After much speculation and hype since its announcement in January, the Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched on June 5, marking Nintendo’s return with a more powerful, feature-rich successor to its best-selling console. With upgraded hardware, exciting new features, and a revamped gaming experience, the Switch 2 is designed to bridge the gap between portability and performance — but is it worth the upgrade on launch day? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Two Versions at Launch – With or Without Mario Kart World
The Nintendo Switch 2 is available in two bundles:
- Standard Console – £395.99 / $449.99 / A$699 / €469.99
- Mario Kart World Bundle – £429.99 / $499.99 / A$766 / €509.99
Considering that Mario Kart World alone retails for $79.99, the bundled version offers better value — especially since Mario Kart World is one of the few exciting exclusives at launch.
Bigger, Better Hardware
The Switch 2 is slightly larger than the original model, now featuring a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen, a jump from the previous 6.2-inch screen. It supports 4K resolution when docked and 1920×1080 in handheld mode. A custom NVIDIA processor, HDR support, and 5.1 surround sound bring the console more in line with current-gen gaming standards, positioning it between the PS4 and PS5 or Xbox One and Series X.
Frame rates can go up to 120hz, which is a game-changer for smooth gameplay, especially in racing titles like Mario Kart World.
Joy-Con Redesign: Magnetic and Comfortable
Nintendo listened to the fans. The new Joy-Con controllers are chunkier, sturdier, and feature a magnetic attachment that replaces the finicky slide mechanism. The L and R buttons are larger and more comfortable, enhancing gameplay control significantly.
The Joy-Cons also include HD Rumble 2 — a step up that rivals the PS5’s DualSense haptics — and a mouse control feature, which has proven surprisingly accurate on nearly all surfaces, from desks to even your leg.
Inside the Box
Here’s what you get with every Nintendo Switch 2:
- Switch 2 console
- Two Joy-Con controllers
- Joy-Con wrist straps
- Joy-Con grip (to form a standard gamepad)
- Dock with HDMI port
- Power adapter and USB-C cable
The hardware setup is as seamless as the original Switch — plug and play, with fast transitions between handheld and docked modes.
GameShare and GameChat: Making It Social
Nintendo is pushing hard on social interactivity this time. The new GameShare feature lets users play multiplayer games together even if only one person owns the game. All participants just need their own Switch or Switch 2 console.
GameChat is like Zoom for gaming — voice and video chat rooms while gaming. With the optional Switch 2 Camera (sold separately for $54.99), you can see video feeds of your friends during multiplayer sessions. While the camera quality isn’t stellar and functionality is a bit hit-or-miss, it adds novelty to online gaming.
These features are tied to the Nintendo Online Service, free until March 31, after which it will cost £17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 annually or £3.49 / $3.99 / €3.99 monthly.
Launch Lineup: Great Tech, Sparse Exclusives
The Switch 2 launched with around 25 titles, most of which are upgraded or re-released versions of older games. The five main exclusives include:
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Fast Fusion
- Survival Kids
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Other big names in the launch library include Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Edition), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Hitman: World of Assassination. However, many of these games are available elsewhere, often with better performance or at a lower price.
Most new games cost between £45–£70, and you can choose between physical cartridges or digital downloads.
Backward Compatibility and Enhanced Classics
One of the Switch 2’s biggest strengths is backward compatibility. Most existing Switch titles work on the new console, and several have received free performance updates or paid “Switch 2 Editions” with enhanced graphics and features.
For instance, Pokemon Scarlet — once criticized for poor performance — runs beautifully on the Switch 2. Likewise, Zelda: Breath of the Wild looks and performs better, and connects with the Nintendo Switch app to unlock features like Zelda Notes, which include playtime data, maps, and achievements.
Expansion and Storage Options
Early adopters may want to pick up the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99), praised for its comfort, build, and programmable back buttons — despite being pricier than its Xbox or PlayStation counterparts.
If you’re planning on digital downloads, consider a microSD Express card for extra storage. Games are only getting larger, and internal memory will fill fast.
Retro Revival: GameCube and N64 Games via Switch Online
The Switch Online + Expansion Pack is getting a nostalgic upgrade. GameCube titles are now available, with Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2 leading the charge. More are on the way, including Luigi’s Mansion, Super Mario Sunshine, and Pokemon XD.
Nintendo 64 games have also been updated with rewind functionality and a CRT filter to replicate old-school visuals. These enhancements make retro gaming feel more authentic and accessible.
Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Right Now?
Despite the upgraded tech and smarter features, the Switch 2 isn’t an essential purchase just yet. The limited number of true exclusives and a 2025 release schedule that’s still vague mean many gamers will find enough value sticking with the original Switch — at least for now.
If you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan, love Mario Kart, or want the best version of Pokemon Scarlet, it’s a compelling upgrade. But if you’re more casual or already content with your current Switch, it might be worth waiting until the library grows stronger later this year.
Final Verdict
The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers on hardware and innovation, but its game library at launch holds it back from must-have status. With more exclusives on the horizon — like Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17) and Kirby Air Riders — the platform will only get better. Until then, it’s a powerful machine best suited for early adopters and Nintendo loyalists.
Also Read: The Wheel of Time Is Becoming an Open-World RPG: Everything You Need to Know
