The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s second entry in the eighth generation of video game consoles and launched on March 3, 2017. Furthermore, the hybrid console was Nintendo’s second-best-selling console and the third-best-selling console of all time. Eight years after the release of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo announced its successor, Switch 2, will release on January 16, 2025.
Hardware Differences
Initially, critics often scrutinized the Nintendo Switch for being generations behind technology-wise upon release. For example, the Switch had a 6.2-inch LCD 720p display, which supported 60Hz. In contrast, Nintendo’s Switch 2 improves these specs with a 7.9-inch LCD 1080p display that supports 120Hz and HDR. Additionally, the Switch 2 also has a dock that allows the console to display 4K resolution when connected to a screen. It also offers 3D spatial audio alongside a newly built-in microphone.
The base storage of a Switch was 32GB, which was only enough for 3 moderately sized games on average. The Switch 2 has improved upon this with 256GB of base storage, octupling the storage. You can expand your storage with Express MicroSD cards. A second common complaint was the built-in kickstand, which has also been vastly improved. An unexpected change in the Switch 2 was the addition of a second USB-C Port on the top of the console, now allowing charging when using the kickstand.
The most notable change to many fans was the Joy-Cons, which are the controllers that connect to the console. The Nintendo Switch used a rail system to connect the Joy-Cons, and in the new iteration, the Switch 2 uses a magnetic docking system. The Joy-Cons also offer new features such as mouse controls and a new C button, which allows players to access the new “GameChat” feature. It is currently unknown whether joycon drift has been solved.
Software Features
Using the new C button on the right joycon allows the player to access GameChat. GameChat is a new feature that allows up to 12 players to voice chat together as well as share their game screens. It is also possible to connect via video chat using the Switch 2 camera, an optional $50 accessory that connects to the console via USB-C. This feature can be compared to using Discord, which many gamers already do.
To the relief of many Switch fanatics and users, the Switch 2 features backward compatibility. This means that games from the Switch will be playable on the Switch 2. This can be achieved either by transferring your Switch data to your Switch 2. Switch cartridges can work in the Switch 2 as well. Along with this, the paid service Nintendo Switch Online will also be compatible with Switch 2, with the exclusive GameCube Classics available only on Switch 2. There have been some games listed that don’t work or currently have issues on Switch 2, you can find more info here.
GameShare is another feature advertised as exclusive to Switch 2. With this feature, Switch 2 users can share games locally to play together with friends as well as online. However, from the limited knowledge known about this feature, it seems that it is only compatible with a select variety of games, and not all of these games can be shared online. You can find more information here.
Upgrade Packs
Upgrade Packs, aka Switch 2 Editions, are packs you can buy with select first-party Nintendo Switch titles that enhance them on the Switch 2. The benefits of these upgrade packs vary from game to game. The simplest of these upgrade packs is for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest Pokémon game, which features “improved performance with higher frame rate and resolution” according to the Nintendo website. An upgrade pack for Kirby and the Forgotten Land releases on August 28, 2025. It features a new story called “Star-Crossed World” as well as graphical and performance enhancements.
Upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom both release on the same day as Switch 2. The upgrade packs will be available for free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Similar to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the upgrade packs include improved performance and graphics. However, there’s also support for Zelda Notes, a service on the Nintendo Switch App.
Super Mario Party Jamboree adds new content with its upgrade pack, including new minigames and modes that utilize the joycon mouse features, the Switch 2 microphone, and the Switch 2 camera accessory. When using the camera accessory, players can see their face in-game. The upgrade pack includes GameShare compatibility to easily share the game locally. On top of this, there are graphical and performance enhancements. The upgrade pack releases on July 24, 2025.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will also receive a Switch 2 Edition on its release. The upgrade allows support for mouse controls, which you can replicate using Samus’ iconic arm cannon. Along with visual and performance improvements from the Switch version, there are also two display modes in which you can play. Quality Mode runs at 60fps in 4K resolution in TV mode and 1080p while in handheld mode. Performance Mode runs at 120fps in 1080p resolution in TV mode and 720p in handheld mode.
Switch 2 Games
Along with the release of Switch 2, Mario Kart World will release on the same day. This is the newest Mario Kart game and will only be available on Switch 2. This entry will have a large open-world map where you can drive practically anywhere. Along with the standard Grand Prix mode featured in every entry of the series, there is the addition of a long-awaited Knockout Tour mode. In this new entry, players have expressed both excitement and amusement at the addition of 24 player races as well as a variety of unexpected new racers. New racers include a Cow, Penguin, and the iconic Mario enemy: Goomba. The game is currently priced at $79.99.
On July 17, 2025, Donkey Kong returns in Donkey Kong Bananza only on Nintendo Switch 2. This title is Donkey Kong’s first 3D platformer in 26 years. In this title, DK can destroy and terraform most terrain. Not many specifics are currently known about the plot of this game. The game is currently priced at $69.99.
Sometime in 2025, Nintendo is promising the release of an array of first-party games. Among these games are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. In 2026, FromSoftware will release The Duskbloods, a brand-new multiplayer title only on Switch 2. In the Summer of 2025, Nintendo will release Drag x Drive, a new sports game using the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
Third-party games advertised to be on Switch 2 are:
- Hades II
- Borderlands 4
- Split Fiction
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Street Fighter 6
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
- Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
- Enter the Gungeon 2
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
- Project 007
- HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
- DELTARUNE
- Starseeker
Accessories
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will retail at $84.99. Surprisingly, it includes a USB-C charging cable. The controller also includes a C Button to open GameChat, GL/GR Buttons that you can freely map, and an audio jack for headphones and headsets. You can also buy additional Joy-Con pairs for $94.99.
The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip is set to be sold at $39.99. This product differs from the original, being a handy charging station, including a USB-C charging cable, and featuring the GL/GR Buttons which can be custom mapped. You can buy Joy-Con 2 Straps for $13.99. A set of two Joy-Con 2 Wheels has been advertised to sell for $24.99. The Dock Set can be purchased for $119.99 and comes with a Nintendo Switch 2 dock, AC adapter, USB-C charging cable, and Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is said to be available for $54.99 and is a dedicated camera made for Nintendo Switch 2 and includes a USB-C charging cable. This accessory allows users to use their camera in TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode. A replacement AC Adapter has been advertised to sell for $34.99.
Nintendo offers two carrying cases on its site. The Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector can be purchased for $39.99. It includes a carrying case, along with a screen protector and cleaning cloth. The All-In-One Carrying Case sells for $84.99 and can carry all equipment needed to play in TV mode, including the Switch 2, dock, Joy-Cons, various cables, and up to six game cards.
Controversy
The Nintendo Switch 2 has faced much backlash from fans. The central issue of this is pricing. While fans were expecting the console to be more expensive than the first Switch. The $450 price tag was higher than anticipated, but fans were willing to pay Nintendo that price, especially considering the improvements and new games showcased.
The storm began during the presentation of the Switch 2, where they introduced a tech demo game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This game, which showcases how the console functions and offers games to demonstrate its features, would not be free with the console. Outrage grew among fans who were disgusted to pay for a tech demo when Sony included Astro’s Playroom with the PS5 on its release five years ago. The tech demo will cost $9.99 and will be released alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.
Unsurprisingly, there is also controversy surrounding Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade packs. Fans once again looked to Sony’s PlayStation, where they offered many free graphical upgrades from PS4 versions to PS5 versions. Once again, there is the worry of setting a new precedent for video games.
The next controversy arose when fans went to check out the site and learn even more about the console on the official site, where they discovered that Mario Kart World was priced at $79.99, an abnormally high price for a video game. Fear has spread that this will set a precedent for video game prices in the future. A separate presentation for Mario Kart World was scheduled for April 17th. Fans still do not feel the price tag is justifiable, with YouTuber Nathaniel Bandy stating, “What was the point of that?” in his video titled The Mario Kart World Direct was Unnecessary.
CEO Doug Bowser has said in an interview with the Washington Post, “What you see right there is variable pricing. We’ll look at each game, really look at the development that’s gone into the game, the breadth and depth of the gameplay, if you will, the durability over time, and the repeatability of gameplay experiences. Those are all factors, and there’s many more that go into consideration of what is the right price point for the game. So I think you can anticipate that there will be variable pricing, and we haven’t set a benchmark.”
