Nintendo Switch 2 System Overview – What We Learned From the Direct

Today’s Nintendo Direct was packed with exciting reveals, and we finally have the details we’ve been waiting for! The Switch 2 officially launches on June 5th, 2025, with a base price of $449.99, while the Mario Kart World Bundle comes in at $499.99. From system specs to online features, new programs, and peripherals, let’s break down everything this next-gen console has to offer!

System Specs: All You Need to Know

Nintendo packed a ton of upgrades into the Switch 2, starting with a larger, sharper display. The 7.9-inch 1080p screen now supports up to 120 FPS in handheld mode, while docked play pushes resolutions up to 4K for supported games. Add in improved speakers, a noise-canceling mic, and 3D spatial audio, and you’ve got a serious upgrade in both visuals and sound.

The Joycon 2 controllers have also been redesigned. Instead of sliding in from the top, they now dock magnetically on the sides. The larger SL/SR buttons and bigger sticks should make them more comfortable, and mouse functionality adds a new layer of precision. We’ll have to see how the magnetic attachment holds up in real-world use, but it looks promising.

Storage gets a huge boost, too. The Switch 2 packs 256GB of internal storage—eight times what the original had. The new game cards look nearly identical,  now in sleek red, (no word on their bitterness) and you can expand storage with a MicroSD Express card, though older MicroSDs won’t work.

The console itself features two USB-C ports—one on top and one on the bottom—making charging in tabletop mode easier and allowing for new peripherals like the Switch 2 Camera. Nintendo also upgraded the kickstand, making it larger and more adjustable. And, of course, the Switch 2 remains backward compatible with a large selection of original Switch games. Nintendo promises a smooth and easy transfer of games and save data from Switch to Switch 2.

With a bigger screen and clearer display, the Switch 2 should look beautiful.

GameChat, GameShare, and More

That mysterious “C” button has finally been revealed. For months we’ve been wondering just what it would do and now it’s been revealed that it launches Switch 2’s new mode, GameChat. This mode is, functionally, a Zoom-like call that lets up to four other players communicate with you in-game. You can share video even if you’re playing different games and it takes advantage of the new Switch 2 Camera. GameChat will be available at launch, but will require an NSO membership after its initial Open Access period ends in March 2026.

For fans of the old Nintendo DS, you might remember being able to share one game among several players. Switch 2 will be sporting a very similar feature with GameShare. For compatible games – such as Super Mario Odyssey – you’ll be able to share the game with up to three other consoles. Only one person is required to have the game and you can even share it online. 

Two new peripherals will also be available on launch day. First up, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which is a separate device that lets you stream yourself and your games to friends. It also appears to have some game functionality, as it was shown being used with Mario Jamboree to play minigames. Lastly, they’re bringing a new Pro Controller. This new model includes the new “C” button, as well as GR and GL buttons which can be assigned to custom controls.

GameChat seems reminiscent of a Zoom Call. We’ll see how it pans out.

Nintendo Switch Online: The GameCube Returns!

First off, the Direct made it clear that you’ll be continue your Nintendo Switch Online experience on the Switch 2. That said, of course the system has perks! Compatible games from your old Switch will still be playable on Switch 2, but NSO is getting something special. The GameCube.

Switch 2 will be brining the GameCube onto NSO with a some amazing opening titles. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2 (yes, again, the one with Link!), and F-Zero GX! For games supporting multiplayer, you’ll be able to play online with up to four other players! And best of all, you can customize your controller layout. More titles are on the way, like Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Pokemon Colosseum, and Luigi’s Mansion.

But it doesn’t stop with software, because NSO subscribers will be able to purchase a special GameCube controller just for Switch 2. It has all the classic buttons in the proper places that have burned themselves into your muscle memory, but also sports that nifty new “C” button. All of this will be available at launch.

It may not be a NEW F-Zero, but playing with friends is still cool!

Switch 2 Enhanced Editions: Better Graphics and More Gameplay

At launch, the Switch 2 will support compatible Switch games as well as upgraded Switch 2 Editions. While most Switch games will carry over, some—like Nintendo LABO, which relies on specific hardware—might not be supported. However, Nintendo is making up for this with a lineup of enhanced re-releases.

Players will be able to experience these Switch 2 Editions whether they purchase them outright—physically or digitally—or upgrade their existing copies through Nintendo’s new Upgrade Packs. These enhanced versions bring upgraded graphics, improved sound, expanded gameplay, and new features. The first confirmed titles include Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokémon.

Super Mario Party Jamboree will introduce new modes that utilize the Switch 2 Camera, GameChat, and more. The two Zelda titles will receive higher resolution and frame rates, along with the all-new Zelda Notes feature in the Nintendo Switch App, which provides voice-guided navigation to help players find missing shrines and Koroks. Additionally, players will be able to share their Tears of the Kingdom constructs via QR codes.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land will feature a brand-new story, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will take advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded graphics and introduce Joycon 2 mouse functionality for more precise aiming. Finally, Pokémon ZA will receive enhanced resolution and frame rates, ensuring smoother gameplay.

More information can be found at the official Nintendo Switch 2 website.