Nintendo revealed the Switch 2, a huge improvement to its predecessor. The new console includes improved hardware and plenty of games to come.
The attachment style of the sequel console of the Joy Cons is changing too. Instead of sliding, they connect with magnets on either side of the handheld. The console itself is bigger with a brighter screen.
A Look at the Specs of the New Nintendo Switch
The new Nintendo Switch will be a considerable upgrade from the old one. With new improved frame rates and resolution in both handheld and docked modes. There is a massive improvement in storage with 256 gigabytes of built-in storage. This is eight times the amount of the first Switch. This increased power does come with a price. The battery life of the Switch 2 is two and a half to six hours of gameplay, depending on the content, while the first one can play four and a half to nine hours. The Switch 2 will also only take a special type of storage expansion: micro express SD cards, which can store data much faster than regular micro-SD cards.
New Games Announcement
Lots of games were announced to come to the Switch 2, including a new installment in the Mario Kart series, “Mario Kart World”. This is the first open-world Mario Kart game and includes 24 racers. Nintendo also announced a long-awaited sequel to a GameCube game, “Kirby Air Riders,” the first game in this series in 20 years. The FromSoft game revealed only for the Switch 2, “The Duskbloods,” a horror game that will have players as vampire-like beings competing for the first blood. There are some downsides to this console, a major one being pricing.
Pricing
The Nintendo Switch 2 was originally priced at $450, with a $500 bundle available, including Mario Kart World. The Joy-Cons themselves are priced around $90 and the new Pro Controller is $80. Nintendo has since delayed pre-orders of the console. This is because they are anticipating the effects of the tariffs from the Trump administration, which could raise the price of everything from the console itself to the controllers.
Overall, it is a huge improvement. Many new games were announced, as well as improved speed and storage. The Switch 2 is planned to launch on June 5, 2025.
