After months of anticipation, Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2 — the successor to its widely acclaimed hybrid console. Scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, the system launches alongside Mario Kart World, a brand-new entry in the beloved racing series bundled with the console’s premium launch edition.
Whether you’re a longtime Switch owner or just curious about Nintendo’s next move, here’s everything that’s been confirmed so far.
A June Launch with a Flagship Title
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be available starting June 5, with two options at launch. The standard model is priced at $449.99, while a $499.99 bundle includes Mario Kart World pre-installed, along with a themed dock.
As the first officially revealed game for the platform, Mario Kart World anchors the launch — offering a familiar, crowd-pleasing experience that shows off the hardware right out of the box.
Enhanced Display and Performance
The Switch 2 keeps the hybrid design that made the original a hit, but nearly everything under the hood has been upgraded. It now features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with HDR support, capable of up to 120fps in handheld mode. When docked, it can output gameplay at 4K 60fps, delivering noticeably sharper and smoother visuals.
You’ll also get 256GB of internal storage, more than double the original. And for those building a digital library, the console supports microSD Express cards, offering faster read/write speeds than standard microSDs — which should cut down on load times and boost performance across the board.
Of course, it’s not just about what’s under the hood. Nintendo’s also given the controls a fresh overhaul.
A New Spin on the Joy-Con
The Joy-Con 2 controllers now connect magnetically to the system, replacing the rail-based design with a sleeker, snap-in fit that feels more modern and refined in handheld mode.
There’s also a new rollerball sensor on the side of each Joy-Con, letting players use flat surfaces like a table or lap as a touch-sensitive mouse pad. Both Joy-Cons can be used together for cursor control or precision aiming — a subtle feature that could open up new possibilities in both games and UI navigation.
Additional refinements include larger, more ergonomic buttons and a new C button that brings up a chat overlay for quick access to mute or in-game voice tools. Nintendo hasn’t confirmed backward compatibility with previous Joy-Cons, but local multiplayer and wireless play remain central to the design.
Mario Kart World: The Flagship Launch Title
Mario Kart World leads the lineup at launch, bundled with the $499.99 version of the console and priced separately at $79.99. Early previews suggest a broader, open-world twist on the series — with up to 24 racers, free-roam driving, and expanded terrain types like off-road fields, snowy slopes, and waterways.
You’ll find new features like grinding rails, wall jumps, and the introduction of boats and snowmobiles — all layered on top of dynamic weather and time-of-day systems. A Free Roam mode also lets players break away from the race to explore, take scenic drives, and snap photos with friends.
It’s a fresh spin that leans into freedom, exploration, and playful chaos — while staying true to the fast, competitive core that’s made Mario Kart one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises.
Should You Upgrade?
If you already own a Switch, it really comes down to what matters most: smoother visuals, snappier performance, and a fresh way to play. The Switch 2 doesn’t just raise the specs — it rethinks parts of the experience that were starting to show their age, from screen quality to controller input.
And with Mario Kart World available on day one, there’s already a reason to jump in — not just to test the hardware, but to experience a familiar franchise with new life.
Nintendo hasn’t announced when support for the original Switch will slow down, but the message is clear: this is the start of something new.
What’s Next?
Preorders for the Switch 2 go live on April 9, with more details expected in the weeks ahead — including new first-party titles, system features, and in-depth looks at Mario Kart World.
If you’ve been waiting to see what Nintendo does next, this is it.
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