Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price, games and everything else you need to know
To prepare you for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Metro has compiled all the important info you need about its features and games.
To prepare you for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Metro has compiled all the important info you need about its features and games.
After years of rumours, Nintendo is finally preparing to move on from the Nintendo Switch, as it launches its next major gaming console: the Nintendo Switch 2.
The original Switch will still be supported for at least the next year, with new first party games already scheduled for 2026, but the Switch 2 will become the new priority for both Nintendo and other publishers.
With the new console’s release right around the corner, we’ve compiled everything there is to know about the Switch 2, so you know exactly what to expect from it.
All you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 When is the Switch 2’s release date? How much does the Switch 2 cost? What features does the Switch 2 have? What is GameChat on Switch 2? What features do the Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers have? What games will be available at launch for Switch 2? Will the Switch 2 be backwards compatible with Switch 1 games? What are Nintendo Switch 2 Editions? What GameCube games will be available on Switch 2? What accessories are available for Switch 2? Are Switch 1 controllers compatible with Switch 2? When is the Switch 2’s release date?The Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on Thursday, June 5. That’s an unusual time for a new console to be released, as most come out in the autumn or spring, but Nintendo has never really explained why it picked such an unusual date.
How much does the Switch 2 cost?The Switch 2 is priced at £395.99. It comes with a dock for connecting the console to your TV, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, two Joy-Con 2 straps, a Joy-Con 2 grip that lets you use the Joy-Con 2s like a traditional controller, an AC adapter, and an HDMI cable.
There is also a bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World priced at £429.99, which means you’re only spending £34 on the game, instead of its usual asking price of £66.99.
At the time of writing, only the Switch 2 on its own is available from Nintendo’s own website, with the Mario Kart bundle sold out. Other retailers have their own bundles as well, that are significantly more expensive but do come with additional games and/or accessories.
What features does the Switch 2 have? The Switch 2 is larger than its sibling but just as thin (Nintendo)Since the Switch 2 is primarily a more powerful version of the Switch 1, it retains most of the features of its predecessor, including the ability to play games on the go in handheld mode or on your TV at home.
Tabletop mode is also back, allowing you to stand the Switch 2 on a table or desk, but the kickstand is much larger and sturdier, and can be angled in different ways.
The Switch 2 is markedly bigger than the Switch 1, boasting a 7.9-inch screen, compared to the original’s 6.2-inch screen. However, it is an LCD screen and not an OLED one like the Switch OLED model.
That said, the Switch 2’s improved specs means it can offer better visuals, including support for resolutions upwards of 1080p and even 4K, as well as frame rates upwards of 120 frames per second for select games (if playing in 4K, the frame rate is capped at 60 frames per second).
It also has a larger internal storage. Whereas the original Switch has 32GB of storage space, the Switch 2 offers eight times that at 256GB – allowing it to store a lot more games at once. Plus, the Switch 2 is much faster at reading and writing data, so loading and saving games should go quicker than on Switch 1.
The built-in speakers have also been improved to offer clearer audio when in handheld and tabletop mode. 3D audio is supported as well.
Nintendo Switch 2 specs Size: Approximately 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x 0.55 inches thick (with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached). Weight: Approximately 0.88lbs without Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, approximately 1.18lbs with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached. Screen: 7.9 inch LCD touch screen with 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10 support, and VRR up to 120 Hz (VRR only supported in handheld mode). CPU/GPU: Custom made processor by Nvidia, with DLSS and ray-tracing support. System memory: 256GB (can be increased with compatible microSD Express cards). Video output: Maximum 3840×2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps when docked. Supports 120 fps when at 1920×1080 / 2560×1440 resolutions. Maximum 1920×1080 resolution in handheld mode. Audio output: Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch. Stereo speakers and 4 pole stereo 3.5mm mini plug audio jack. Two USB-C ports, on bottom and top of console. The bottom is using for charging or connecting to the dock. The top is used for charging or connecting accessories. Battery life: Approximately 2 – 6.5 hours (dependent on the game you play). Charging time: Approximately 3 hours (when in sleep mode). What is GameChat on Switch 2?
