Nintendo has finally done it! It’s revealed everything fans have been waiting for about the Nintendo Switch 2, including hardware specs, pricing, release details, exciting new features, and plenty of game announcements. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Switch 2’s hardware and software.
When Does the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, and how much will it cost?
Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5th for $449.99 USD. A special Mario Kart World Bundle will also be available for $499.99!
Where and when can you pre-order the Switch 2?
Pre-orders go live at select retailers on April 9th, 2025. Additionally, Nintendo will send out exclusive invites to users who register their interest via My Nintendo. To be eligible for an invite, your Nintendo account must have at least 50 hours of gameplay logged! Not a bad way to try to prevent resellers!
Will the Switch 2 Support amiibo?
Absolutely! The Switch 2 is fully compatible with amiibo, and Nintendo has announced seven brand-new figures from the Zelda and Street Fighter series. Plus, a new series of 22 Street Fighter amiibo cards is on the way!
Street Fighter 6 Coming to Switch 2 with Three New amiibo Figures and Cards
What are the hardware specs of the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just an incremental upgrade — it’s a massive leap forward in nearly every category.
Switch 2 Console Size
In terms of size, the console measures approximately 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, and just 0.55 inches thick with the new Joy-Con 2 controllers attached. At its thickest point (accounting for control sticks and buttons), it maxes out at 1.2 inches. It’s also lightweight, coming in at about 0.88 pounds for the console alone and 1.18 pounds with the Joy-Cons attached.
Switch 2 display specs
The display is pretty much the star of the show here, with a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1080. It supports HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 120Hz!
Switch 2 processor
Under the hood, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom NVIDIA processor, and it comes with 256GB of internal UFS storage, though a portion is reserved for system use. For connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and wired LAN when docked in TV mode.
When it comes to video output, the Switch 2 can push up to 4K resolution (3840×2160) at 60 frames per second in TV mode, or 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p. HDR10 is also supported. In handheld and tabletop mode, it caps at 1080p to match the built-in display. This can be achieved with the built in cooling fan built into the dock!
Switch 2 audio
Next up is audio! The Switch 2 supports 5.1-channel linear PCM through HDMI. One the console itself, there are stereo speakers and a headphone jack capable of 3D surround sound. The built-in mono microphone features noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and automatic gain control for clearer voice chat.
Switch 2 charging and USB Ports
The Switch 2 has 2 USB-C ports — one on the bottom for charging and docking, and one on the top for accessories or additional charging. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack (CTIA standard), though Nintendo notes it may not work with all third-party headsets.
Switch 2 Storage
The Switch 2 offers a lot more storage than the original Switch with 256 GB standard. The console includes a game card slot compatible with both Switch and Switch 2 game cards. It also features a microSD Express slot supporting cards up to 2TB. However, older microSD cards that aren’t Express-compatible can only be used to store screenshots and videos.
Additional Switch 2 Features
Sensor-wise, the Switch 2 includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, and even a mouse sensor built into the Joy-Con 2 controllers, plus a brightness sensor on the console itself to adjust the screen automatically. And we can’t forget NFC support for amiibo!
Switch 2 Battery Life
Powering it all is a 5220mAh lithium-ion battery, which offers around 2 to 6.5 hours of gameplay depending on the title. Charging the system takes about 3 hours while in Sleep Mode.
Stay tuned to Nintendo Wire all week long for more Nintendo Switch 2 coverage!
More Switch 2 Direct news
Switch 2 Nintendo Direct: How to watch and all you need to know
Here are all of the ‘Switch 2 Enhanced Games’ announced during the Switch 2 Direct
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Written by Jason Ganos
Nintendo super fan since birth, Jason is the creator of Amiibo News and editor-in-chief at Nintendo Wire. One of his life goals is to provide the latest Nintendo news to fellow gamers with his natural know-how.
