Nintendo Switch 2 to premiere on June 5, 2025. Everything we know about the new console

Nintendo has officially announced the release date for its new console, the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5, 2025. Building on the success of the original model, which sold over 150 million units worldwide, the new console aims to deliver even more advanced features and enhanced gameplay quality.

Technical specifications

Display: The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with 120Hz HDR refresh rate, offering roughly 33% more screen space than its predecessor.

Joy-Con Controllers: The second-generation Joy-Cons will have larger SL and SR buttons for improved comfort in horizontal mode. Analog sticks have also been enlarged. Additionally, the Joy-Con 2 controllers will function as a mouse in games that support this feature. They will attach magnetically to the console, replacing the previous rail system. Equipped with Hall effect sensors, the analog sticks are designed to reduce drift issues. The right Joy-Con will include a new “C” button, tied to social or chat features.

Graphics processor: The console is equipped with a GPU created by NVIDIA. It will support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and RT (Ray Tracing) technology.

Storage and Ports: The console will offer 256 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage, and include two USB-C ports—one at the bottom for charging and one at the top for handheld convenience.

Dock mode: When docked, the Switch 2 will support 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The dock will also come with a cooling fan.

Portable mode: In this mode, the console will support 1080p resolution and allow you to play at up to 120 frames per second.

Games and compatibility

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward compatible with most games from the original Switch—both digital and physical versions.

During the Nintendo Direct presentation, new features for Nintendo Switch Online were also revealed. Users who purchase the Expansion Pack will gain access to classic GameCube titles, from the beloved 2001 console. Games will be added gradually, with the launch lineup including:

Mario Kart World

Nintendo revealed the first full trailer for Mario Kart World, launching on June 5, 2025—the same day as the Switch 2. The retail price is set at $79.99 USD (approx. 308 PLN). This latest installment in the legendary series is positioned as one of the flagship launch titles for the new console.

Mario Kart World was the first exclusive game showcased during the Nintendo Direct and quickly grabbed fans’ attention. It will feature 24 playable racers, including all the iconic characters from the Mario universe.

Dynamic racing conditions—like changing weather and time of day—will greatly impact gameplay. Players can enjoy full exploration in both single-player and co-op modes. Notably, after finishing a race, players can seamlessly move to the next track, ensuring continuous fun.

Watch the official trailer here:

Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo is preparing something truly special for fans. Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D platformer, will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

Donkey Kong returns in a fresh new look, reminiscent of his movie appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The game invites players to explore a vast underground world filled with obstacles, enemies, and surprises. As Nintendo puts it: "Break through the world! Throw, climb, and smash everything in your path!"

Promo materials show DK scaling walls, smashing obstacles, and interacting with the environment to navigate and battle. The gameplay blends traditional platforming with dynamic action-adventure elements, similar to the Zelda series.

While the main gameplay will focus on 3D exploration, the game will also feature 2D segments and classic minecart rides—a beloved staple of the franchise.

Watch the teaser:

The Duskbloods

During the Direct, Nintendo also announced a brand-new game from FromSoftware—The Duskbloods. Fans of dark fantasy and challenging RPGs like Bloodborne or Elden Ring have reason to be excited.

The game is directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of FromSoftware and mastermind behind their previous hits. The Duskbloods is set to launch in 2026, and initially will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Details on gameplay remain limited, but the game will emphasize multiplayer elements, suggesting an evolution of the co-op and PvP systems seen in earlier FromSoftware titles.

The trailer hints at the game’s eerie tone and mysterious world. Stylized characters, cryptic gameplay mechanics, and a gothic aesthetic make it feel like a spiritual successor to Bloodborne.

Watch the reveal:

Kirby Air Riders

After more than two decades, Kirby is back on the racetrack! Nintendo has officially announced a revival of the beloved Kirby Air Ride, now titled Kirby Air Riders.

The original Kirby Air Ride debuted on GameCube in 2003 and gained cult status for its unique twist on the Kirby formula. Instead of platforming, players raced in a colorful, chaotic world filled with action and charm. Over time, the game developed a loyal fanbase and became one of the most requested comebacks in Nintendo’s catalog.

While no gameplay has been shown yet, just the announcement has stirred huge excitement among fans.

Notably, Masahiro Sakurai—the creator of Kirby and director of Super Smash Bros.—is overseeing the project. His involvement suggests the new game will not only honor the original but also bring new energy to the racing genre.

Kirby Air Riders will launch in 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, and was revealed via a cinematic trailer showcasing colorful Kirby variants and sleek, space-age vehicles.

Watch the trailer:

Drag x Drive

Drag x Drive is a unique 3v3 sports game that promises intense competition, flashy moves, and an innovative control system using the Joy-Con 2’s mouse features.

Players control athletes in wheelchair-style vehicles competing in a futuristic version of basketball—with a wild arcade twist. The game resembles Rocket League, but with human characters and highly creative controls.

The game fully takes advantage of the Switch 2's capabilities. Players use the mouse function of Joy-Con 2 for precise movement, and throw gestures to shoot baskets. It also supports the Switch 2’s camera and built-in Game Chat, offering real-time communication and immersion.

Trailers show motion-controlled celebrations, where scoring players perform animated moves triggered by controller motion. It looks like a fast-paced, arcade-style title emphasizing reflexes, teamwork, and creative play.

Drag x Drive will launch in Summer 2025, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.

Watch the trailer:

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Nintendo also revealed a new entry in the Zelda spin-off series: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Developed by Koei Tecmo, the game mixes hack-and-slash "musou" gameplay with the rich lore of The Legend of Zelda.

This new game is a prequel, like Age of Calamity, and will connect directly with the stories of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This time, players will go even further into the past to witness the epic battle of Princess Zelda and King Rauru against the mighty Ganondorf.

The Zelda series has long been a pillar of Nintendo's success. With Breath of the Wild revolutionizing open-world design, its popularity paved the way for spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors and Cadence of Hyrule.

Age of Imprisonment promises to be another strong title for the Switch 2’s launch window. Fans can look forward to playing as both Zelda and Rauru, hinting at unique mechanics and emotional story arcs.

While story details remain under wraps, a short trailer shows them battling hordes of enemies across Hyrule.

The game is set to launch in Winter 2025.

Watch the trailer:

Third-party game ports coming to Nintendo Switch 2

In addition to games published by Nintendo, the new console will also feature titles not affiliated with the Japanese giant. Currently, the list includes over 40 games and is as follows (in alphabetical order):

Price and availability

The official price for the Nintendo Switch 2 has been set at $499.99 USD. This launch bundle includes the Mario Kart World game along with the console itself.

Pre-orders begin on April 9, 2025, at select retailers.