We were just graced with the Nintendo Switch 2 direct on Wednesday.
One thing this direct did for me was provide that feeling of wonder and awe from my childhood. The Switch 2 may have been one of the worldsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ kept secrets but the direct reveal showed that Nintendo did still have a few secrets up their shelves.
Let's talk about the console itself. The console is the same thickness as the previous switch. The screen is increased from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches with HD display and 1080p screen with up to 120 frames per second. This is a welcome upgrade for those intensive games like the Zelda titles.
The new screen also supports HDR to improve the lighting in games. The new joy-cons now connect magnetically instead of the rail system before. The SL and SR have also been increased in size making detached play more comfortable. The thumb-sticks have also been made bigger from the original Switch. The right joy-con now has a C button for voice chat controls.
The Switch 2 also lets in use the detached joy-cons as a mouse. Speakers have been improved. 3D Audio is also available. One of the biggest improvements is a build in mic. Yes finally Nintendo let's use the built in mic to chat with friends while playing games around the globe. The stand now lets you place the system in any position you'd like. Switch 2 has another USB c port on the top of the system for charging or plugging in the new Switch 2 camera. My major complaint about the original Switch was storage, thankfully Nintendo increased the storage from 32gigs to 256 gigs.
The dock has been redesigned with HDR and 4k visuals when docked. The dock also has a new fan to keep the console cool and help ensure the games you play don't drop performance.
The system can now let you share a game with friends in a room so they can play with you and don't have to share the screen.
Now let's talk about one of the most important parts the games – the game carts are the same shape and size of the original Switch carts. The carts are now red and have increased data speeds. If you want to increase the storage the system will now require micro SD express storage cards. There will be 3 different groups of games available on the system. Switch 2 titles, Switch 1 titles and Switch 2 edition games. Switch 2 edition games takes original Switch titles and upgrades improves the game visually and performance.
Mario Party Jamboree was shown with the upgrade which added mouse controls,voice controls and even showcased the new camera. Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will also have the upgrade available. Zelda lets you use the new smartphone app (coming in July) that lets you use the app for navigation, sharing creations and more. Mario Kart World looked incredible. The game's maps were huge and had the best visuals ever seen. Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World Switch 2 edition has improved visuals and new worlds. Metriod Prime 4 Beyond will have both Switch 1 and 2 editions. The Switch 2 version will have 4k 60 fps docked mode and 1080p and 60 fps handheld mode. You can select performance mode for more frames per second. Pokemon Legends ZA. Hades 2 will be released later this year. Street Fighter Years 1 and 2 will also be released this year. Hogwarts Legacy (my favourite Harry Potter experience) launched on June 5. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and 4 will launch in the summer. Hitman: World of Assassination with James Bond will also release June 5. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster will also launch on June 5. For the first time Yakuza 0 Director's Cut will be on the Switch 2 on June 2. Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment will be coming in the winter. Legend of Zelda The Windwaker, Soul Calibur 2, F-Zero GX Gamecube games will be available upon the launch of the Switch 2. Borderlands 4 will also launch on Switch 2 in 2025. Sid Meiersa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Civilzation VII is also a day-onelaunch game. Enter the Gundeon 2 wil also launch on the system. Starseeker Astroneer Expeditions will be coming 2026. Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is also coming Switch 2 on June 5. Final Fantasy 7 remake and Hollow Knight SilkSong will also be coming 2025. Wild Hearts S July 2025.Duskbloods 2025 and Kirby Air Riders 2025. My favourite game has to be Donkey Kong Bananza in July.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5 for $629.99
