After eight years, theNintendo Switch 2is almost here. Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 21, 2025, via a trailer posted to YouTube, and since then, fans have been scouring the internet for any details regarding it and its lineup of games. Of course, a slew of unconfirmed leaks and rumors were circulating on the internet prior to the official announcement, but Nintendo has revealed more details since then. Now, thanks to the lengthy Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, fans have a lot of information to go on, including how much it’ll cost and when to pre-order.
From theSwitch 2’s launch lineupto its price and pre-order date, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to the Nintendo Switch. Of course, a lot of these details are contained within the Switch 2’s very first Direct, which fans are likely scouring through to uncover any hidden details or get most closely acquainted with the games they’ll be pouring 100s of hours into in the coming months. While there is definitely still a lot to learn,there’s more than enough information concerning the upcoming Switch 2 to keep people busy and entertained.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date & Price
It Isn’t A Cheap Console
TheNintendo Switch 2’s release dateis Friday, June 14, 2025,as confirmed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. That is just 64 days after the first Switch 2 Direct, meaning that Nintendo doesn’t have long to gear up for the launch. Bizarrely, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its pre-order dates weren’t confirmed during the Direct, despite that being important information. Instead, these details werequietly confirmed after the Directand shared via social media. Fortunately, that does mean we now know how much the Switch 2 will cost.
The base Nintendo Switch 2 model with the console, a dock, and charger costs $449.99/£395.99on launch day. This ismore expensive than the Switchand other Nintendo consoles, although in line with inflation. Additionally, fans can buy a Nintendo Switch 2 +Mario Kart Worldbundle for $499.99/£429.99. This means thatMario Kart Worldwill cost just $50/£30 extra if bought in the bundle, which is relatively cheap and serves as a strong introductory offer for those looking to have something to play on their brand-new shiny console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Details
You Need To Meet The Requirements
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 go live on April 9 in the USand April 8 in the UK. However, it will be on an invitation-only basis. People can register their interest via theofficial Nintendo Store, and they will then be sent an email with their invite to pre-order the game. This invitation will only be valid for 72 hours, after which fans will need to re-register.
The invitation emails come on a first-come, first-served basis and are only available to those with “a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of August 19, 2025.” You can read the guidelines below:
The invitation will be valid for 72 hours. Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of June 26, 2025. Once invitation emails have been sent to all registrants meeting the priority criteria, invitations will be sent to remaining eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.
After the initial round of invitations has gone out to those who meet the criteria, the remaining emails will be sent out to “eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.” So,. It is all done in an attempt to avoidSwitch 2 scalpers, as these restrictions should separate fans from those who just want to buy the console and sell it on for a quick buck.
All Confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 Details
Nintendo Has Revealed Plenty Of Details Already
The Nintendo Switch 2 largely follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, offering detachable joy-cons that connect magnetically to the main unit,as well as the ability to play handheld and seamlessly dock the consoleto play via an external screen. The joy-cons resemble those of the Nintendo Switch, except for a new C-button, which accesses thenew Game Chat featureand allows people to play online together. The joy-cons also have a newmouse-like functionality, allowing fans to play strategy games and more PC-focused experiences on their Switch 2.
The Switch 2’s screen is bigger than the original Switch, coming in at 7.9 inches, but is the same thickness. It’s not an OLED, but rather a 1080p LCD with HDR support. It has a built-in microphone with noise-cancelation enabled, 3D audio, an improved stand, two USB-C ports - one for the charger and the other to use peripherals - and 256GB of storage. The new dock supports up to 4K and has fan ventilation to ensure consistent performance throughout. Finally, the Switch 2 cartridges are red instead of black and have faster reading speeds, but they are the same shape.
All Nintendo Switch 2 Game Reveals
There Were 47 Reveals
Additionally,Nintendo revealed 54 games during the Nintendo Direct, including first-party and third-party titles. The biggest reveal wasgameplay ofMario Kart World,the next entry in the series, alongside the announcement of a slew ofSwitch 2 third-party games, such asCyberpunk 2077,Elden Ring, andHades 2. AFromSoftware exclusive Switch 2 gamecalledThe Duskbloodswas announced for the console - it is coming in 2026 - as well asGameCube games being addedto the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Here is a full list, including when they’re releasing:
Nintendo also confirmed that theSwitch 2 is backwards compatible, allowing players to access their catalog of games via the new hardware.Data can be transferred between the original Switch and Switch 2using the system transfer feature, and select Switch games will haveenhanced Switch 2 versionsthat improve framerate, add HDR support, and introduce a slew of other minor changes. These can be purchased separately as either digital or physical Switch 2 games.
Players who already own them can upgrade their current version on a Nintendo Switch 2 for a small cost, much like how it works for other consoles, such as PS4 to PS5 games. This will only be for a handful of titles, includingPokémon Legends Z-A,Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,Breath of the Wild, andTears of the Kingdom. It is possible that other titles will receive the same treatment in the future, something that Nintendo will likely announce during futureNintendo Switch 2Directs, of which there is at least one before the consoles' release.
