Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Everything You Need to Know and My Thoughts on the Reveal

Well, the wait is finally over! Nintendo has finally pulled back the curtain on the Nintendo Switch 2, and man, did they come in swinging. The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was absolutely packed with huge reveals—not just about the console itself but also about the games, features, and accessories that are coming with it. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s jump right into the biggest takeaways from the event, along with my personal thoughts on everything we saw.

Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Price & Pre-Orders

The Nintendo Switch 2 will officially launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 for the standard version. There will also be a Mario Kart World Bundle priced at $499.99, which is a pretty sweet deal for those who want to dive straight into the action.

Pre-orders start on April 9, 2025, but if you’re hoping to grab one from My Nintendo Store, things are going to get competitive. Nintendo is prioritizing pre-order invites for Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50+ gameplay hours as of April 2. So, if you haven’t been gaming enough on your Switch, you might be out of luck!

Honestly, I’m expecting this thing to sell out instantly. The hype for the Switch 2 is real, and Nintendo fans (myself included) are ready to go all in on this console. If you’re serious about getting one, set your alarms for pre-orders because scalpers are going to be a problem—just like they were with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware & Features: 4K, HDR, More Storage, and GameChat

Nintendo has really leveled up the hardware this time around. Here are the key upgrades:

• 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution (a big jump for handheld mode)

• 4K support while docked (probably using DLSS-style upscaling)

• 120 FPS capabilities for smoother gameplay

• HDR mode for better colors and contrast

• 256 GB of storage (a huge improvement over the original’s tiny storage space)

• Magnetic Joy-Con attachment system with a new C button for GameChat

• Mouse-style controls on the Joy-Con (which could be HUGE for certain games)

• Built-in microphone with noise-canceling features

• GameChat for voice and video calls directly through the console

Let’s talk about the GameChat feature for a second. This is something the Switch desperately needed from the start. No more dealing with that annoying smartphone app just to talk with friends! The C button acts as a quick way to connect, chat, and even share screens—which is honestly a game-changer for Nintendo.

The new Joy-Con mouse controls are also really interesting. It makes me wonder if we’re going to start seeing PC-style strategy games or even FPS games that take advantage of it. Maybe this is why Civilization VII is coming to Switch 2!

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Pro Controller, Camera, and More

Nintendo is dropping a bunch of accessories at launch, including:

• Pro Controller ($79.99) with an audio jack, back buttons, and the C button

• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($49.99) for video chat and in-game features

• New Joy-Con 2 ($89.99)

• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip ($34.99)

• GameCube-style wireless controller for GameCube Nintendo Switch Online games

The Pro Controller getting an audio jack is a small but much-needed upgrade. And the camera has me wondering what Nintendo is planning—could we see more motion-based gameplay making a return?

Nintendo Switch 2 First-Party Games: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong, and More

Nintendo hit us with some HUGE game announcements. Here are the biggest ones:

Mario Kart World (Launch Title – $79.99)

• Open-world Mario Kart with cars, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, and planes

• Knockout Tour mode (a battle royale twist on Mario Kart!)

• Free Roam mode (explore tracks at your own pace with friends)

• 24-player races

This sounds insane. A Mario Kart battle royale? That’s a game-changer. The open-world exploration is also really exciting—it’s like Nintendo is evolving the franchise beyond just standard races.

Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)

• 3D action platformer

• Breakable environments

• New combat mechanics using debris

It’s been forever since we had a Donkey Kong game, and this one looks like it could be something special.

Zelda Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Editions

• Smoother frame rates, better graphics, and faster load times

• Exclusive “Zelda Notes” app with new Princess Zelda commentary

Nintendo knows people will double-dip for this, and honestly? I might be one of them.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Switch 2 Edition

• Mouse controls for precision aiming

• Performance Mode (1080p/120fps) & Quality Mode (4K/60fps HDR)

Finally! This game has been in development forever, and it’s great to see it taking full advantage of the Switch 2’s power.

GameCube Games Coming to Switch 2

• Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SOULCALIBUR II will be part of Nintendo Switch Online

• New GameCube-style controller launching alongside them

This is HUGE. Fans have been asking for GameCube games for years, and now they’re finally here.

Nintendo Switch 2 Third-Party Games: Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and More

The Switch 2 isn’t just getting Nintendo games—third-party support is looking strong.

• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (2025)

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

• Street Fighter 6

• Civilization VII

• Hitman World of Assassination - Signature Edition

• Borderlands 4

• Star Wars Outlaws

• Silksong

The fact that Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 are coming to Switch 2 is a huge deal. This means the hardware is powerful enough to run modern AAA games.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Switch 2?

Nintendo absolutely nailed this reveal. The hardware upgrades are solid, the GameChat feature is long overdue, and the game lineup looks incredible. That said, the price jump to $449.99 might sting for some people—especially with $79.99 games becoming the norm.

Personally? I’m getting one. While most of my gaming happens on PC now, the Switch 2 will be perfect for family gaming and Nintendo exclusives. And if I can get my hands on a pre-order, I’m definitely grabbing one before they disappear.

What do you think? Are you getting the Switch 2? Let me know!