So, let’s start with the console itself. The Nintendo Switch 2 (yes, that’s the final name) is going for more than just a performance bump. It has a 7.9-inch 1080p HDR screen that runs at 120Hz in handheld mode (which is very impressive) And when you dock it? Up to 4K resolution at 60fps. This is not your grandpa’s Switch. This time the dock even has a cooling system to allow the tiny console to achieve better performance. Oh and it has 3D audio and 256GB of internal storage, not including the extra 256GB you can add with an SD card.
The Joy-Con controllers also received a spec-bump. Not only are they larger and more ergonomic, they now snap on magnetically and feature something called "mouse mode." It sounds weird, but apparently lets you play certain games with PC-style control. I have to say I am a little worried by the seeming lack of any optical component like an actual mouse but who knows what magic they shoved in there to make it work, we'll have to wait and see how practical it actually is. Also, there’s a new “C” button. And no, it’s not for crouch. It activates GameChat, which is Nintendo’s surprisingly mature move toward voice chat that actually works, with built-in noise filtering.
There’s also a camera accessory now that lets you video chat with friends while gaming. It also zooms in on your face automatically and even does green screen without the need for an actual green screen. This is the same company that used to sell cardboard accessories, and now they’re giving us FaceTime for Mario Kart. I’m almost emotional.
And let’s talk about GameShare. You and up to three other friends can locally share a game, even if only one of you owns it. That’s right. One Mario Kart. Four consoles. No more begging your friends to buy a game just to race you around Rainbow Road.
What about the games?
Alright, breathe. Let’s get into the games, because Nintendo did not hold back.
Mario Kart World is the flagship launch title for Switch 2, and it might be the most ambitious entry in the series yet. It has an open-world Free Roam mode. Let me repeat that: open-world Mario Kart. With up to 24 drivers. You can roam around, find races, and then join a massive event in real time. There’s even dynamic weather. I saw Luigi drift through a blizzard on a snowmobile and nearly cried.
Then there’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Editions. These aren’t new games, but they’ve been ‘up-ressed’ to take full advantage of the new hardware. HDR, smoother frame rates, and even second-screen support using the new Switch app to help you navigate Hyrule and send your friends your insane creations. It’s like they reached into my dreams and said, "Here, have better versions of your favorite games."
But wait. It gets better.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a new prequel where Princess Zelda herself fights side-by-side with King Rauru against Ganondorf. This was such a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know I needed more royal family lore in my life, but now it’s all I care about.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is getting a Switch 2 upgrade, and not just a visual facelift. We’re talking control improvements, performance options, and a frame rate so smooth it could charm a Chozo statue.
And if you’re worried about third-party games—don’t. Cyberpunk 2077 (What?!), Hollow Knight: Silksong (Yes!!), and Deltarune (OMG) are all confirmed. This is no longer the console where you hope for indie ports. It’s the console where you expect them. Wait, did I forget to mention Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition? What about Hades 2?, Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, Yakuza 0, Borderlands 4, Civ7 (With mouse support!), Kirby Air Riders and a new Fromsoft game called Duskbloods! Oh yeah, and a little game called Donkey Kong Bananza! That's quite a lineup!
Well, it's not cheap
The Switch 2 launches on June 5th for $449.99, and there’s a bundle with Mario Kart World for $499.99. Honestly, with everything they showed off - That's not too bad. Looks like Nintendo is playing in the PlayStation and Xbox playground now.
Here’s the bottom line: This isn’t just an upgrade. It’s Nintendo swinging for the fences. The Switch 2 isn’t trying to be a spec-bump. It’s doing its own thing—and doing it better than I expected. This is the console that knows we love our nostalgia, but we also want power, quality-of-life upgrades, and seamless multiplayer.
The Switch 2 is coming. My wallet’s crying. My calendar is marked. And I’ve already started emotionally preparing myself to cry when I boot up Mario Kart World for the first time.
Let’s a-go.
