Today’s Nintendo Direct unveiled a slew of exciting announcements, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and a lineup of new games. Here’s a breakdown of everything revealed.
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal
The highlight of the Nintendo Direct was the official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2. This next-generation console sports a sleek design with a larger 1080p LCD screen, supporting up to 120fps and HDR along with 4K TV support for a visually stunning experience. The new Joy-Con controllers introduce mouse-like functionality and a mysterious “C” button that was revealed to activate GameChat, a feature for video and voice communication. It’s a modern upgrade that promises to elevate gaming on the go. Watch the reveal here.
Release Date and Price
Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 will hit shelves on June 5, 2025. Pricing starts at $450 for the standalone console, with a limited edition $500 bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World. This is a good deal, considering games for the new console will now be $79.99. This marks a notable jump from the original Switch’s launch price as well as game pricing, sparking discussions among fans about the value of the enhanced features.
Pre-orders
For those ready to secure their Switch 2, pre-orders kick off on April 9, 2025. Retailers like Best Buy are gearing up, offering pre-orders online and via their mobile app starting at midnight ET. With high demand expected, acting fast will be key to ensuring you don’t miss out on this tailored gaming upgrade.
Nintendo’s official store is running a special pre-order queue Open to Nintendo Account holders in the U.S. and Canada, who are:
- At least 18 years old
- Who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership
- Have played a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025
If you are eligible, an invitation email will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account when it is your time to purchase. The invitation will be valid for 72 hours. Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants. Once invitation emails have been sent to all registrants meeting the priority criteria, invitations will be sent to remaining eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.
New Games
The Direct showcased an impressive lineup of games for the Switch 2, each designed to leverage the console’s advanced capabilities. Here’s what’s coming:
- Mario Kart World: This open-world take on the racing classic lets players speed across connected tracks, compete in the new Knockout Tour mode, or roam freely. It launches with the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Watch the trailer.
- Metroid Prime 4: After years of waiting, Samus returns with psychic abilities and hints of time-travel in a breathtaking trailer. It’s slated for 2025. A Switch 2 version will feature enhanced graphics. Watch the trailer.
- Elden Ring: FromSoftware’s masterpiece brings its vast, challenging world to the Switch 2, tailored for Nintendo fans. Watch the trailer.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: These remastered skateboarding classics drop in July 2025, offering a nostalgic yet modern ride. Watch the trailer.
- Civilization 7: The strategy series evolves with deeper gameplay and enhanced visuals, perfectly suited for the Switch 2. See the announcement.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: This complete package, with all updates and DLCs, delivers a high-performing cyberpunk experience. Watch the trailer.
- Donkey Kong Bonanza: A fresh 3D platformer with destruction physics, swinging in on July 17, 2025. Watch the trailer.
- Kirby Air Riders: Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, this sequel to Kirby Air Ride promises a delightful 2025 release. See the announcement.
Additional reveals included Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, and Project 007, a James Bond adventure from IO Interactive.
Game Upgrades
Nintendo also announced enhancements for existing Switch titles on the Switch 2. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive performance boosts and support for new features like GameShare. These upgrades will cost an enhancement fee to upgrade your current game to the Switch 2 graphics mode, or if you’re a Nintendo Member with Expansion Pack you get the enhancements for Switch 1 games you own for free as announced on the Nintendo TreeHouse on 4/3/2025.
Updated 4/3/2025