We finally got a true look at the Nintendo Switch 2 during today’s Nintendo Direct!
Centered around the Switch 2, this special presentation covered many important aspects about Nintendo’s new console. We’re talking launch titles, we’re saying price and, most importantly, we’ve got a release date.
So read on for our roundup of all the important announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
Note: This page is a work in-progress. If you come back later, I’ll have more details for you!
Switch 2 release date
The Switch 2 will be released on Thursday 5th June.
Yes – that is the promised day! Make it down on your calendars, definitely don’t skip school (I won’t tell on you) or book the day off work (cos I definitely can’t…). This date also marks the release of the Switch 2 launch titles, which you’ll find listed down below.
Switch 2 price
The Switch 2 will be £395.99 or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency.
The Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle will cost £429.99 or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency.
Keep in mind that this pricing only covers the base console from Nintendo and the prices listed above are from the official My Nintendo Store. The cost will obviously rise if you purchase games and other additions, like extra controllers. It may also differ between realtors and you should be very careful of scalpers or scams.
Here’s a quick rundown of the prices for the Switch 2 related prices copied verbatim from the My Nintendo Store:
- Switch 2 Console – £395.99
- Switch 2 Console and Mario Kart World Bundle – £429.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – £74.99
- Nintendo GameCube (GCN) Controller – Nintendo Classics – £58.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – £49.99
- microSD Express Card – £49.99
- Digital Mario Kart World – £66.99
- Physical Mario Kart World – £74.99
Switch 2 preorder
You’ll be able to preorder the Switch 2 on Tuesday 8th April.
Pre-orders for Switch 2 digital games, upgrade packs and Amiibo will begin on Thursday 24th April.
If you’re planning on pre-ordering the Switch 2 from the offical My Nintendo Store, then you’ll have to hope you first recieve an email from the My Nintendo Store. This is because, at first, the ability to preorder the Switch 2 from this storefront will be done on an invite-only basis for select Nintendo Switch Online members.
You’ll find the requirements for receiving said invite below and keep in mind eligibility is based upon data as of March 31st 2025:
Nintendo Switch Online Membership Status
- Have been a Nintendo Switch Online member for at least two years continuously by Monday 31st March 2025.
- This membership must be active on the your pre-order is placed.
- For family memberships, the person who purchased the membership will be eligible.
- Other people in the family membership are not eligible.
Play Time
- Spent a certain amount of time playing purchased / paid Nintendo Switch games, prioritising those with more playtime.
- Sharing usage information with Nintendo.
- Opted in to share usage information with Nintendo to customise offers and recommendations.
Receive email messages from Nintendo
- Opted in to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo.
- Be opted in on the day the invitation email is sent.
The above criteria thersholds may be lowered over time so more people can pre-order from the My Nintendo Store. Yet, Nintendo will still be focused on priortising the most dedicated Nintendo Switch players and it will depend on stock.
Switch 2 launch games
What’s a new console without launch games? Here’s the Switch 2 launch titles from Nintendo:
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Here are the partner games you’ll be able to play on the Switch 2 from launch:
- Street Fighter 6
- Split Fiction
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Deltarune – Chapters 1 to 4
- Civilization VII
- Survival Kids
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Fast Fusion
- Fortnite
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
While I’m excited, I’m a little disappointed that there’s no Doshin the Giant remake… Yet, my GameCube loving heart will be somewhat fed as its been announced Nintendo GameCube games will be available exclusively on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
Here are the GameCube games which will be available on the service from launch:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Soul Calibur II
- F-Zero GX
Mario Kart World announced
We all knew it was coming but the Nintendo Direct fully confirmed that Mario Kart World is going to be one of the Switch 2 launch games. Once again you’ll be able to face against characters from the Mario franchise – be it in a kart or on a motorbike. Mario Kart World brings weather conditions and changes to the time of day too! Best of all, you’re no longer subject to the rules of the tracks and even have to drive between the tracks you race on.
There will be a Mario Kart World direct on Thursday 17th April at 2pm (local time).
Switch 2 system details explained
Here’s everything we know about the Switch 2 system we know so far – from its hardware, controllers and internal software. We wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo is still keeping some secrets though, so we recommend keeping an eye on our ‘Everything we know about Switch 2 guide’ as we’ll be updating that every time new information is announced.
Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls
The Joy-Con 2 controllers will come with mouse controls, which can be accessed by detaching the controls from the Switch 2 and placing them flat down on a surface. Doing so will let you use them just like a computer mouse! Though, since this is Nintendo, there are some motion controls as well.
During the Nintendo Direct, we got a look at DragxDrive – a game coming in Summer 2025 where these mouse controllers will be fully utilised. DragxDrive is a three versus three basketball game.
Here’s hoping the days pass quickly until it launches, but slowly after the Switch 2 is in our hands!
