Nintendo dropped an hour-long Direct livestream on April 2, where they finally announced the release of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The new system boasts significant upgrades, including a larger 7.9-inch HD screen, faster processing speeds, and new Joy-Con 2 controllers that can be used as a mouse in compatible games.
Other new functionalities include an adjustable stand, 256 GB of internal storage, improved graphics performance, and enhanced audio and 4K video output through the new dock. The Switch 2 will also add new digital features, including GameShare, a feature where players can share and play games with other Switch 2 owners, even if the other players do not own the game; and virtual game cards, which allow games to be seamlessly transferred between devices.
Possibly its most divisive new feature is GameChat, which allows players to chat and play together on an online call, with video chat available through a compatible camera. While it initially raised a few eyebrows, as most players are already accustomed to video-chatting for free over Discord (even Geoff Keighley took a quick shot), a preview shown during the Switch’s announcement indicates that GameChat video feeds could be integrated into multi-player titles, which might give the feature an edge over third-party platforms.
“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. “With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”
The Switch 2 will launch in the U.S. on July 5 for $449.99. No concrete date has been given for a Southeast Asian release, but Nintendo has confirmed that it will launch in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines sometime between July and September 2025.
The Switch 2 Direct also came with a ton of new game announcements, which you can read about here.
Comments 2