The Nintendo Switch 2 gets a release date and a ton of details | Hardwired Breakdown

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UPDATE: As of April 4th, 2025, Nintendo of America has delayed the pre-order date for US Switch 2 pre-orders indefinitely due to President Trumps high tariffs and market uncertainty. The Nintendo Switch 2′s June 5th release date remains unchanged.

After several months of speculation following the reveal of The Nintendo Switch just 8 weeks ago, Nintendo held a Switch 2 direct with all the details on the new system. There is a lot to get to so let’s get down to our breakdown. Starting with the launch date! June 5th, 2025, will see the worldwide release of Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for the hotly anticipated gaming experience go live April 9th here in the US.

“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa.

Nintendo Switch 2 comes with the following:

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
• Joy-Con 2 Grip
• Joy-Con 2 Straps
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
• Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
• USB-C Charging Cable

Race into Nintendo Switch 2 with the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle* for a suggested retail price of $499.99 in the United States, which includes a system and a download code for the Mario Kart World game, available from Nintendo Switch 2 launch day on June 5. This is pretty much exactly as I expected. Now let’s get to the system itself.

Nintendo’s motto for this console is “All Together, Anytime, Anywhere.” The Nintendo Switch 2 breaks from the long-standing tradition of Nintendo making systems with gimmicks and instead focuses on modernizing and massively overhauling improvements to the original. For starters the screen is larger, growing from a 6.7-inch screen to a much beefier 7.9-inch screen. Larger thumb sticks and SR and LR buttons make the controls feel more comfortable for more hand sizes. Importantly these size bumps don’t come with a thickness increase. That bigger screen also means a lot more pixels taking the handheld gaming experience to a full HD 1080p. But the most impressive improvement here to me is support for 120fps. Fps or frames per second, is how many frames of an animation are played per second of footage. Most games clock out at 30fps or 60 fps depending on the game and how technically intensive it is. 120 frames basically double that output on supported games, meaning less input delay on controls and smoother looking gameplay.

You may have noticed a difference in the new controller, the Joy-Con 2, which instead of sliding on to the system now attaches via magnets that form a circuit to hold them in place on the system. Look a little closer at the right Joy-Con 2 and you’ll see an all-new C button. Which stands chat. Or “C we have party chat too!” That’s right, Nintendo is once again introducing a feature long available on other consoles with a slight twist and acting like they’ve revolutionized the industry. So outside of the C button what’s new with the Joy-Cons this time. Well, I’m glad you asked hypothetical viewer, Nintendo has taken a fascinating approach to the functions of these bad boys adding a mouse mode, which lets players use the gyroscopic controllers like a computer mouse. We still don’t have all the details on this feature, but it looks like a way for games to offer more responsive movement controls or in the case of 3-v-3 wheelchair basketball game Drag x Drive, offers innovative control schemes. A new stand offers more versatility allowing for better support so this time around my stand won’t just snap off the console all the time.

Audio plays a bigger importance with the Switch successor. On Nintendo Switch 2, the sound quality is more natural and clearer with an even more balanced sound range. When playing in handheld mode or tabletop mode, players will be able to experience games with even more immersive, three-dimensional sound. Nintendo has also upped its game in the docking department for at home play. The Nintendo Switch 2′s dock is more up to speed with modern consoles, with an internal fan for cooling and increased processing power allowing the Switch 2 to play games in 4K with support for 120fps. One of the biggest complaints out the gate with the original Switch was a lack of on system storage. So, the Mario makers have decided to offer 8x storage this time around with The Switch 2 coming strapped with 256Gb of console storage.

Lastly let’s look at some of the new features of the system. With games getting more expensive, it’s not always feasible for your whole friend group to shell out for their own copies of games. Nintendo seemingly respects this and is offering a new way to approach multiplayer games with Gameshare. players can share and play the same game with others who do not have the game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. Between Nintendo Switch 2 systems, GameShare can also be used along with GameChat for online play, so that players can chat with others while all of them play the same game.

If you are worried about leaving behind your Switch library of games, don’t be! Not only is the Switch 2 backwards compatible but certain games such as Breath of the Wilds, Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Party Jamboree and upcoming titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends Z-A will receive enhanced Switch 2 versions, offering improved visuals, framerates and even some new ways to play.

And speaking of games, Nintendo came packing with a deluge of new and old titles coming to the system. Mario Kart World is a launch day title, offering a more Forza Horizons open format to its now massive 24 racer races. Everywhere is a track and can connect across multiple biomes. A new Kirby Air Riders adventure is on the way from OG director Masahiro Sakurai, the first new iteration on that particular Kirby adventure since the N64. Filling the Mario Odyssey style revamp spot, Donkey Kong dons an all-new pair of overalls and sets out on his own new adventure in Donkey Kong Bonanza set to release in the weeks after the console. Third party support is also huge for Nintendo once again, with heavy hitter games that missed the original Switch due to its hardware limitations, finding a new life on the Switch 2. I cannot believe games like Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Elden Ring are going to run on this thing but here they are and I’m so excited. Support looks good going forward as well, the tony Hawk Pro-Skater 3&4 remake is coming to console. Likewise, the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 will be making its way onto the system as announced here by man who looks like the villain in a children’s movie about the follies of greed, Randy Pitchford. Here is a comprehensive list courtesy of Nintendo of America.

From acclaimed hits like SPLIT FICTION and ELDEN RING to sports phenoms like EA SPORTS Madden NFL and NBA 2K, and highly anticipated games like Hades II and Borderlands 4, Nintendo Switch 2 is the place where players can find the full range of gaming experiences. Here are some of the games coming to Nintendo Switch 2 from development and publishing partners.

The Duskbloods: The moontears will flow for one and one alone in The Duskbloods, a brand-new multiplayer** title from the creators of DARK SOULS and ELDEN RING, FromSoftware. Available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods launches next year. Read more in our upcoming developer diary series, Creator’s Voice, with the game’s director Hidetaka Miyazaki, coming on April 4th.

Hades II: Battle beyond the Underworld to vanquish the Titan of Time as the Princess of the Dead in this bewitching sequel to the original rogue-like dungeon crawler. Hades II lets players explore a bigger, deeper mythic world with the full might of Olympus at their call in a story that reacts to their every setback and accomplishment. The game is coming first on console to both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, taking advantage of the new system’s higher-definition display with responsive action at a target of 60 frames per second. Look out for more information about Hades II later this year.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC: EA SPORTS is bringing fans together from across the world** – both on the pitch and on the gridiron. EA SPORTS Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC will be coming to Nintendo Switch 2.

NBA 2K and WWE 2K: Dominate on the court and in the ring — NBA 2K and WWE 2K are coming to Nintendo Switch 2.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the newest title in the Hyrule Warriors series and is developed by Koei-Tecmo Games with support from Nintendo. The game features epic battles against hordes of enemies as it tells the untold story from Hyrule’s distant past of the Imprisoning War that ultimately led to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Fans of the Legend of Zelda series and players of both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom can experience the thrill of battle and this canonical tale featuring Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other familiar characters. Fight for Hyrule’s future when Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment comes to Nintendo Switch 2 this winter.

SPLIT FICTION: Jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this co-op action adventure**, where contrasting writers Mio and Zoe have become trapped in a simulation of their own stories. SPLIT FICTION keeps you on the edge of your couch with weird and unexpected moments as players have to coordinate and work together to overcome challenges. Players can also invite a friend to play with for free via cross-play on Nintendo Switch 2 with Friend’s Pass******. Jump into the action when SPLIT FICTION releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: For the first time, Nintendo players can step into the shoes of V — a mercenary determined to become a legendary cyberpunk in Night City. With the powerful processing speed and graphical performance of Nintendo Switch 2, every neon-lit street and firefight feels more immersive than ever. With this edition, players can enjoy the full Cyberpunk 2077 experience, featuring the base game and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty spy-thriller expansion. Climb the ranks when Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE: Experience a modern reimagining of one of the most iconic games of all time on Nintendo Switch 2. Set in Midgar, players will immerse themselves in a standalone gaming experience designed for RPG players that crave unforgettable characters, a powerful story, and a strategic battle system that merges real-time action with command-based combat. Including FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, an additional story arc happening during the events of the game, players can fight for the future of the planet when FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE comes to Nintendo Switch 2.

Street Fighter 6: Experience the next evolution of Street Fighter in Street Fighter 6 with three distinct game modes, new gameplay features, and enhanced visuals. Fight your way to the top with new game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches****. Enjoy new party modes utilizing Joy-Con 2 controllers like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest. Plus, players can check out three new amiibo figures and 22 amiibo cards at launch. Choose from Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighter Edition, or the digital version of Street Fighter 6, for Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Steer the course of history in Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Featuring new mouse controls that offer a more intuitive experience, players’ decisions will shape the cultural lineage of their empire. Construct cities and architectural wonders, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the world. Whether you choose to follow history or forge your own path, create a legacy that echoes through the Ages when Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.

Hogwarts Legacy: Experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before in Hogwarts Legacy, which has been updated with Joy-Con 2 mouse support, improved graphics and audio, seamless map load times, and controls for Nintendo Switch 2. Players can become the center of their own adventure with this open-world, action role-playing game as they discover magical beasts, customize their character, master spell casting, and become the witch or wizard they want to be. Rediscover the magic when Hogwarts Legacy arrives on the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.

BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster: Follow four Warriors of Light on a journey to restore the elemental crystals in the HD remaster of the Nintendo 3DS RPG masterpiece, BRAVELY DEFAULT. Experience an RPG that brings new depth to classic, turn-based battles with the introduction of the “Brave & Default” system – featuring an array of options to customize your characters with over 20 unique jobs. The game also includes quality of life updates and two new minigames that leverage the dual mouse controls of Nintendo Switch 2. BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.

Borderlands 4: Experience outrageous enemies and killer loot on the dangerous new planet of Kairos in Borderlands 4. Become an unstoppable force blasting through enemies with an arsenal of weaponry. Deftly defy death from every direction as players flex their skill expression with glide, dodge, fixed-point grapple, and more. Hop into the action when Borderlands 4 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.

More adventure awaits in new and updated titles including…

• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Two legendary Activision games return with new skaters, gnarlier tricks, a sicker soundtrack, and, for the first time in over a decade – new parks! Drop into cross-platform online multiplayer** and relive the classic fun. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 this summer.
• ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition: With over 28 million copies sold worldwide, ELDEN RING is an award-winning action RPG set in an authentic dark fantasy world. Explore treacherous dungeons and face epic boss battles. Including the base game, the SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE expansion, and new weapons, armor, a new Torrent appearance customization, and more, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: Discover the decadence and danger of 1988 Japan in Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. The definitive edition of the acclaimed origin story is coming first to Nintendo Switch 2. Players will have to fight through Tokyo and Osaka’s entertainment districts as Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in an epic crime drama. With the Director’s Cut, players will find deeper insights into character backstories and incidents with never-before-seen cutscenes, plus, the new Red Light Raid online multiplayer mode**. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Fortnite: Whether you want to be the last player standing in Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, and Fortnite OG, or you want to explore LEGO Fortnite experiences, blast to the finish with Rocket Racing or headline a concert with Fortnite Festival – the choice is yours. Find it all in Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Enter the Gungeon 2: Experience the reloaded sequel to the iconic bullet dungeon crawler with Enter the Gungeon 2. Featuring a new 3D art style, weapons, and new gameplay tricks, players can load in on Nintendo Switch 2 next year.
• HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition: Enter the world of the ultimate assassin in HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition. Explore intricate environments as you use disguises and stealth to execute missions. Experience the best of HITMAN, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3 including the main campaign, contracts mode, escalations, and more. HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
• Project 007: Step into the shoes of James Bond and earn your 00 status. Featuring a wholly original Bond story, Project 007 will come to Nintendo Switch 2.

And that’s not all, as Nintendo Switch 2 welcomes STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, DELTARUNE, Survival Kids, Star Wars Outlaws, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and more!

So, there you have it. Nintendo Switch 2 is coming June 5th for $449.99 and again the pre-orders for this will begin April 9th so be quick on that add to cart button. You’ll also notice the inevitable price increase to games is in full swing now with Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza listed for $79.99 instead of the usual $59.99-$69.99. Sadly, inflation even affects gaming. Still an exciting day for gamers and Nintendo fans worldwide. We’ll keep you updated over on Hardwired Gaming on YouTube as the launch continues and hey make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our Switch 2 review. For Hardwired, I’m Andrew Hamilton.

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