Nintendo Direct: Switch 2 Highlights – All the Major Announcements

We finally got a true look at the Nintendo Switch 2 during today’s Nintendo Direct!

Centered around the Switch 2, this special presentation covered many important aspects about Nintendo’s new console. We’re talking launch titles, we’re saying price and, most importantly, we’ve got a release date.

So read on for our roundup of all the important announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

Note: This page is now fully updated. Thank you for your patience!

Switch 2 release date

The Switch 2 will be released on Thursday 5th June.

Yes – that is the promised day! Make it down on your calendars, definitely don’t skip school (I won’t tell on you) or book the day off work (cos I definitely can’t…). This date also marks the release of the Switch 2 launch titles, which you’ll find listed down below.

Switch 2 price

The Switch 2 will be £395.99 / $449.99 / 469.99 € or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency.

The Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle will cost £429.99 / $449.99 / 509.99 € or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency.

Keep in mind that this pricing only covers the base console from Nintendo and the prices listed above are from the official My Nintendo Store. The cost will obviously rise if you purchase games and other additions, like extra controllers. It may also differ between realtors and you should be very careful of scalpers or scams.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Switch 2 related prices copied verbatim from the My Nintendo Store for the regions shown:

It’s important to note that, while I couldn’t find the price for the microSD Express Card sold by Nintendo in the US, the starting price for these cards on Amazon is roughly $59.99.

Here are the current prices we’ve found for certain Switch 2 games:

Taking a look at the US version of the My Nintendo Store, I also found the following accessories and their related prices:

Switch 2 preorder

You’ll be able to preorder the Switch 2 on Tuesday 8th April.

Pre-orders for Switch 2 digital games, upgrade packs and Amiibo will begin on Thursday 24th April.

For US readers, GameSpot has reported that you will no longer be able to pre-order the console from them on April 9th as the new tariffs are assessed. Nintendo has confirmed there are no plans to adjust the ongoing pre-order process for the UK.

If you’re planning on pre-ordering the Switch 2 from the offical My Nintendo Store, then you’ll have to hope you first recieve an email from the My Nintendo Store. This is because, at first, the ability to preorder the Switch 2 from this storefront will be done on an invite-only basis for select Nintendo Switch Online members.

You’ll find the requirements for receiving said invite below and keep in mind eligibility is based upon data as of March 31st 2025:

Nintendo Switch Online Membership Status

• Have been a Nintendo Switch Online member for at least two years continuously by Monday 31st March 2025.
• This membership must be active on the your pre-order is placed.
• For family memberships, the person who purchased the membership will be eligible.
• Other people in the family membership are not eligible.

Play Time

• Spent a certain amount of time playing purchased / paid Nintendo Switch games, prioritising those with more playtime.
• Sharing usage information with Nintendo.
• Opted in to share usage information with Nintendo to customise offers and recommendations.

Receive email messages from Nintendo

• Opted in to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo.
• Be opted in on the day the invitation email is sent.

The above criteria thersholds may be lowered over time so more people can pre-order from the My Nintendo Store. Yet, Nintendo will still be focused on priortising the most dedicated Nintendo Switch players and it will depend on stock.

Switch 2 launch games

What’s a new console without launch games? Here’s the Switch 2 launch titles from Nintendo:

• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Here are the partner games you’ll be able to play on the Switch 2 from launch:

• Street Fighter 6
• Split Fiction
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Hitman Word of Assassination – Signature Edition
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Deltarune – Chapters 1 to 4
• Civilization VII
• Survival Kids
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Fortnite
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer

While I’m excited, I’m a little disappointed that there’s no Doshin the Giant remake… Yet, my GameCube loving heart will be somewhat fed as its been announced Nintendo GameCube games will be available exclusively on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.

Here are the GameCube games which will be available on the service from launch:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• Soul Calibur II
• F-Zero GX

Switch 2 partner games

Here are all of the Switch 2 partner games revealed so far listed as they appeared in the presentation, along with any details given about their release dates. We’ll learn more about these partner games as they’re release dates grow closer, those EA Sports has said that the Switch 2 versions of FC and Madden NFL will have feature parity with consoles “as much as the hardware allows”.

• Elden Ring – 2025
• Hades II
• Street Fighter 6 – Launch title
• DaemonXMachina: Titanic Scion – 5th September
• Split Fiction – Launch Title
• EA Sports Madden NFL
• EA Sports FC
• Hogwarts Legacy – Launch title
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 – Summer 2025
• Hitman Word of Assassination – Signature Edition – Launch title
• Project 007
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster – Launch title
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut – Launch title
• Deltarune – Chapters 1 to 4 – Launch title
• Borderlands 4 – 2025
• Civilization VII – Launch title
• WWE 2k
• NBA 2k
• Survival Kids – Launch title
• Enter the Gungeon 2
• Starseeker: Astronomer Expeditions – 2026
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – Launch title
• Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – Launch title
• Hollow Knight: Silksong – 2025
• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – 27th August 2025
• Goodnight Universe – 2025
• Two Point Museum – 2025
• Wilds Hearts S – 25th July 2025
• Witchbrook – Winter 2025
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S – Launch title
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Launch title
• Marvel Cosmic Invasion – Winter 2025
• Star Wars Outlaws – 2025
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition – Launch title
• Fast Fusion – Launch title
• Shadow Labyrinth – 18th July 2025
• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army – 19th June 2025
• No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files – 25th July 2025
• Reanimal – 2025
• Fortnite – Launch title
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer – Launch title
• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam – 2025
• Tamagotchi Plaza – 27th June 2025
• Human Fall Flat 2

What games can you play on the Switch 2?

There are three main types of games you can play on the Switch 2:

• Nintendo Switch 2 games
• Compatible Nintendo Switch games
• Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at all of the games highlighted during the Nintendo Direct…

Mario Kart World announced

We all knew it was coming but the Nintendo Direct fully confirmed that Mario Kart World is going to be one of the Switch 2 launch games. Once again you’ll be able to face against characters from the Mario franchise – be it in a kart or on a motorbike. Mario Kart World brings weather conditions and changes to the time of day too! Best of all, you’re no longer subject to the rules of the tracks and even have to drive between the tracks you race on.

There will be a Mario Kart World direct on Thursday 17th April at 2pm (local time).

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour announced

This game is designed to teach you more about your Nintendo Switch 2. Using it you’ll be able to tour different aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2, learning more about its capabilities and the features it has to offer. There are also some mini-games and tech demos you can play.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be a digital game and available at launch. (Despite what the name suggests, it won’t be free.)

Drag X Drive announced

Drag X Drive is a multiplayer game where you’ll compete in a basketball game against three other players. The main attraction of this game is how it utilises the mouse controls of the Joy-Con 2.

Drag X Drive will be released in Summer 2025.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment announced

A new Hyrule Warriors game is coming for the Switch 2 – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Much like the previous Hyrule Warriors game, Age of Calamity, this will take a look at events in Hyrule’s past. In this case it will be events Zelda experienced during Tears of the Kingdom as you’ll fight against Ganondorf during his original invasion of Hyrule (at least during this timeline).

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be released on the Switch 2 in Winter 2025.

The Duskbloods announced

The Duskbloods is a new title from FromSoftware exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. In keeping with FromSoftware games, it’s rather hard to tell what The Duskbloods is about from the trailer. Though it does seem to involve vampires and a cool looking rat with wings. It does appear to be a multiplayer game, with the ability to support up to eight people.

The Duskbloods will be released in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Kirby Air Riders announced

The Switch 2 Direct began with Marion Kart World and, as it came to a close, we got a look at Kirby Air Riders. The sequel to the original Kirby Air Ride (released over twenty years ago) will be released later in 2025.

Donkey Kong Bananza announced

The very last reveal of the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct was the announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza. In this 3D action platforming game, you’ll embody Donkey Kong once again as he hangs out with a sentient purple crystal? Okay…

Donkey Kong Bananza will be released on Thursday 17th July 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games are Nintendo Switch games which will receive an upgraded version for the Switch 2. These upgrades will include improved visuals, new ways to play the games thanks to new features like GameChat and possibly even new content. Nintendo Switch 2 Editions will also be available as both physical and digital games.

If you already own one of the games which receives a Switch 2 Edition version, then you’ll be able to purchase an upgrade pack rather than having to buy the same game all over again.

Here’s a list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games revealed so far:

• Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV announced

This upgrade for Super Mario Party Jamboree expands on the base game by adding mouse controls, audio recognition, improved rumble and gameplay which involves the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.

Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV will be released on Thursday 24th July.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions announced

Please note that these are separate games and, if you want both, you’ll have to either purchase the upgrade packs or the Switch 2 Editions of these games independently of one. (It just felt a bit silly to repeat what is essentially the same information twice.)

The Switch 2 Editions for these Zelda titles will have enhanced resolution and frame rates. They will also support HDR.

You will also be able to access Zelda Notes – a new feature in the Nintendo Switch app. (This is the current Nintendo Switch Online app, which will be renamed to Nintendo Switch App in late May.) It will be a service exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these games and will offer Voice Guidance for finding Shrines and Korok Seeds. You’ll also be able to share QR codes of your creations in Tears of the Kingdom, so other players can autobuild them.

Zelda Notes will not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership, but we’ve got a whole host of Breath of Wild and Tears of the Kingdom guides on Eurogamer… Just saying…

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition announced

The Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land will bring improved graphics and frame rates. You’ll also be able to enjoy an additional storyline exclusive to the Switch 2 Edition.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch 2 Edition announced

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be released on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. The Switch 2 Edition will support mouse controls, have 4K at 60 fps support and full HD support at 120 fps.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 Edition announced

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. The Switch 2 Edition will have enhanced resolution and frame rates

GameCube Games for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

Exclusive to the Switch 2, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership will see Nintendo GameCube games added to its line up. The selected games will have higher image quality and higher resolution than the original releases. You’ll also be able to customise the controls and, if it’s a multiplayer game, play with up to three friends both online and via local play.

A Nintendo GameCube controller will also be released for this service at launch. It will be able to connect wireless to your Switch 2 and will have a C-Button for Game Chat. Just keep in mind that this controller will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members.

Here are the GameCube games available on the service from launch:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• Soul Calibur II
• F-Zero GX

More GameCube titles will be added to the service in the future and, from the trailer, we spotted:

• Super Mario Sunshine
• Fire Emblem Path of Radiance
• Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness
• Mario Smash Football
• Chibi-Robo!
• Luigi’s Mansion
• Pokémon Colosseum

Switch 2 system details explained

Here’s everything we know about the Switch 2 system we know so far – from its hardware, controllers and internal software. We wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo is still keeping some secrets though, so we recommend keeping an eye on our ‘Everything we know about Switch 2 guide’ as we’ll be updating that every time new information is announced.

Switch 2 console details

Here’s a quick rundown of the important facts concerning the Switch 2 console itself. (Don’t worry, the screen has its own section.)

• Plays compatible Nintendo Switch games
• 256 GB of internal storage
• Reading and writing data is faster
• Two USB-C ports – one at the bottom of the console, one at the top
• Improved sound from built-in speakers in handheld and tabletop modes
• 3D audio for selected games
• Built-in mic for Game Chat (voice and video chat)
• Uses noise cancelling technology to filter sounds and remove background noise
• New stand which allows you to freely adjust the viewing angle and doesn’t look like it will snap off at a moments notice
• The Switch 2 is 13.9cm wide (the same as the Nintendo Switch!)

Switch 2 screen details

Here’s a quick rundown of what the Nintendo Direct revealed about the Switch 2’s screen:

• 7.9 inches
• 1080p
• Supports up to 120 fps
• LCD screen
• Supports HDR for selected titles

Switch 2 dock details

We also learnt more about the Switch 2’s dock:

• 4k support for compatible games
• HDR is supported in TV mode
• In-built fan ventilation in stand

Switch 2 Game Card details

We’ve talked a lot about the games coming to the Switch 2, so let’s take a look at the game cards themselves:

• Faster data reading speed.
• Same shape as Switch game cards.
• Physical game cards won’t contain any game data. Instead, they’ll contain a download ‘key’ and, after being inserted, it will download the data. You’ll need the game card to play the game.
• The game cards will be red.
• While not confirmed, the Switch 2 game cards may have the same nasty taste of the Switch ones.

Switch 2 additional storage

While the Switch 2 has a far bigger storage compared to its predecessor, you’re going to run out of storage eventually. Due to this, let’s take a look at what we know about the Switch 2’s additional storage:

• It will only use micro SD Express cards.
• These cards have a high speed when it comes to data transfers.
• Regular microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch will not be compatible.

Transferring data to Switch 2

At the time of writing, we don’t know the full details surrounding transferring data to the Switch 2. What we do know is you can transfer data between the Switch and Switch 2. To do so you’ll have to log into your Nintendo Account and use the system transfer feature. This will allow you to transfer save data, digital games and more.

New Switch 2 Pro Controller

A Pro Controller dedicated to the Switch 2 will be available from launch. It will have the C-Button for GameChat and an audio jack. It will also have new GL and GR buttons on the back; controls used by other buttons can be assigned to these new buttons.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller will cost £74.99.

Joy-Con 2 details

Here’s a quick run down of all the important details revealed about the Joy-Con 2:

• Attach magnetically
• Detached by pressing release button on the back
• Bigger SL and SR buttons
• Larger control sticks
• Mouse controls
• C-Button for Game Chat (voice and video chat)

Now let’s learn more about the C-Button and mouse controls!

Game Chat and Joy-Con 2 C-Button

The C Button has been a mystery ever since it was spotted during the Switch 2’s reveal back in January, but now its purpose has been revealed.

Pressing the C Button allows you to open Game Chat when playing a game on the Switch 2. It should be able to pick your voice up at a distance and it can also be used in handheld mode. You’ll also be able to share your game screen, which is adjustable. It can even be used when you’re playing different games.

The Right Joy-Con 2 C-Button lets you pull up a chat menu where you’ll find options like mute.

While an Online Nintendo Switch is required to use Game Chat, there will be a welcoming period where the feature will be available for free until March 31st 2026. (You will have to pay once this date passes.) Game Chat will also support Nintendo Parental Controls, including a Game Chat History.

Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls

The Joy-Con 2 controllers will come with mouse controls, which can be accessed by detaching the controls from the Switch 2 and placing them flat down on a surface. Doing so will let you use them just like a computer mouse! Though, since this is Nintendo, there are some motion controls as well.

During the Nintendo Direct, we got a look at Drag x Drive – a game coming in Summer 2025 where these mouse controllers will be fully utilised. Drag x Drive is a three versus three basketball game.

Switch 2 Camera

The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a new accessory coming for Nintendo’s next console. Using it during Game Chat will allow you to video call other players when playing together – whether it’s the same game or not.

This camera will be available from launch and will cost £49.99.

GameShare available for selected Nintendo Switch 2 titles

The Nintendo Switch 2 will support GameShare. Revealed during March’s Nintendo Direct, GameShare, unsurprisingly, allows you to share games with your friends and family using local wireless. One player hosts the game, while up to three other players join in using their Nintendo console. It can also be used online, GameChat and you can even lend players games for a limited time period.

GameShare will be a free update for the Nintendo Switch, but will only be available for selected games, with 51 titles supported at launch. (Don’t worry, we’ll have a guide listing them all). It will also be available on selected Switch 2 titles once the console launches.

Switch 2 accessibility features

While we don’t know the full list of Switch 2 accessibility features at the time of writing, here’s everything which has been revealed so far:

• Adjustable font size
• Enable screen reader
• Speech-to-text features within GameChat

The Switch 2 will also support the Nintendo Switch Parental Control app, which includes GameChat support.

What does the Nintendo Switch 2 box include?

For our final – thankfully – section, here’s a quick rundown of what your Switch 2 box will include:

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 controllers (left and right)
• Joy-Con 2 grip
• Joy-Con 2 straps
• Nintendo Switch 2 dock
• Ultra high-speed HDMI cable
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter
• USB-C charging cable

Here’s hoping the days pass quickly until it launches, but slowly after the Switch 2 is in our hands!