long could mean getting significantly less for your beloved console.
For instance, GameStop’s trade-in values for an original Switch without a Pro account are a measly $85 in store credit. Ouch. While holding onto it for sentimental value or future “retro” status is an option, if affordability for the Switch 2 is your goal, strike while the iron is hot!
The Verdict: Is the Switch 2 a Must-Have?
The Nintendo Switch 2 console is more than just an incremental upgrade; it’s a bold statement from Nintendo in an increasingly competitive market. With its enhanced hardware, innovative JoyCon functionality, and a strong lineup of exclusive games, it offers a compelling package for both loyal fans and newcomers. Yes, the price is higher, but the improvements in screen size, storage, and graphical capabilities arguably justify the investment.
Nintendo continues to leverage its unique catalog of characters and games, a strategy that has consistently given it an edge. As Mat Piscatella noted, cross-ownership rates between Nintendo devices and other gaming systems have historically been high. Players buy Nintendo for Nintendo.
This new Switch system isn’t just about playing games; it’s about re-imagining how we connect and interact within them. From online party games to precision aiming, Nintendo is pushing the boundaries while staying true to its innovative spirit. Whether you were one of the lucky few to secure a preorder or you’re still hunting for one, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console marks a new, exciting chapter in gaming. Are you ready for the ride?
Credit: Austin Evans – The Truth about Switch 2
Game On: Launch Titles and Backwards Compatibility
What’s a new console without new games? The major launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 console is none other than Mario Kart World, a fresh take on the beloved kart racer that lets players drive off-track to explore the world around them. And yes, it’s every bit as chaotic and fun as you’d imagine.
Upcoming titles for later this year include Donkey Kong Bonanza (July 17), Drag x Drive, Kirby Air Riders, and < em>Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment. But here’s a crucial detail: the Switch 2 can also run games from the original Switch. However, to truly tap into the new hardware’s potential, Nintendo is releasing “Switch Edition 2” versions of existing games. Think improved visuals and new gameplay modes for your favorites.
Currently available Switch 2 Editions include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Later this year, expect enhanced versions of Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and < em>Pokémon Legends ZA.
Your Essential Switch 2 Game Guide: Launch Day & Beyond!
Ready to jump into the action? The Nintendo Switch 2 console boasts an impressive lineup, both at launch and in the pipeline. Here’s a quick guide to the games that are truly leveraging the new system’s power and features, making them must-plays for any new owner:
- Mario Kart World: Drive Off-Track, Explore Beyond!
This isn’t your grandma’s Mario Kart! Mario Kart World is the flagship launch title, pushing the boundaries of the beloved racing series. With the ability to drive off-track and explore wider environments, it adds a whole new dimension of strategy and discovery to the chaotic fun. The Switch 2’s enhanced visuals make every drift and item toss pop, ensuring endless replayability both solo and with friends. - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch Edition 2): Hyrule, Magnified!
An absolute masterpiece gets even better. The Switch Edition 2 of Tears of the Kingdom brings significant visual upgrades, including crisp 4K output when docked and smoother framerates across Hyrule’s vast landscapes and sky islands. The improved JoyCon precision makes constructing intricate contraptions with Ultrahand even more satisfying. If you thought you’d seen everything Hyrule had to offer, the Switch 2 Edition will make you think again. - Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: Precision in the Palm of Your Hand!
While specific details are still somewhat mysterious, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is poised to be a showcase for the new JoyCon’s magnetic, mouse-like functionality. Imagine the unparalleled precision for aiming Samus’s arm cannon or navigating complex environmental puzzles. This highly anticipated title promises a deep, atmospheric first-person adventure that leverages the Nintendo Switch 2 console‘s raw power for stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. - Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch Edition 2): Social Gaming Redefined!
With Nintendo’s renewed focus on social features, Super Mario Party Jamboree on the Switch 2 (specifically its enhanced “Switch Edition 2” version) is set to be the ultimate party starter. Experience brighter graphics, smoother online connectivity, and the unique addition of seeing friends’ faces pop up during gameplay (with the optional camera). It’s classic Mario Party chaos, but now more connected and visually engaging than ever before. - Donkey Kong Bonanza: A Platforming Powerhouse!
Slated for July 17th, Donkey Kong Bonanza is ready to remind us why the big ape is a platforming legend. Expect vibrant new worlds, challenging level designs, and perhaps some innovative uses of the JoyCons. The Switch 2’s horsepower ensures this adventure will be a visually stunning and incredibly fluid experience, delivering the signature Nintendo charm with a modern polish.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on a classic, an enhanced version of a beloved adventure, or a brand-new experience, the Nintendo Switch 2 console is launching with a compelling library designed to impress both loyal fans and new players. Get ready to game!
Securing Your Switch 2: A Launch Day Odyssey
So, you want to get your hands on a Nintendo Switch 2 console? Join the club! Online stock evaporated faster than a Piranha Plant in a Super Star. As of launch day, securing a unit means either incredible luck or hitting up physical retail stores. Many people, including some Engadget staffers, reported success at their local Target and GameStop, even without preorders.
Retailers like Target have confirmed online restocks for early morning on June 6th, so set those alarms! Walmart, GameStop, and Sam’s Club also had midnight launch events and promised more in-store stock for walk-ins. It’s a mad dash out there, but persistent gamers stand a chance.
Selling Your Old Switch: Act Fast!
If you’re upgrading, what about your original Switch? Since the Nintendo Switch 2 console is largely backwards compatible, selling your old device now might be a smart move. Mat Piscatella of Circana called the original Switch’s success a “double-edged sword”—a huge base, but also a massive target to surpass. The market for used Switch consoles is already seeing values dip. Waiting too long could mean getting significantly less for your beloved console.
For instance, GameStop’s trade-in values for an original Switch without a Pro account are a measly $85 in store credit. Ouch. While holding onto it for sentimental value or future “retro” status is an option, if affordability for the Switch 2 is your goal, strike while the iron is hot!
The Verdict: Is the Switch 2 a Must-Have?
The Nintendo Switch 2 console is more than just an incremental upgrade; it’s a bold statement from Nintendo in an increasingly competitive market. With its enhanced hardware, innovative JoyCon functionality, and a strong lineup of exclusive games, it offers a compelling package for both loyal fans and newcomers. Yes, the price is higher, but the improvements in screen size, storage, and graphical capabilities arguably justify the investment.
Nintendo continues to leverage its unique catalog of characters and games, a strategy that has consistently given it an edge. As Mat Piscatella noted, cross-ownership rates between Nintendo devices and other gaming systems have historically been high. Players buy Nintendo for Nintendo.
This new Switch system isn’t just about playing games; it’s about re-imagining how we connect and interact within them. From online party games to precision aiming, Nintendo is pushing the boundaries while staying true to its innovative spirit. Whether you were one of the lucky few to secure a preorder or you’re still hunting for one, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console marks a new, exciting chapter in gaming. Are you ready for the ride?