Gaming fans queued up for the launch of Nintendo’s Switch 2 on Thursday, June 05, 2025 amid pent-up demand for the more powerful next-generation gaming device.
The new game is building upon the success of its predecessor, and introduces substantial hardware upgrades, innovative features, and a diverse lineup of games, aiming to cater to both dedicated Nintendo fans and newcomers.
Design and Display Enhancements
The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the versatile hybrid design, allowing gameplay in handheld, tabletop, and TV modes.
It features a larger 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and supports a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. When docked, the console can output up to 4K resolution at 60Hz with HDR support, providing a more immersive visual experience.
The dock itself now includes a built-in Ethernet connector and a cooling fan, enhancing both connectivity and performance during extended play sessions.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hardware and Performance Upgrades
Under the hood, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor, featuring an octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU and a 12 SM Ampere GPU with 1,536 CUDA cores.
This setup enables advanced features like ray tracing and supports Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, allowing for enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay.
The console comes equipped with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD Express cards up to 2TB.
These specifications provide a significant boost over the original Switch, and can thus accommodate more demanding games and faster load times.
Joy-Con 2: Redesigned Controllers
The Joy-Con controllers have been redesigned for the Switch 2, now attaching magnetically to the console, eliminating the need for the previous rail system.
They feature larger, more durable analog sticks and improved buttons, enhancing the overall tactile experience.
A new “C” button on the right Joy-Con activates the “GameChat” feature, facilitating in-game communication.
Additionally, the controllers can function like a computer mouse in supported games, and hence can offer more precise control options.
Innovative Features: GameChat and GameShare
Nintendo introduces “GameChat,” a new communication feature allowing up to 12 users to engage in voice chats and share screens during gameplay.
This feature supports face-to-face interaction through an optional USB-C camera, with safety measures ensuring interactions are limited to verified contacts.
Another addition is “GameShare,” enabling users to share games with friends, enhancing the social aspect of gaming on the platform.
Backward Compatibility and Expanded Online Services
The Switch 2 maintains backward compatibility with existing Nintendo Switch games, ensuring a seamless transition for current users.
Nintendo Switch Online has further been expanded to include access to classic titles from the GameCube, N64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis, broadening the range of available games and appealing to nostalgic gamers.
Nintendo Switch 2: Launch Titles and Game Enhancements
At launch, the Switch 2 offers a compelling lineup of games, including:
- 1. Super Mario Party Jamboree
- 2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- 3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- 4. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- 5. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- 6. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Games like “Fortnite” have been enhanced for the new hardware, featuring improved graphics, higher frame rates, and support for the new Joy-Con functionalities.
Nintendo Switch 2: Launch games list
We expect this list to change substantially over the coming weeks and months, but the titles currently confirmed to be available on day one follow:
- 1. Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
- 2. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- 3. Cyberpunk 2077
- 4. Deltarune
- 5. Fast Fusion
- 6. Fortnite
- 7. Hitman: World of Assassination
- 8. Hogwarts Legacy
- 9. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- 10. Mario Kart World
- 11. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- 12. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- 13. Split Fiction
- 14. Street Fighter 6
- 15. Survival Kids
- 16. Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
Pricing and Availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $450 (Ksh 58,000) for the standard console and $500 (Ksh 64,300) for a bundle that includes “Mario Kart World.”
The console is available globally, with pre-orders having started on April 8, 2025. This pricing positions the Switch 2 competitively in the current gaming market, and thus offers a balance between advanced features and affordability.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a thoughtful evolution of the hybrid console concept, integrating significant hardware improvements, innovative features, and a strong game lineup.
While it may not revolutionize the gaming landscape, it solidifies Nintendo’s commitment to versatile and accessible gaming experiences, catering to a broad audience of players. So gamers, are you ready for the upgrade?
For a visual overview, check out the official Nintendo Switch 2 Overview Trailer:
