When does the Nintendo Switch 2 come out?

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The wait is finally over. Nintendo has officially announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025.

After years of speculation and rumors, gaming enthusiasts can now mark their calendars for the arrival of Nintendo’s next-generation console.

If you’re eager to secure your console, pre-orders will open on April 9, 2025, through participating retailers.

The Switch 2 will retail for $449.99 in the United States, positioning it at a higher price point than its predecessor.

Launch Games and Software Lineup

The Switch 2’s launch day brings an impressive array of titles.

Mario Kart World leads the lineup as the flagship launch title, introducing the first-ever open-world Mario Kart experience where players can “drive almost anywhere.”

Other day-one releases include:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Split Fiction
• Hollow Knight: Silksong

The launch window extends through July 2025, bringing anticipated titles such as:

• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Borderlands 4
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
• Kirby Air Riders
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

What We Know About the Console

The Switch 2 represents a significant upgrade over the original model.

The new system will feature a 1080p 120Hz screen with HDR capabilities, and when docked, it can output games at 4K resolution on compatible TVs.

Nintendo has reimagined the Joy-Con controllers with magnetic connectors and new functionality – each controller can now be used as a mouse in compatible games.

4K Capability

When docked, the Switch can output a resolution to a suitable TV via HDMI, enhancing the visual experience of compatible games.

Joy-Con Controllers

The new magnetic Joy-Con controllers connect securely and can be released with a button mechanism. The Joy-Cons now include larger SL and SR buttons for easier use in multiplayer with a single controller.

They feature enhanced analog sticks comparable to those on PS5 and Xbox controllers. Additionally, each Joy-Con has an optical sensor for mouse-like functionality and a new C button.

They also incorporate an advanced version of the vibration feature introduced in the original Switch.

Dock

The new dock includes a built-in fan to help manage heat during extensive gaming sessions.

Backward Compatibility and Games

The Switch is backward compatible with existing Switch titles, ensuring that players can enjoy their current library of games on the new console.

At launch, notable titles include Mario Kart World, available as a bundle with the Switch or separately. Other games like Donkey Kong Bananza will be priced similarly to other new titles.

Enhanced Nintendo Switch Edition upgrades will be available for titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, offering new features and graphical improvements.

Where to Buy

Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon are preparing for the launch, with some stores planning midnight openings.

Given this release’s anticipation, early pre-ordering is recommended for those who want to secure a console at launch.

The Bottom Line

June 5, 2025, marks the beginning of Nintendo’s next gaming era.

With enhanced hardware capabilities, innovative controls, and a promising game lineup, the Switch 2 aims to build upon the success of its predecessor while pushing the boundaries of hybrid gaming forward.

Stay tuned for more details as we approach the launch date, and make sure to mark April 9 on your calendar if you’re planning to pre-order.

What do you think about the Switch 2? Will you be pre-ordering at $449.99, or waiting? Let us know which launch game has you most excited in the comments below!