Nintendo Launches Switch 2: A New Era of Gaming

Nintendo today launched the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 , a console that promises to revolutionize the gaming experience with its improved performance, innovative social features, and full compatibility with titles and accessories from its predecessor.

The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025, comes to market with a suggested retail price of 49,980 yen for the standard version, with bundles such as the " Mario Kart World Set " at 53,980 yen and a "Multi-Language System" exclusive to the My Nintendo Store at 69,980 yen. This new console features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1920x1080 resolution, HDR10 support and a variable refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, while maintaining the thickness of the original Switch.

The performance improvements are noticeable, with a significantly more powerful CPU and GPU than the original Nintendo Switch, resulting in faster processing speeds, new gameplay possibilities, more detailed graphics, and reduced loading times. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a magnetic docking system and mouse-like functionality when gliding across a surface, opening up new avenues for gaming interaction.

One of the most notable features is GameChat, which allows players to voice and video chat with friends (up to 12 and 4 people, respectively, with a compatible camera) and share their game screens. This feature, along with GameShare, which allows for local play with non-owners, and Virtual Game Cards for managing and sharing digital games, underscores Nintendo's strategic emphasis on fostering deeper social interaction and shared gaming experiences within its ecosystem. This isn't just a hardware enhancement, but a sign that Nintendo recognizes evolving consumer preferences toward more connected and communal gaming. This could become a significant driver for user retention and monetization through increased participation in online services (such as Nintendo Switch Online membership) and a potential shift in game development toward titles that leverage these social capabilities, which would strengthen Nintendo's competitive position in the global video game market.

The Nintendo Switch 2 maintains full backwards compatibility with physical and digital games from the original Nintendo Switch, as well as peripherals like the Pro Controller. This decision to include full compatibility with existing Nintendo Switch games and peripherals is a critical strategic move. While the new console offers powerful enhancements, ensuring that previous game libraries remain playable removes a significant barrier to adoption for current Switch owners. This demonstrates a focus on customer loyalty and a seamless transition, minimizing potential user churn and maximizing the value of the existing Nintendo ecosystem. This approach could lead to faster market penetration for the Switch 2, as it appeals to both new buyers and the vast installed base of the original Switch, cementing Nintendo's leadership in the handheld console segment.

The console's new dock allows for video output in up to 4K resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 fps, depending on the TV and game. Additionally, "Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics" will be available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, offering access to a growing collection of GameCube games.

With these innovations, Nintendo seeks not only to improve visual quality and performance, but also to enrich player interaction, consolidating its position in the global video game industry and setting a new benchmark in interactive entertainment.