Nintendo announces Switch 2 release date, new features in latest Direct showcase

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — After years of waiting, Nintendo fans finally have a release date for the Japanese company's new gaming console.

During a Nintendo Direct, where the company unveils new games and details expected to be released in the coming months, Nintendo announced the Switch 2 would be released worldwide on Thursday, June 5, 2025 - more than eight years after the launch of its predecessor.

While the Nintendo Direct did not specify a price tag for the upcoming console, a news release said the Switch 2 will have a suggested retail price of $449.99.

And it's coming with a load of new features ranging from 4K, 120 frames per second support, a new LCD screen, an online voice chat feature, computer mouse-like functions, and several new games including a new entry into the Mario Kart franchise.

New system features

Nintendo Switch 2 (Courtesy: Nintendo via Business Wire)

Fans of the Nintendo Switch will first notice the larger 7.9-inch LCD screen that displays in HD at 1080p. The internal storage of the system has been upgraded as well, increased to 256 GB from the 32 GB offered on the original Switch.

The handheld system also boasts improved hardware for faster processing speed and more stunning visual capabilities. Nintendo also improved the sound quality when playing handheld, with what they call a more "balanced sound range."

Docking the Switch will allow gamers to play compatible games at 4K resolution and up to 120 frames per second on compatible TVs.

In terms of new usable features, the Nintendo Switch 2 will now have a built-in microphone for native voice chats (no phone app needed to talk to friends while playing Super Smash Bros.!) The Joy-Con controllers will also include a new "C" button, giving gamers access to a voice chat menu where they can join, leave, mute, or even share their screen with others in the chatroom.

The Joy-Con controllers will also have a computer mouse-like feature, allowing users to use their controllers like a cursor in certain games.

And speaking of friends, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a "game share" system. Through the system, a Switch 2 user who owns a game will be able to temporarily share that game with other users who do not own the game, allowing them to play the game together on different consoles.

The same day the Nintendo Switch 2 launches, Nintendo will also launch additional hardware, such as a stand-up camera that shares your face in various games or tracks your motions to interact with games similar to Microsoft's Kinect camera on the Xbox 360.

Upcoming games

At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 will include a backlog of games that were originally available on the first Nintendo Switch.

Mario Kart World promotional art (Courtesy: Nintendo via Business Wire)

However, the Switch 2 will launch with the newest installment in the Mario Kart franchise, titled "Mario Kart World." The new game will be the first installment since "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" launched in 2017. It includes a range of new features to re-energize the game like expanding races from 12 to 24 racers, an open world to free roam, new race modes and new ways to customize your kart and racer.

Donkey Kong, one of Nintendo's flagship mascot characters, is getting a new 3D platforming game titled "Donkey Kong Bananza." A teaser for the game showed a newly designed Donkey Kong crashing, bashing and climbing while exploring various colorful worlds.

Kirby will also return in a brand-new title called "Kirby Air Riders" which will be released later this year. Details on the new game are limited but a reveal trailer featured Kirby flying on his Warp Star, joining other characters on various machines on a racetrack.

Several games will receive "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions," which bring upgrades to visuals, performance, or even new gameplay features - including camera-integrated gameplay, new levels, and more. For example, a Nintendo Switch 2 edition of "Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" will include compatibility with a new Nintendo Switch App feature that helps players navigate the world, find hidden items, or share creations with other players.

Of course, there will be plenty of third-party games coming to the Switch 2 as well, such as "Elden Ring," "Split Fiction," "Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition," "Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade" and "Hogwarts Legacy."

From Software, the developer behind Elden Ring and the "Dark Souls" series, also unveiled a new title called "The Duskbloods," which will launch in 2026 exclusively on the Switch 2.