Nintendo Launches the Switch 2

[TheLostSwede]

Today, Nintendo launched its first brand-new gaming platform in eight years with Nintendo Switch 2, and the latest Mario Kart game for consoles in over a decade with Mario Kart World. Nintendo Switch 2 brings to life new ways to connect and play with friends and family with new features and reimagined online capabilities such as GameChat. Mario Kart World allows players to hit the road in a vast interconnected playground where the world is their racetrack. Further, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup features acclaimed titles from Nintendo's global publishing and development partners, such as Split Fiction, Street Fighter 6, Sid Meier's Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and more. Together, these new experiences mark a leap forward in Nintendo's mission to deliver smiles to people the world over - All Together, Anytime, Anywhere.

Last night, Nintendo held the first-ever simultaneous launch event that took place at the newly opened Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO, and Nintendo NEW YORK with activations in Rockefeller Center. Fans that attended the coast-to-coast celebration were among the first to usher in this new chapter for Nintendo games. The event culminated when the first systems and games were purchased at 9 p.m. PT in San Francisco and 12 a.m. ET in New York. Each event featured photo ops, and gameplay for Nintendo Switch 2 launch games including Mario Kart World and titles from Nintendo's global publishing and development partners. Photos from the event are included with press materials for this announcement.




More information on Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, titles from Nintendo's global publishing and development partners, and everything launching today can be found below.

Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the foundations of the Nintendo Switch system, and delivers a multitude of new features and enhancements, including:

• New social capabilities with the built-in mic and the new online feature GameChat, where up to 12 friends and family can play games and talk like they're all in the same room, even when they're miles apart. You can also video chat with up to four people if you connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately).
• Powerful CPU and GPU capable of enhanced visuals and performance.
• A large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p.
• Joy-Con 2 controllers that magnetically attach to the system. New mouse controls are also possible by sliding them across surfaces, such as a tabletop or even your lap in compatible games.
• 256 GB storage capacity - 8 times that of Nintendo Switch (a portion of which is reserved for use by the system).
• USB-C ports on the top and bottom of the system, and a freely adjustable stand for playing and charging in tabletop mode.
• Crisp audio quality and spatial 3D sound in handheld and tabletop modes.
• A new dock that enables the Nintendo Switch 2 to output video at up to 4K resolution or play games at up to 120 FPS in supported games on compatible displays or TVs.
• Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, available in handheld mode, helps games move seamlessly by preventing frame skips and flickering.
• Accessibility features to support a wide range of gameplay styles.

Free updates to enhance the gameplay experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 system will also be available for select Nintendo Switch games. By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update, you can download free updates for selected games that may improve graphics or add support for various features. These features include GameShare, where, with a Nintendo Switch 2 system, you can share supported games with friends and family—even if they don't have the game, and everyone can play together. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game. For more information on the free Nintendo Switch 2 updates for select Nintendo Switch titles, please visit the Nintendo website.

In addition to GameChat and existing online features with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, today Nintendo Switch 2 owners with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership gain access to upgrade packs for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom games. These upgrade packs allow players to enjoy the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of both titles at no additional cost if they have the Nintendo Switch version of the games.

Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members who have a Nintendo Switch 2 system can access the new Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics library, featuring F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SOULCALIBUR II at launch today, with clearer image quality and higher resolution than the original releases. Plus, a dedicated wireless controller designed after the original Nintendo GameCube controller will be available for purchase by paid Nintendo Switch Online members.

Nintendo Switch 2 is now available at a suggested retail price of $449.99 in the United States. Also available today is the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle at a suggested retail price of $499.99 in the U.S., which includes a system and a digital version of the Mario Kart World game. For more information about Nintendo Switch 2 and accessories, visit Nintendo.com.

Mario Kart World delivers frenzied Mario Kart racing like never before, as well as a series-first: a vast interconnected environment to explore and race across. Players looking to hit the road with Mario and friends can experience:

• Up to 24 drivers at once - the most in Mario Kart history - race across courses.
• Reimagined returning modes like Grand Prix competition, where the paths between courses are part of the race, too.
• Knockout Tour, a new game mode where checkpoints eliminate drivers if they can't keep up with the pack.
• Free Roam mode, another new game mode, where players can explore, see the sights and more, solo or with friends online. There are hundreds of single-player missions to complete in Free Roam, too.
• Plus, look forward to hectic faceoffs in the Battle mode!
• Multiple ways to play together with friends, locally or online. This includes local split-screen for up to 4 players on the same system, local wireless play, and competing or exploring with people from around the world (or friends) in online play.
• Using the new GameChat feature on Nintendo Switch 2, players can talk with friends around the world while playing online. Plus, see their live expressions in-game with the new CameraPlay feature by connecting a compatible USB-C camera to the system (sold separately).

Packed with races to win and ways for players to explore at their own pace, Mario Kart World can be enjoyed by both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Mario Kart World is now available in stores, on Nintendo eShop or at Nintendo.com at a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 system and Mario Kart World are over 20 titles for Nintendo Switch 2, including games from Nintendo and a strong lineup from Nintendo's global publishing and development partners. Take a look at some of these exciting titles releasing today:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - Enter a virtual exhibition with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Through tech demos, minigames and other interactions, players can explore Nintendo Switch 2 inside and out and get to know the new system in ways they may never have known about otherwise.
• Split Fiction - Jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this co-op action adventure, where contrasting writers Mio and Zoe have become trapped in a simulation of their own stories. Split Fiction keeps you on the edge of your couch with weird and unexpected moments as players must coordinate and work together to overcome challenges.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition - For the first time, Nintendo players can step into the shoes of V—a mercenary determined to become a legendary cyberpunk in Night City. With the powerful processing speed and graphical performance of Nintendo Switch 2, every neon-lit street and firefight feels more immersive, making it the most cyberpunk way to play Cyberpunk 2077. Players can aim with greater control with gyro and mouse controls, and intuitively navigate menus with the Nintendo Switch 2 system's touch screen. Players can enjoy the full Cyberpunk 2077 experience, featuring the base game and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty spy-thriller expansion.
• Fortnite - Whether you want to be the last player standing in Battle Royale, headline your own concert with Fortnite Festival, or want to explore LEGO Fortnite experiences and much more - the choice is yours. Experience Fortnite like never before on Nintendo Switch 2 with 60 FPS, a higher resolution, clothing physics, and higher-quality textures, shadows and water rendering. Plus, relive your best Battle Royale matches with the Replay system.
• Sid Meier's Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition—Steer the course of history on Nintendo Switch 2! Featuring new mouse controls that offer a more intuitive experience, players' decisions will shape the cultural lineage of their empire. Construct cities and architectural wonders, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the world.
• Street Fighter 6 - Experience the next evolution of Street Fighter in Street Fighter 6 with three distinct game modes, new gameplay features and enhanced visuals. Fight your way to the top with new game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches9. Enjoy new party modes utilizing Joy-Con 2 controllers like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest. Plus, players can check out three new amiibo figures and 22 amiibo cards at launch. Choose from Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition, or the digital version of Street Fighter 6, for Nintendo Switch 2 today.

Check out the full list of games available in stores or on Nintendo eShop right now:

• Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER
• BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• DELTARUNE
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Fortnite
• HITMAN World of Assassination - Signature Edition
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics:
• F-Zero GX
• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• SOULCALIBUR II
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition
• No Man's Sky - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Sid Meier's Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Sonic X Shadow Generations
• Split Fiction
• Street Fighter 6
• Suikoden I&II HD Remaster for Nintendo Switch 2 Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
• Survival Kids
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut

There are also a wide variety of games set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 soon, including Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platforming action adventure starring the smashing, bashing, banana-hoarding Donkey Kong (launching July 17); EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26, the latest in the hard-hitting football series (Aug. 14); the explosively outrageous Borderlands 4 (2025); the bewitching roguelike dungeon crawler Hades II (2025); and Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, where Trainers can explore scenic Lumiose City and engage in fierce, real-time Pokémon battles (Oct. 16).

That's not all - even more titles are launching in the coming months, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Drag x Drive, Kirby Air Riders, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (Aug. 28), FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (Sept. 5), Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (July 24), just to name a few.

Anyone eager to try Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 can attend the Nintendo Switch 2 Demo Events at select Best Buy locations with GameTruck this summer! These demo events will take place on weekends beginning June 7, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. local time. For more information on these events, please visit BestBuy.com.

Plus, enter the My Nintendo - Nintendo Switch 2 Party with GameTruck Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 2-hour video game party for up to 15 guests. Until Sept. 8, My Nintendo members can redeem 10 My Nintendo Platinum Points to enter, with up to five entries total. Two lucky winners will be selected. For more information, visit the My Nintendo website.

Look out for continuing Nintendo Switch 2 content in the free Nintendo Today! smart device app for iOS and Android. Visit this page for more information.

Remember that Nintendo Switch 2 features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other Nintendo Switch 2 features, visit Nintendo.com.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[neatfeatguy]

Not one person I know cares about it (they are Xbox or PS console owners, none of them want a Switch or Switch 2) and some don't even know that Nintendo has a new console coming out. My son has a Switch (him and my daughter also have a Switch Lite) and neither of them care about the Switch 2.

I wonder if the system will really sell as well as Nintendo projects it will.

 

[cinemaware]

yawn

 

[Steevo]

500 for essentially a locked down tablet? Nah brah.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Not one person I know cares about it (they are Xbox or PS console owners, none of them want a Switch or Switch 2) and some don't even know that Nintendo has a new console coming out. My son has a Switch (him and my daughter also have a Switch Lite) and neither of them care about the Switch 2.

I wonder if the system will really sell as well as Nintendo projects it will.

A local computer shop chain opened up their store at midnight here for the launch and there were a few hundred people queuing to get one, so clearly some people are interested, despite it being extra pricey here, due to the local distributor being the way they are.

Log into Facebook

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[TheDeeGee]

500 for essentially a locked down tablet? Nah brah.

$500 printer with $80 cartridges that arn't worth it.

 

[Arco]

Modded my steam deck to 25w, I really don't care about this launch. Plus I get to emulate all the switch games anyways.

 

[cvaldes]

I wonder if the system will really sell as well as Nintendo projects it will.

My guess is that Switch 2 will not outsell the original Switch in terms of gross unit sales. However I expect Nintendo will still sell over 100 million Switch 2 units over the lifespan of the device family.

But base hardware console sales aren't as important to Nintendo as first-party software sales, accessories, and merch. That's where the fat margins lie. Nothing new there, it has been like this for decades.

The Nintendo console hardware is sold on razor thin margins at launch, with better margins coming later as manufacturing yields improve and costs come down. And as of the previous generation there's now the Switch Online service (subscription), a relatively new revenue source for Nintendo. There are already select N64 games plus Nintendo Music (streaming service) with GameCube games coming soon to the service for Switch 2 owners.

Switch emulation on PC mostly works but only for original Switch 1 titles. As Nintendo releases more Switch 2-exclusive first-party titles, there will be more reason to buy the device. It's not like Ryujinx or yuzu will run the new Mario Kart World or the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza.

It's important to realize that Nintendo sales cycles for both hardware and software differ considerably from PC gaming. Even software sales cycles for Nintendo varies substantially compared to Xbox and PlayStation software sales cycles.

And yes, children are an important factor for Nintendo sales. Even if you don't care for Animal Crossing your kid might. Similarly, there's no surprise that most of the top-grossing films of all-time are kids movies. Kids aren't always going to watch a movie during its opening weekend and many will see the same film multiple times (and we won't include DVD/Blu-ray/streaming views).

Comparing Nintendo hardware and software sales to PC gaming is fraught with many potholes since the two are vastly dissimilar in many ways.

One thing for sure, the youth of this planet enjoy gaming-on-the-go. That's why Nintendo stuck with a portable device concept.

 

[InVasMani]

$500 printer with $80 cartridges that arn't worth it.

Comment is good, but needs more magenta...

 

[bonehead123]

yawn

Aww man , you beat me to it.... this is my thought EXACTLY !

as in:

1. sN.oO.zE.....
2. Y.a.W.n....
3. sNoOze again...

Back to nappy time now, can someone please wake me up when something, anything, interesting happens ?

 

[FoulOnWhite]

Not much love here but even so, they will sell as many of these as they can make. Maybe even more than all the other consoles combined. For whatever reason the switch has a lot of love.

 

[_roman_]

When will we get this game for PC?

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Overpriced - locked down - not many years of use - low quality build - expensive games

 

[phints]

Boring console new no games what a snoozefest. If you must have portability get a Steam Deck OLED and have a 25 year old library of Steam games to pull from. Not just backward compat but also forward compat your games will work on future hardware basically for life.

 

[cvaldes]

Folks, let's remember that 99.99% of Nintendo console buyers don't give a rat's arse about how many CUDA cores the GPU has or how many polygons can be painted on the screen or what semiconductor fabrication node the chip is made on.

They buy the device to run Nintendo's first-party exclusive titles: Mario, Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, et al. As always, content is king.

This time around, Nintendo has cleverly chosen not to release a bunch of new first-party titles on launch day, but to stagger them over the upcoming months. However, they have the luxury of being able to run most Switch titles and offer some bonuses like enhanced versions of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

My hunch is that Mario Kart World will end up being a Game Of The Year nominee.

No one buys a Switch 2 to run Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy or Elden Ring. But it's great that the device will be able to handle those titles in addition to Nintendo's own exclusives.

As for when the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available on PC, maybe 2030 when some emulator like ryujinx2 pops up on the Internet. Download it quickly before Nintendo's lawyers shut it down!

 

[eidairaman1]

Unobtanium

 

[cvaldes]

Unobtanium

There's always a supply-demand imbalance when these popular products launch. Since you don't seem to be aware of it, this has happened before.

I expect availability to be spotty in many markets for the rest of the calendar year, especially around the holiday season. If you have ever shopped for popular technology products (smartphones, PC GPUs, etc.) you should be aware of this.

Nothing new here.

Let's not forget that "unobtanium" was a satirical material from a fictional movie.

Hell, if you want real "unobtanium" just seek out smokin' hot, supermodels who want to marry tech dorkwads. Complain all you want about out-of-stock $449 game consoles, that's nothing compared to other offerings in other markets.

 

[Craptacular]

Boring console new no games what a snoozefest. If you must have portability get a Steam Deck OLED and have a 25 year old library of Steam games to pull from. Not just backward compat but also forward compat your games will work on future hardware basically for life.

Your games working on future hardware is another way of saying backward compatibility.

Right now, current NS 1 games run on the NS2 and they run with better performance.

The real reason to get a steam deck is that if buy it on steam you can play the game on both your desktop pc and on hand held pc gaming device.

 

[kondamin]

Not a word about the horrible aup?
All articles should lead with that

 

[ErikG]

Delivered yesterday, beautiful device.

Cyberpunk 2077 working flawless.

 

[Bomby569]

too expensive, lots of stock everywhere here. Nintendo finally solved the shortages on tech launches problem.

 

[omerfak]

• Powerful CPU and GPU capable of enhanced visuals and performance.

I'm gonna stop you right there king.

 

[Baba]

Folks, let's remember that 99.99% of Nintendo console buyers don't give a rat's arse about how many CUDA cores the GPU has or how many polygons can be painted on the screen or what semiconductor fabrication node the chip is made on.

They buy the device to run Nintendo's first-party exclusive titles: Mario, Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, et al. As always, content is king.

This time around, Nintendo has cleverly chosen not to release a bunch of new first-party titles on launch day, but to stagger them over the upcoming months. However, they have the luxury of being able to run most Switch titles and offer some bonuses like enhanced versions of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

My hunch is that Mario Kart World will end up being a Game Of The Year nominee.

No one buys a Switch 2 to run Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy or Elden Ring. But it's great that the device will be able to handle those titles in addition to Nintendo's own exclusives.

As for when the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available on PC, maybe 2030 when some emulator like ryujinx2 pops up on the Internet. Download it quickly before Nintendo's lawyers shut it down!

Exactly. I had a SNES, N64, Cube, and Wii U. I skipped the Switch due to PS4, PS4 PRO, and PC gaming. Great time to catch up on the Zelda and Mario Switch games. $500 is not much these days and it includes a highly re-playable game.

A list of a few items that I need to upgrade my current PC.
9800X3D - $480
X870E - $500
PSU - $320
64GB DDR5 - $220
9070XT - $940
or
5080 - $1,700

So between $2,460 and $3,220. And this is not even an entire system. I'm carrying over my monitor which I'll eventually get a 32" 4k OLED, and SSDs.

So $500 for a complete system with a great game and wait it out until video card prices come down to reality. I still have my pretty decent PC (6950XT) for other games. $500 plus 2 Zelda games and some Mario game or two will keep me occupied for 6 months at least. I still have a dozen games on Steam to play through.

So yes, $500 to delay an expensive upgrade while enjoying some Nintendo first party titles is not a bad deal. You can have both the Steam Deck, a PC, and a console system. Or 2 of the 3.

 

[JoniISkandar]

Im amaze Nintendo can sell piece of plastic with Digital key for 90$ the catridge that not have game inside

Exactly. I had a SNES, N64, Cube, and Wii U. I skipped the Switch due to PS4, PS4 PRO, and PC gaming. Great time to catch up on the Zelda and Mario Switch games. $500 is not much these days and it includes a highly re-playable game.

A list of a few items that I need to upgrade my current PC.
9800X3D - $480
X870E - $500
PSU - $320
64GB DDR5 - $220
9070XT - $940
or
5080 - $1,700

So between $2,460 and $3,220. And this is not even an entire system. I'm carrying over my monitor which I'll eventually get a 32" 4k OLED, and SSDs.

So $500 for a complete system with a great game and wait it out until video card prices come down to reality. I still have my pretty decent PC (6950XT) for other games. $500 plus 2 Zelda games and some Mario game or two will keep me occupied for 6 months at least. I still have a dozen games on Steam to play through.

So yes, $500 to delay an expensive upgrade while enjoying some Nintendo first party titles is not a bad deal. You can have both the Steam Deck, a PC, and a console system. Or 2 of the 3.

Bro there something called Ryzen Z series Handheld PC that cost exactly the same but can play everything in ur pocket

 

[Bruno_O]

Im amaze Nintendo can sell piece of plastic with Digital key for 90$ the catridge that not have game inside


Bro there something called Ryzen Z series Handheld PC that cost exactly the same but can play everything in ur pocket

can it play new MK World? New Zeldas? New Pokemons?

maybe in 2030 when perhaps a new emulator can do it, requiring a 3k USD PC to play

as someone said above, content is king - the same reason I sold my PS5 since all exclusives are getting ported to PC, people buy the hw because of the software.

It also happens that this is the first decent console (specs wise) Nintendo has released since the GameCube.

Oh and 3rd party games are dirty cheap, have bought a few for less than what Steam charges.

Instead of complaining like a bunch of nerds that live with their moms, I recommend actually enjoying a great gaming experience without all the trash that western developers have been adding lately (e.g. ac shadows)

 

[Baba]

can it play new MK World? New Zeldas? New Pokemons?

maybe in 2030 when perhaps a new emulator can do it, requiring a 3k USD PC to play

as someone said above, content is king - the same reason I sold my PS5 since all exclusives are getting ported to PC, people buy the hw because of the software.

It also happens that this is the first decent console (specs wise) Nintendo has released since the GameCube.

Oh and 3rd party games are dirty cheap, have bought a few for less than what Steam charges.

Instead of complaining like a bunch of nerds that live with their moms, I recommend actually enjoying a great gaming experience without all the trash that western developers have been adding lately (e.g. ac shadows)

I got a PS4 Pro to play Last of Us, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, Bloodborne, Demon's Souls, Uncharted, Infamous, etc. Content is king.

I fell for comparing hardware specs too in the past.