Nintendo Switch 2 facts for kids
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| Codename | Ounce (Nintendo) Drake (Nvidia) |
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| Developer | Nintendo |
| Manufacturer | Foxconn |
| Type | Video game console |
| Release date | June 5, 2025 |
| Introductory price | US$449.99 / A$699 / CA$629.99 / €469.99 / £395.99 / ¥49,980 |
| Units sold | 5 million (as of July 1, 2025) |
| Media |
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| Operating system | Nintendo Switch system software |
| System on a chip | Custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor (codenamed "Drake") |
| CPU | Octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C @ 998 MHz (docked); 1,101 MHz (undocked) |
| Memory | 12 GB LPDDR5X 128-bit @ 6,400 MHz (docked); 4,266 MHz (undocked) |
| Storage | 256 GB UFS 3.1 |
| Removable storage | microSD Express, up to 2 TB |
| Display | |
| Graphics |
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| Sound |
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| Input |
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| Connectivity | |
| Power |
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| Current firmware | 20.2.0, as of July 14, 2025 |
| Online services | Nintendo eShop Nintendo Switch Online |
| Dimensions |
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| Mass | 534 g (18.8 oz) |
| Best-selling game | Mario Kart World (>2.26 million, as of July 6, 2025[update]) |
| Backward compatibility |
Nintendo Switch |
| Predecessor | Nintendo Switch |
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a special video game console made by Nintendo. It came out on June 5, 2025, in most places around the world. Just like the first Nintendo Switch, you can use it in a few ways:
- As a handheld device you can carry around.
- As a tablet on a table.
- Connected to a TV using its dock.
The controllers, called Joy-Con 2s, can be attached to the console or used separately. The Switch 2 has a bigger screen, more storage, and better graphics. It can show games in 1080p (Full HD) at 120 frames per second when you play it handheld. When connected to a TV, it can even show games in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
You can get games for the Switch 2 on game cards or download them from Nintendo's eShop. Some game cards are special because they let you download the game instead of having all the data on the card. If you have games from the first Switch, many of them can get free or paid updates to look even better on the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 still uses the Nintendo Switch Online service. This service lets you play games online with friends. It also gives you access to a library of older games, now called Nintendo Classics. You can even play GameCube games, but only on the Switch 2. There's a new feature called GameChat that lets you talk to friends, share your screen, and even use a webcam while playing.
Nintendo first showed the Switch 2 on January 16, 2025. They shared all the details and release plans on April 2. People started pre-ordering the console on April 5. Many people liked the new social features and better technology. However, some thought the console and its games were too expensive. The Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units in just four days, making it Nintendo's fastest-selling console ever.
How the Switch 2 Was Made
Starting the Journey
Nintendo launched the first Nintendo Switch in March 2017. This console was created after their previous console, the Wii U, didn't sell very well. The Switch was special because it could be used as a handheld, a tabletop, or a home console. Its Joy-Con controllers could also be taken off the main unit.
The original Switch wasn't as powerful as other consoles like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This helped keep its price low. Nintendo wanted to make games that were fun and unique, rather than just focusing on super powerful graphics. This plan worked, and the Switch became Nintendo's best-selling home console. By 2023, it was the third best-selling game console ever. Before the Switch 2 was announced in January 2025, over 146 million original Switch consoles had been sold worldwide.
Making the New Console
Nintendo started thinking about their next console soon after the first Switch came out. They looked at what the original Switch couldn't do and figured out how to make it better. This also gave them time to send special tools to game makers. The official work on the Switch 2 began in 2019.
The team decided not to change the basic idea of the Switch too much. Instead, they focused on making it more powerful. This gave game developers more tools to create amazing games. They chose parts that would balance good performance with long battery life.
Making the Switch 2 play older Switch games was tricky. The Switch 2 uses a mix of software and hardware tricks to make this work smoothly. Nintendo also thought about calling it "Super Nintendo Switch," but they wanted the name to show that it could play older games.
The new Joy-Con controllers were completely redesigned. Because the Switch 2 has a bigger screen, simply making the old Joy-Cons bigger wouldn't work. The new ones are more rounded and have shoulder buttons that are easier to reach. The special "HD Rumble" feature, which makes games feel more real, was also improved.
Instead of sliding onto rails, the new Joy-Cons attach with magnets. Nintendo tried this idea for the first Switch but it wasn't strong enough. For the Joy-Con 2, they made the magnetic connection much stronger. They also added a mechanical release system. When you attach them, they make a satisfying "snap" sound.
One cool new idea was letting the Joy-Cons act like computer mice in some games. This helps when the console is docked and you can't use the touchscreen. It also opens up new ways to play games. The Pro Controller for the Switch 2 was also updated. Its joysticks are smoother, and it has an audio jack and two buttons you can customize.
The GameChat feature, which lets players chat and share screens, came from Nintendo developers themselves. They found it hard to work together during the 2020 pandemic. They wanted a way to feel like they were all playing in the same room. GameChat was designed to use very little power so it wouldn't slow down games.
What People Heard Before Release
Rumors about a new, more powerful Switch started as early as 2019. Many of these ideas ended up in the OLED Switch model that came out in 2021. Nintendo told investors in October 2020 that they were working on their next gaming system.
In June 2023, Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, said they wanted to make it easy for players to switch to the new console. He said they planned to keep the Nintendo Account system. Being able to play old games on the new console was a very important part of the design.
In July 2023, it was reported that Nintendo had sent out special tools for its new console to game developers. Nintendo wanted to avoid the problems with not having enough consoles at launch, which happened with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Nintendo showed off the Switch 2 privately at a gaming event in August. They showed games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild running with better graphics.
On May 7, 2024, Furukawa confirmed that a new Switch was being developed. Rumors continued throughout 2024. In January 2025, some companies showed off unofficial accessories for the new Switch at a big tech show. Nintendo quickly said these were not official.
Images of the system were reportedly leaked online in September 2024. In October 2024, game development materials were leaked, which mentioned the Switch's successor, code-named "Ounce."
The Switch 2 was first expected to launch in late 2024. But in February, it was reported that Nintendo told publishers they were delaying the release until early 2025. This delay was to help prevent shortages and unfair reselling. Nintendo's stock price went down after this news. By August 2024, it was reported that the console would not launch before April 2025.
Announcing and Promoting the Switch 2
Nintendo officially showed the Switch 2 on January 16, 2025. They showed its new design, the magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and a quick look at a new Mario Kart game. This game was later named Mario Kart World. A special online presentation about the Switch 2 happened on April 2. Nintendo also held events around the world from April to June so players could try the console before it came out. Nintendo said they were working hard to stop people from buying many consoles just to resell them at higher prices.
To promote the Switch 2, Nintendo of America worked with Major League Baseball and the Seattle Mariners. The Nintendo and Switch 2 logos were put on the Mariners' team jerseys for the 2025 season. In April 2025, Nintendo of America released a commercial for the console starring actor Paul Rudd. This commercial was a fun nod to an old commercial he was in for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System years ago. In March 2025, Nintendo also launched a new app called Nintendo Today! for phones. This app gives daily news and updates about Nintendo Switch 2 games and events.
Pre-orders
Months before the release, Nintendo stored many thousands of units in the United States. This was to avoid possible higher taxes on imported goods. Nintendo also moved some of its production and parts sourcing away from China to places like Vietnam to avoid these taxes.
In Japan, a special Switch 2 model was sold at a lower price. This version only works in Japan and with Japanese online accounts. A version that works everywhere was sold only through Nintendo's online store. In other regions, you could pre-order from stores. Nintendo also set up a waitlist to buy directly from them, but you needed a Nintendo Account and a history of playing games.
Pre-orders started in most places on April 5, 2025. However, in the US and Canada, pre-orders were delayed to check the impact of new taxes. Nintendo later confirmed that pre-orders for the US and Canada would start on April 24, 2025. The console and a bundle with Mario Kart World stayed the same price, but some accessories became a little more expensive.
When pre-orders went live in the US and Canada on April 24, many store websites had problems because so many people tried to order at once. Consoles reportedly sold out in minutes.
Nintendo warned Japanese customers that over 2.2 million people wanted to pre-order the Japan-only console, which was much more than they expected. They said they probably couldn't fulfill all orders by launch day. Stores in Japan used lotteries to manage the limited supply. Nintendo gave a similar warning for US pre-orders. Stores started getting consoles in late May 2025. Some people who pre-ordered got their consoles two weeks early, but they couldn't use them without a day-one update.
Release and Pricing
The Nintendo Switch 2 was released worldwide on June 5, 2025. This included Japan, North America, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. The release in China was delayed.
The Switch 2 cost ¥69,980 in Japan. In the United States, it was priced at US$449, and in Canada, it was CA$629. In Europe, it was €469 in most countries and GB£395.99 in the UK. In Australia, it cost A$699. In Japan, a cheaper "Japan Only" version was sold for ¥49,980. This version only works in Japanese and with Japanese online accounts.
The launch price was higher than many expected. Some thought the US price would be around $400. When the US price was revealed as US$449.99, which was 50% higher than the original Switch's launch price, some people thought it was too expensive. Some Switch 2 games were also announced to cost US$80, which also caused concern. The Switch 2 is Nintendo's most expensive console in over 30 years, when you consider how much money is worth today.
Doug Bowser, the president of Nintendo of America, said the US price was not because of new taxes. He said it was because the Switch 2 is a premium console. He also said that Nintendo would keep selling the three original Switch models.
Some experts said that rising prices for video game consoles in general were a bigger reason for the high price. They noted that Canada and European countries also had similar prices. Some fans asked Nintendo to lower the price of the console and games on social media.
In one strange event, a GameStop store accidentally stapled pre-order receipts to the Switch 2 boxes. This caused the staples to poke holes in some screens. GameStop quickly replaced the damaged consoles. They later held an auction for the stapler and a repaired console to raise money for a children's hospital.
What's Inside the Switch 2
Like the first Switch, the Switch 2 is a hybrid video game console. This means you can use it as a handheld game console or put it in a dock to play on a TV. The console looks similar to the original Switch. It has a screen and the main parts inside. The two Joy-Con 2 controllers can attach to the sides for handheld play or connect wirelessly when docked.
The Console Itself
The Switch 2 has a USB-C port at the bottom for power and connecting to the dock. It also has a headphone jack and a slot for game cards. New features include a built-in microphone with noise cancellation. There's also a second USB-C port on top for charging in tabletop mode or connecting accessories like an external camera. The console also has a redesigned stand. With the Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, the console is about 27.2 cm (10.7 inches) wide and weighs about 534 grams (18.8 ounces).
The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen. It shows games in 1080p (Full HD) and supports HDR for brighter colors. The screen can refresh up to 120 times per second, which makes games look very smooth. When docked, the console can show games up to 1440p at 120 Hz or 4K resolution at 60 Hz with HDR. Nintendo chose LCD over OLED because LCD technology has improved a lot. The dock also has a built-in Ethernet port for a faster internet connection and a cooling fan.
The main computer chip, called the system on a chip, is an Nvidia Tegra T239. It has an octa-core (8-core) CPU and a powerful GPU. This chip helps the Switch 2 support advanced graphics features like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and ray tracing. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless internet.
The Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal storage. This is a big jump from the 32-64 GB in the first Switch. You can add more storage using microSD Express cards, which are faster than the older microSD cards. These cards can add up to 2 TB of storage. The Switch 2 can only load games from microSD Express cards. Older microSD cards can still be used for things like screenshots and videos.
The Switch 2 uses a 5,220 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Nintendo says the battery can last between 2 and 6.5 hours, depending on the game. You can charge the battery using either USB-C port. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge when the system is in sleep mode.
Outside of Japan, the Switch 2 can play games from any region. In Japan, Nintendo sells a standard model that works everywhere and a cheaper model that only works with Japanese Nintendo Accounts and in the Japanese language. This was done to appeal to the Japanese market and help with the value of the Japanese yen.
Console Protections
The worldwide Switch 2 model is region-free, meaning it can play games from anywhere. However, the console has technology to stop people from using unofficial accessories. For example, the USB-C ports have special encryption that prevents unofficial docks from working with the console.
In May 2025, Nintendo updated its user agreement. This agreement says that if users break the rules, like using unauthorized software or changing the hardware, their Nintendo Account or even their console could become unusable. This is to help stop game piracy and unauthorized game copies.
Some players who used unofficial flash drives to put games on their Switch 2, or who bought used game cards, found their Nintendo Online accounts banned. Their consoles also couldn't connect to the service. This is because Nintendo puts unique ID codes on every Switch and Switch 2 game card. They block systems that seem to be using copied cards. In some cases, if a user could prove they bought used game cards legally, Nintendo removed the block. But in other cases, these bans seem to be permanent. This has led to some consumer groups, like one in Brazil, filing complaints against Nintendo.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have a new design. They are bigger to match the larger console. Instead of sliding onto rails, they attach to the console using magnets. You remove them by pressing a small button that pushes them off. Nintendo said the new analog sticks are larger, smoother, and more durable. They also said that the new controllers do not use Hall effect sensors, which were thought to fix the "drift" issues of the original Joy-Cons.
The SL and SR buttons on the side of the controllers are bigger. There's also a new "C" button on the right Joy-Con 2 to activate the new "GameChat" feature. The controllers can also be used like a computer mouse in some games by sliding them on their side. Both Joy-Con 2 controllers have a 500mAh battery that lasts about 20 hours. They charge when connected to the console or with a separate charging dock. The infrared sensor from the first Joy-Con has been removed.
Games and Online Features
How Games Are Sold
Just like the first Switch, games for the Switch 2 come in two ways: physical game cards and digital downloads. The game cards for Switch 2 games are red to make them easy to tell apart from the dark grey cards of the first Switch. Both types of game cards are coated with a non-toxic bitter taste to stop kids from trying to eat them.
For the Switch 2, some physical games might come on "Game-Key Cards." These cards only have a digital license, not the full game data. When you put the card in, the game files download to your console. You still need the card to play the game. Nintendo says these cards help make sure games can still be sold in stores even as they get bigger and bigger. Games on Game-Key Cards are not tied to a specific Nintendo account.
Online Services
The Nintendo Switch Online service is still available on the Switch 2. With a subscription, you can:
- Buy new games digitally from the eShop.
- Play multiplayer games with friends online.
- Save your game data to the cloud.
As part of the service, a selection of GameCube games are now available under the "Nintendo Classics" name. These games are only for the Switch 2. The collection launched in June 2025 with games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. More games will be added later. The Switch 2 also adds special features to older games, like CRT filters and a rewind function for Nintendo 64 games. Nintendo also released new GameCube controllers for Switch Online subscribers.
A voice chat service called GameChat lets you talk to friends and share your screen. GameChat also supports video calls if you have an optional webcam accessory. You can access it using the "C" button on the right Joy-Con 2. GameChat is free to use until March 31, 2026. After that, you'll need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. You can even use some smartphones as a webcam for the Switch 2 with the right cables.
Game Library
The first look at the Switch 2 in January 2025 showed early video of Mario Kart World. This game launched with the Switch 2 on June 5. Other Nintendo games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A also released with special "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" versions. These versions have better graphics and performance. A new game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour was also released online when the console launched.
Support from Other Game Companies
A survey in January 2024 found that many game developers were already making games for the Switch 2. In May 2024, Nintendo announced they would buy a company called Shiver Entertainment. This was to help Nintendo get more games from other companies for the Switch 2.
During the Switch 2 presentation in April 2025, many big game publishers said they would support the console. These included Square Enix, Capcom, Electronic Arts, and Activision Blizzard. An initial list of 46 games from these partners was confirmed, with 17 launching in June. Some notable games included Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Hades II, and Elden Ring - Tarnished Edition. Sports games like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K also came to the platform. Nintendo is also working with other studios on exclusive games for the system, like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
Microsoft Gaming's Phil Spencer said that they would bring their Xbox games to the Switch 2. This includes games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Microsoft had also agreed to bring Call of Duty games to Nintendo platforms.
Publisher Ubisoft said they loved the new console. They are rumored to be bringing Assassin's Creed Mirage and Assassin's Creed Shadows to the system soon. The producer of Marvel Rivals also said they are interested in bringing their game to the Switch 2 if it can run well.
Playing Older Games
The Switch 2 can play most games from the original Switch. This includes both physical game cards and digital downloads. Some games might not work perfectly with the Switch 2's new features or Joy-Con 2 controllers. For these, you might need to use the original Joy-Con controllers. For most other Switch games, the Switch 2 uses a special way to make them work, almost like translating them. This allows Switch games to use new Switch 2 features like GameChat. As of May 2025, almost all Nintendo-made Switch games worked on the Switch 2. About 75% of the over 15,000 third-party Switch games also worked.
Some Switch games have special upgrades for the Switch 2. These can be bought separately or come with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. Some upgrades add new content. The first games to get upgrades included Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Other games, like Super Mario Odyssey, got free updates to improve performance on the Switch 2.
To help users move their games, Nintendo introduced "Virtual Game Cards" for the original Switch in April 2025. These let you transfer digital games to a second Switch or Switch 2, or even lend them to a family member's Switch for up to two weeks.
Most Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers from the original Switch also work with the Switch 2. However, some Switch games might require them to be compatible with the Switch 2. These include games like Ring Fit Adventure and WarioWare: Move It!.
See also
In Spanish: Nintendo Switch 2 para niños
