Nintendo Switch 2
Finally, after all these years, Nintendo has revealed its next-generation handheld console — Nintendo Switch 2.
The company has held its second presentation in the last five days, where it showed the long-awaited next-generation portable console. There were a lot of rumors around the console, but most hinted at the presentation on April 2 — and were right.
Visually, the portable console looks similar to the first generation, but it is larger, has more USB-C, a microphone in Game Chat, more buttons, and updated Joy-Con. At the same time, the joysticks can now be used like a computer mouse
One of the main novelties is Game Chat, which will become something like Discord. The microphone has noise cancellation technology. It is built into the console itself and the joystick.
The company also offers the — Nintendo Switch 2 Camera and a new «C» button. This will allow you to share your screen, talk, stream, and watch others in a chat. The camera will be built into some games as a gameplay element. To communicate, you will need subscription Nintendo Switch Online.
The updated Joy-Con will be magnetically attached, and the SL/SR side buttons will become larger. Joy-Con can also be used as a computer mouse, which is more convenient in various mini-games. The company promises that the new joysticks will not have the drifting problem that was very annoying on the first-generation model.
More The Nintendo Switch 2 will have more memory than its predecessor — 256 GB of internal storage. The company has considered the Nintendo Switch’s mistakes, where there was only 32 GB or 64 GB to choose from, forcing players to buy memory cards right away.
Also, the updated docking station with a cooling system will ensure smooth operation in TV mode. It looks like it will now be possible to avoid overheating problems that lead to lags. Of course, the docking station also has a new design.
Nintendo Switch 2 allows you to exclusively share games on other consoles for joint play. Previously, to play a game together, you had to disconnect the Joy-Con and look at the same screen.
The second-generation console will not only support games from the first Nintendo Switch, but will also allow you to transfer your saves. This applies to online versions of games and cartridges. Speaking of which, the updated cartridges will have a red color, which is typical for the company, and they will also work faster. Otherwise, they look almost the same.
Nintendo Switch 2 will be officially released June 5, 2025. The basic version of the console will cost €469, and with Mario Kart — €509. However, Switch 2 will have a regional lock, so it will not be possible to order the console from Japan at a cheaper price. It is not yet known whether the region lock applies to cartridges.