Nintendo Direct, Nintendo’s major announcement event held last Wednesday (2), officially unveiled the highly anticipated Switch 2.
The Japanese manufacturer announced that their next console will officially launch on June 5 and will cost $450 in the United States. The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch display, while maintaining the same thickness as its predecessor.
Regarding improvements, Nintendo stated that the LCD screen contains twice the number of pixels compared to the original Switch and supports HDR technology. Additionally, the Switch 2 has eight times the storage capacity of its predecessor—256 GB—as well as a built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology.
During the event, Nintendo also introduced GameChat, its own integrated video chat app that allows users to communicate with friends and family while gaming.
Images shared by Nintendo show that during conversations, users can also share their screen, enabling real-time gameplay streaming for the other participant.
According to Nintendo, using GameChat requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, to promote the service, Nintendo is offering it for free until March 2026.
As for the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, much speculation surrounded the “C” button, which has now been officially explained. A button seen in a video released by Nintendo in January caught the attention of fans.
At the event, Nintendo revealed that this button provides quick access to the GameChat app and its functions while gaming.
In addition to design changes, another previously revealed innovation is that the Joy-Cons now contain magnets. Instead of physically attaching to the sides of the console, they snap into place magnetically.
Based on the games Nintendo presented, the biggest gameplay change in the Joy-Con 2 is that they can now function like a computer mouse. Nintendo showcased several games where this feature plays a significant role.
Speaking of games, Nintendo officially announced the new Mario Kart World, the latest installment in the popular franchise. One of the biggest new features is that the game allows the largest number of players in history to compete on a single track—24 racers in total.
The game also includes new mechanics such as rail grinding, wall bouncing, dynamic weather changes, and more. The biggest surprise is that Mario Kart World features an open world where players can freely explore different tracks.
Mario Kart World will be the console’s flagship title at launch in June. Nintendo is also offering a bundle that includes the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World, though the price for the bundle has yet to be revealed.
Nintendo also introduced other titles, including Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, starring Princess Zelda, a sequel to Kirby AirRide called Kirby AirRiders, a basketball game in the style of Rocket League called Drag x Drive, and a new Donkey Kong game titled Donkey Kong Bananza.
Images and videos: Nintendo. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
