
Nintendo Switch 2: Specs, Features, Pricing, and More
IT Published on Date: April 4th 2025Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 is an upcoming Hybrid video game console. It is the successor of the Nintendo Switch, which was released 8 years ago.
Nintendo released the original Switch in March 2017. It was developed in response to the commercial failure of Wii U. The Switch was promoted as a hybrid console with handheld, tabletop, and docked configurations, along with Joy-Con controllers that could be separated from the main unit.
Compared to the other consoles at that time, the Nintendo Switch used less powerful computational hardware to keep the unit’s price low. The Nintendo Switch turned into Nintendo’s best-selling home console.
By 2023, it was the third best-selling gaming console following the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS. At the time of the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, Nintendo Switch had sold over 150 billion units worldwide.
Nintendo Switch 2 was announced on 16th January 2025 via Nintendo’s official channels. They introduced its new designs and magnetic Joy-Con Controllers, with a brief footage of the new Mario Cart Game, which was later announced as Mario Cart World (2025).
Via a Nintendo Direct presentation (which is a series of online presentations and live shows created by Nintendo), Nintendo centered a console premier on 2nd April 2025. Nintendo will also be hosting Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Events, in which consumers can experience Nintendo Switch 2 in various cities across the world. Its schedule was previously shared by Nintendo in the official announcement of Nintendo Switch 2. Here is the schedule for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Event:
North America:
- New York, April 4-6, 2025
- Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025
- Dallas, April 25-27, 2025
- Toronto, April 25-27, 2025
Europe:
- Paris, April 4-6, 2025
- London, April 11-13, 2025
- Milan, April 25-27, 2025
- Berlin, April 25-27, 2025
- Madrid, May 9-11, 2025
- Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025
Oceania:
- Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025
Asia:
- Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025
- Seoul, May 31- June 1, 2025
- Hong Kong, to be announced
- Taipei, to be announced
A Nintendo account is a must for everyone to participate in the event.
When can Users Buy the Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for sale on June 5, whereas pre-orders will be accepted on 9th April (for US) and on 8th April (for UK and Europe).
Here is What You All Need to Know About Nintendo Switch 2!
Nintendo Switch 2 Console:
The Switch 2 redefines the hybrid design of its processor with important enhancements, including:
- Dimensions: Approximately 166mm x 272mm x 13.9mm (with Joy-Con 2 attached). The maximum thickness of the ZL/ZR button is 30.7 mm (Approx.)
- Weight: Approx. 401g (Approx. 534g with Joy-Con 2 attached).
- Dual USB-C Ports: 2 USB Type–C port.
- Console Memory: 256 GB (UFS).
Joy-Con 2: Magnetic, Modular, and Mouse-Ready
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers replace the rail system with magnets, that offer PC like versatility. Here is all you need to know:
Factors | Joy-Con 2 (L) | Joy-Con 2 (R) |
Dimensions | 116 mm x 14.4 mm x 30.7 mm (Approx) | 116 mm x 14.4 mm x 30.7 mm (Approx) |
Weight | About 66 g | About 67 g |
Buttons | Left stick, Directional buttons (Up/Down/Left/Right/L/ZL/SL/SR/), Capture Button, Release Button, Sync Button. | Right Stick, Buttons (A/B/X/Y/ZR/SL/SR/+), Home button, C Button, Release Button, Sync Button. |
Connectivity Features | Via Bluetooth | Via Bluetooth and NFC (near field communication) |
Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Mouse detector | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Mouse detector |
Vibration Functions | HD Rumble 2 | HD Rumble 2 |
Charging Time | Approx. 3.5 hours | Approx. 3.5 hours |
Battery Life | Approx. 20 hours (Battery life may vary depending on the usage) | Approx. 20 hours
(Battery life may vary depending on the usage) |
Display & Visuals
- Screen: 7.9-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1920×1080 resolution / wide colour gamut LCD with HDR10 support / FRV up to 120Hz.
- VRR Support: It helps minimize screen tearing during fast-paced gaming
Performance & Hardware
- Dock 2.0:
- 4K/60Hz or 1440p/120Hz Output: Crisp HDR10 visuals on compatible TVs.
- Active Cooling Prevents throttling during intensive gameplay.
- Storage: 256GB internal (4x the original Switch) + microSD Express support (up to 2TB).
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Ethernet via dock.
- Battery: 5220mAh capacity, approx. 2- 6.5 hours (these are rough estimates; the battery life will depend on the games you play).
- Chipset: Confirmed as an Nvidia processor, but exact specs remain secret.
Audio & Software Innovations
- 5.1 Surround Sound: Supported via HDMI in docked mode.
Backward Compatibility
- Nintendo has confirmed that most Switch games will work natively on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- GameCube Emulation:
- Nintendo has announced GameCube games (e.g., Super Mario Sunshine) for Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Nintendo Life, IGN).
- However, no exclusivity to Switch 2 is mentioned—they’ll likely work on both Switch and Switch 2.
- Switch 2 Pro Controller:
- A Pro Controller with back paddles (GL/GR) and a headphone jack is confirmed.
Pricing & Accessories
Product | Price (US) | Price (UK) |
Switch 2 Standard Edition | $449.99 | £395.99 |
Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle | $499.99 | £429.99 |
Joy-Con 2 (Pair) | $89.99 | Unconfirmed |
Switch 2 Pro Controller | $79.99 | £74.99 |
Switch 2 Dock Set | $109.99 | Unconfirmed |
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | $59.99 | £49.99 |
Carrying Case & Screen Protector | $34.99 | Unconfirmed |
Switch 2 vs. Switch OLED vs. Original Switch
Feature | Original Switch (2017) | Switch OLED (2021) | Switch 2 (Upcoming in June 2025) |
Screen | 6.2″ LCD | 7″ OLED | 7.9″ LCD |
Resolution (Docked) | 1080p | 1080p | 4K HDR |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz + VRR |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB | 256GB |
Joy-Con Attachment | Rails | Rails | Magnets |
Battery Life | 2.5–6.5h | 4.5–9h | TBD (5220mAh) |
Price | $299.99 | $349.99 | $449.99 (US)/£395.99 (UK) |
Pre-Order Details (US & UK)
- Pre-Order Start Dates:
- US: April 9, 2025
- UK: April 8, 2025
- Retailer Availability:
- Post-launch units will be sold at major retailers like Amazon UK and GAME
Potential Concerns
- LCD Screen: The Switch 2 uses a 7.9-inch LED Screen with HDR10 support. LCD panels typically have lower contrast ratios and peak brightness compared to OLED, which reduces the effectiveness of HDR (high dynamic range). This means HDR visuals will look better in docked mode on an OLED TV than on the Switch 2’s built-in screen
- Battery Life Uncertainty: Nintendo has not released official battery life estimates, though the battery capacity is listed as 5220mAh. Larger screen size and higher refresh rates (up to 120 Hz) could drain the battery faster, even with the efficiency improvements from the new NVIDIA chipset. The battery life is estimated to be around 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on the games you play
- Chipset Mystery: Nintendo has only stated that Switch 2 uses a custom NVIDIA processor. Without benchmarks, it’s unclear how the Switch 2 will handle demanding games (e.g., GTA 6 or Metroid Prime 4) in docked vs. handheld mode. DLSS upscaling to 4K could strain performance.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 advances hybrid gaming with 4K HDR (via DLSS), 120Hz/VRR, and magnetic Joy-Con 2 while maintaining backward compatibility. Though its 7.9” LCD limits HDR impact. It is priced at $449.99 in the US and £395.99 in the K. The console balances innovation with practicality, reinforcing Nintendo’s hybrid dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. What is the cost of the Nintendo Switch 2?
Ans. The price for Nintendo Switch 2 is $449.99 in the US and £395.99 in the UK.
Q 2. Is Nintendo Switch 2 a sequel?
Ans. It is a successor to the Nintendo Switch, which was released 8 years ago.
Q 3. When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?
Ans. Nintendo Switch 2 will release on 5th June 2025.
Q 4. When can I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2?
Ans. Pre-orders will be accepted on 9th April (for US) and on 8th April (for UK and Europe).
Q 5. Can I use original Joy-Cons on the Switch 2?
Ans. Yes, but they lack mouse functionality and magnetic attachment.