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Nintendo Unveils Switch 2: Power, Performance, and a Premium Price Tag
REDMOND, wash. – Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2, a new iteration of its wildly successful hybrid console, promising enhanced power, a crisper display, redesigned controllers, and a fresh lineup of games. The console, slated for release in June 2025, carries a suggested retail price of approximately $500 (470 euros), marking a notable jump from the original Switch’s launch price of $330. Pre-orders opened April 8th, with initial access granted via invitation through the My Nintendo Store in Europe, creating a scramble among eager fans.The Switch 2 boasts a custom Nvidia chip, delivering a reported tenfold increase in processing power. This upgrade unlocks advanced features like DLSS (Deep learning Super Sampling) for AI-powered image upscaling and ray tracing for more realistic lighting effects. The screen size has also been bumped up to 7.9 inches with full HD resolution (1920×1080) and a refresh rate of up to 120 frames per second.”On the television, the console delivers up to 4K at 60 fps,” according to details released by Nintendo. The company opted for a high-quality LCD screen over OLED to support HDR10 for richer colors.
The Joy-Con controllers have received a significant overhaul. “They now dock magnetically and have improved sticks and larger shoulder buttons,” Nintendo stated. A new “C-button” provides instant access to the console’s integrated “Gamechat” feature. The console also includes a built-in microphone and allows for the connection of an optional camera for video chats. The “Gameshare” feature enables local multiplayer, even if not every player owns the game. Nintendo aims to make this feature cross-compatible between the original Switch and the Switch 2 in certain specific cases.
In a surprising move, the redesigned Joy-Cons can now be used like a mouse, utilizing the colored side for motion control.This feature is showcased in titles like the upcoming “DragxDrive”, requiring players to use this novel control scheme for movement. However, even without the motion controls, the new controllers promise an immersive gaming experience, thanks to enhanced vibration feedback. “Whether with mouse function or classic control: playing is fun!” Nintendo representatives emphasized.
The Switch 2 doubles the internal storage to 256GB, a welcome upgrade from the original’s 32GB. “The support for microsd Express cards that work much faster is new,” Nintendo confirmed. Original microSD cards are incompatible, but Nintendo will offer a transfer tool to migrate save data and purchased content from the old Switch. Most of the original Switch game library will be compatible with the Switch 2,with graphical upgrades planned for select titles,including “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom.”
The launch lineup includes “Mario kart World”, featuring an open-world design with dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and races supporting up to 24 players. Other launch titles include “Metroid prime 4: Beyond,” “Donkey Kong: Bananza,” and a visually enhanced version of “Elden Ring.” “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” and “Hollow Knight: Silksong” are slated to release later in the year. In total, over 50 titles are expected to be available at launch. The game “Donkey Kong: Bananza” should be available at the start of the Switch 2.
The higher price point of the Switch 2 has raised some eyebrows among consumers. Some argue that the increased cost may alienate budget-conscious gamers, particularly in a market saturated with competing consoles and cloud-based gaming services. However, Nintendo is betting that the enhanced performance, improved features, and backwards compatibility will justify the premium price tag.nintendo will likely announce a cheaper successor in the future as they have done this with every console since the Gameboy.
FAQ
Will my old Nintendo Switch games work on the Switch 2?
Yes,almost all old Switch games are compatible with the new console. Some top titles will even receive graphical upgrades.
How much storage dose the Switch 2 have?
The Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal memory.
Can I use my old microSD card with the Switch 2?
No, old microSD cards are not compatible. The Switch 2 supports MicroSD Express cards.
Does the Switch 2 have voice chat?
Yes, the Switch 2 has a built-in microphone and a “Gamechat” function.
* How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost approximately $509.99 when you buy the “Mario Kart World” bundle.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is an all-around improved hybrid console. Powerful technology, a better display, revised controller and new online functions such as Gamechat and Gameshare should raise the gaming experience to a new level. The software support is also right: Along with new exclusive titles, many classics are compatible and partially upgraded.
