So, Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Happened—And This Is What We Know!

The moment millions of Nintendo fans have been waiting for is finally here—the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct has officially unveiled the next evolution of hybrid gaming. After years of rumours, cryptic teases, and industry whispers, Nintendo pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated successor to the record-breaking Switch. 

And let me tell you, this isn't just a minor upgrade—it's a generational leap that addresses nearly every criticism of the original while doubling down on what made it revolutionary. The Nintendo Direct gave us a full glimpse into the next generation of Nintendo gaming, and while some details lived up to expectations, others left fans with more questions than answers.

So, what exactly was revealed? Let's break it all down, one sweet feature at a time.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date & Pricing—Here's When You Can Get It

Nintendo has finally set the record straight—the Nintendo Switch 2 will officially launch on June 5, 2025. This global release date means fans worldwide will simultaneously get their hands on the next-gen hybrid console, avoiding regional delays that have plagued past launches.

How Much Will It Cost?

Pricing is always a hot topic, and Nintendo has raised the bar slightly compared to its predecessor:

• Base Model: $450 (USA) / $699.95 (AUS) / £395.99 (UK)

• Bundle (Includes Mario Kart World): $499.99 (USA) / $769.95 (AUS) / £429.99 (UK)

This marks a $100 price increase from the original Switch's Switch launch price, but given the hardware upgrades (which we'll get to in a bit), it seems justified.

Pre-Orders & Limited Stock Concerns

Pre-orders will go live on April 8, 2025, but there's a catch—Nintendo has announced that some regions, like the UK and Europe, will have invite-only pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store to combat scalpers. With the way PS5 and Xbox Series X struggled with stock shortages, expect demand to be sky-high and supply to be frustratingly limited.

If you want one on Day 1, set your alarms, prepare your pre-order fingers, and maybe say a prayer.

Nintendo Switch 2's New Display—Bigger, Brighter, and Finally 1080p!

One of the biggest criticisms of the original Switch was its low-resolution 720p screen, which often looked blurry compared to modern mobile devices. Nintendo has finally addressed this with the Switch 2, giving us:

• A larger 7.9-inch LCD display (compared to the 6.2-inch OG Switch)

• Full 1080p resolution for crisper visuals

• 120Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay

• HDR support for more vibrant colours

The Nintendo Switch 2's 8-inch OLED display is a game-changer for handheld gaming, delivering richer colours, deeper blacks, and smoother motion. But what good is a gorgeous screen if you can't safely take it everywhere? If you plan to bring your Switch 2 on the go, you'll want a durable travel case to protect it.

We recommend checking out this premium travel kit (coming soon)—it's sleek, lightweight, and designed to shield your console from bumps and scratches while traveling. With the Switch 2's larger screen, having a snug, well-padded case is more important than ever, plus all the fun accessories you need while on the go.

Joy-Con Controllers: Fixed Stick Drift & Magnetic Attachments

One of the most exciting upgrades is the next-generation Joy-Cons, which finally addresses the infamous drift issue with Hall Effect sensors for flawless precision. But with great controllers comes great charging responsibility—keeping multiple Joy-Cons powered up can be a hassle.

That's where a smart charging solution comes in. If you love local multiplayer or just hate dealing with tangled cables, this magnetic quad charger (coming soon) is a game-changer. It lets you charge up to four Joy-Cons simultaneously with a sleek, clutter-free design—perfect for keeping your controllers ready for impromptu gaming sessions.

Another cool upgrade? Like our excellent quad charger, the Joy-Cons now attach magnetically rather than sliding into rails, making for a stronger, more secure connection.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware & Performance—How Powerful Is It?

Now, let's talk specs. While Nintendo has never aimed for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X levels of power, the Switch 2 still boasts some serious improvements:

• Custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor (AI-enhanced performance)

• 12GB RAM (tripling the original Switch's 4GB)

• 256GB internal storage (plus microSD Express support up to 2TB)

• Nvidia DLSS 3.0 support (allowing upscaled 4K when docked)

• Ray tracing for better lighting and reflections

• Faster load times thanks to NVMe storage

  
  

This makes the Switch 2 more comparable to a PS4 Pro in raw power, but with modern AI-based upscaling, Nintendo may finally have a machine that can handle current-gen games while still maintaining its portable charm.

Backward Compatibility & Game Library—Can You Play Old Switch Games?

Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backward and compatible with the original Switch games! However, there's a twist:

• Digital games transfer automatically via your Nintendo account

• Physical cartridges work, but some may require patches.

• New "GameCube Library" coming to Nintendo Switch Online

This means that your existing Switch library won't go to waste, and classic GameCube titles will finally be playable on a modern Nintendo console.

Launch Titles—What Games Are Coming?

At launch, expect:

• "Mario Kart World" (new online-focused Mario Kart)

• "Donkey Kong Bananza"

• "Metroid Prime 4" (finally!)

• "Zelda: Echoes of Time" (not a full sequel but a new spin-off)

• "Super Mario Odyssey 2" (rumoured for Holiday 2025)

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With 50+ games launching in the first year, Nintendo is going big with this lineup.

The confirmed launch titles include Mario Kart World, which promises to be the most advanced entry in the series yet, with anti-gravity tracks and cross-play support. For racing fans looking to enhance their experience, these Joy-Con racing wheels (coming soon) provide the perfect accessory to take your gameplay to the next level.

The ergonomic design gives you better control during intense races, while the lightweight construction ensures comfort during long gaming sessions. They're fully compatible with the new Switch 2 Joy-Cons and older models, making them an excellent investment whether upgrading your console or sticking with the original for now.

With Mario Kart World supporting up to 8-player local multiplayer, having a set of these racing wheels could transform your living room into the ultimate arcade racing experience. The textured grips and responsive triggers make drifting and boosting feel more intuitive than ever before.

Battery Life & Connectivity—Some Disappointments Here?

Not everything about the Switch 2 is perfect, and one of the biggest concerns is battery life.

• Expected battery life: 2 to 6.5 hours (depending on game demands)

• Faster charging via USB-C

• Wi-Fi 6 support for better online connectivity

• The dock now includes a built-in Ethernet port

  
  

While Wi-Fi 6 and the new dock improve online play, the Switch's battery life is actually slightly worse than that of the original.

It's to be expected that with the Switch 2's beefed-up specs comes one small trade off—this powerhouse console will likely need more frequent charging than its predecessor when you're gaming on the go. That's where having the right accessories becomes crucial.

For travelers who want to keep their Switch 2 charged without carrying bulky power bricks, we recommend this slim travel adaptor (coming soon) and travel case (coming soon). It's incredibly compact yet delivers full charging speeds, making it perfect for throwing in your bag alongside the console. The foldable prongs are a nice touch for avoiding scratches in your luggage, too.

Our Verdict—Should You Buy It?

So, after all this, is the Switch 2 worth it?

YES—if you want:

 ✅ Better performance and visuals

 ✅ A more substantial online experience

 ✅ More comfortable Joy-Cons with no drift

 ✅ A fantastic game lineup

NO—if you're worried about:

 ❌ Battery life issues

 ❌ Higher price compared to the original Switch

 ❌ Stock shortages and possible scalping

The Switch 2 is a solid evolution but not a revolution. Still, for most Nintendo fans, it's an absolute must-buy.

Final Thoughts—Nintendo Is Playing It Smart

Nintendo isn't trying to compete with the PS5 or Xbox Series X on raw power, and it doesn't need to. Instead, it's refining what already works and adding just enough improvements to keep fans excited.

With more substantial hardware, better online features, and a killer game lineup, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be another massive hit.

Now, what's all that's left to do? Try to snag one before scalpers get them all.