Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price, 4K, storage - all you need to know

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Eight years after the first, pioneering, Nintendo Switch comes its sequel – the aptly named Nintendo Switch 2. Here’s everything you need to know about the hardware, from the release date to the multiplayer features and an optional camera.

Alongside games such as Mario Kart World and F-Zero GX (thanks to GameCube emulation), the Switch 2 looks to have every ingredient required for yet another smash hit.

Nintendo Switch 2 console updates

1080p screen, with support for 120fps and HDR
New dock supports 4K gameplay on TV, with HDR and up to 12fps
Built-in mic
Two USB-C ports
New kick-stand with greater flexibility
Enhanced speakers, 3D audio for headphones

The Switch 2 features a slew of important upgrades compared to its predecessor when it comes to the base hardware.

The 7.9-inch screen is larger (6.2-inch for the original) and has a higher resolution, at 1080p compared to 720p. The display features High Dynamic Range (HDR) for more vibrant and accurate colour representation and, for games developed to support it, 120fps.

When mounted on the (also new) docking station for TV use, the Switch 2 can support up to 4K resolution. HDR works here, too. The dock now also includes a built-in fan, although it’s not clear how audible that may, or may not, be.

The portable console element itself remains at 13.9 inches in thickness, which is no change over the first Switch. On the top is a built-in mic with noise-cancelling technology for multiplayer voice chat (more on that later) alongside a second USB-C input for either charging or using a new camera (also more on that later).

Nintendo claims that the built-in speakers provide crisper sound, and for those who plug in headphones, 3D audio is supported.

At the rear, the kick-stand has been redesigned to fit the new form factor and seemingly offer a larger range of angles. This is described as “large and sturdy”.

Nintendo Switch 2 storage

Increased built-in game storage
New type of microSD expansion means old microSD cards not supported

Inside, there is 256GB of internal memory, an eight-time increase from the first Switch’s 32GB. Much like its older sibling, this can be expanded using microSD Cards, although they are newer, faster, Express Cards, meaning those from the original Switch will not work.

Games will be released both digitally and physically, with Switch 2 games using red game cards with quicker read speeds. Games from the existing Switch will be supported via backwards compatibility, although a complete list is not yet available.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con, Pro controller and Camera

Joy-Cons now magnetic, with larger buttons and sticks
New C Button brings up chat menu
Pro Controller now includes audio jack, C Button and two customisable buttons
Switch 2 Camera used for game mods and online chat

To go alongside the significantly updated console hardware, the snap-on Joy-Con controllers have also been updated.

These now click onto the main console via magnets, with the SL, SR and analogue sticks enlarged.

There’s a new C Button on the right-hand Joy-Con, to bring up a chat menu (more information, below) and they can now be used aking to a PC mouse.

The optional Pro Controller ($79.99) looks similar to the outgoing model, but there’s now an audio jack for headsets, two customisable GR and GL buttons around the rear and the new C Button.

Alongside these control options, there’s a separate web camera available called the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. It can be used to live video chat with friends during multiplayer sessions, and some games will provide native modes to support the device.

Finally, there will be a Joy-Con wheel for Mario Kart World motion control. Two are in a pack for $19.99.

Nintendo Switch 2 Online features

Native voice and video chat
GameChat free until March 2026
GameShare local wireless game sharing
Switch online app renamed

The aforementioned Joy-Con 2 has a new C Button on the right to pull up a dedicated voice and video chat menu. This can be used, for example, to mix your mic or turn off the camera.

For the first time on Switch, native multiplayer chatting, called ‘Game Chat’, has been implemented for Switch Online subscribers. On the first Switch, you had to use a phone app to chat.

During game sessions with friends, you can also share your screen, similar to a Zoom call, using the new in-built console mic or optional camera. With the camera enabled, other players will be able to see your face during play sessions.

This GameChat feature will be free too, for a limited period, until 31st March 2026. After that, a Switch Online subscription is required. The Nintendo Switch Online app will be renamed to simply ‘Nintendo Switch app’ in May 2025.

Outside of online play, the Switch 2 will continue to build on the local multiplayer features. As per the original, players can use one of the two included Joy-Cons each and the kick stand – but also, on certain supported games, two Switch 2s can play one single game copy when near each other. This is called GameShare.

Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with both download and physical games from the first Switch. However, it is not yet known if every single original Switch game will be playable on the new hardware.

Nintendo talks of “compatible Switch 1 games” when it comes to backwards compatibility.

It will also be re-releasing some original Switch games as “Switch 2 Editions”, including enhancements such as higher frame rates, mouse-mode Joy-Con support or camera-using gameplay modes. They will be released digitally and physically, or owners of the original game can buy a DLC upgrade pack.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 begin 8th April 2025, although the first batch will only be for existing Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.