What makes the Nintendo Switch the Nintendo Switch 2

After months of rumours and blurry leaked screenshots, Nintendo has finally hit “Start” on the next chapter of its hybrid console journey: the Nintendo Switch 2, dropping on June 5, 2025. And this isn’t just a minor refresh, this is a proper next-gen experience, packed with upgrades that’ll make your old Switch feel like a warm-up round.

Bigger, Brighter, Better

The Switch 2 comes with a stunning 7.9-inch LCD screen, and for the first time ever on a Nintendo handheld, it’s Full HD (1080p). Add HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate, and you’ve got buttery-smooth visuals that look great in motion, whether you’re playing in bed or on a bumpy car ride.

And when you dock it?

Say hello to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. That’s a serious visual jump from the original model, which capped out at 1080p on your TV. Link’s hair has never looked so swishy.

Power-Up Inside

Under the hood, the Switch 2 is rocking a new Nvidia Tegra T239 chip with ray tracing, DLSS AI upscaling, and G-Sync support, features previously reserved for high-end gaming PCs. Translation: games run faster, look sharper, and feel smoother.

If you’ve ever wanted a Nintendo console that didn’t wheeze trying to load a cutscene, your time has finally come.

Storage You Won’t Fill in a Day

Remember that 32GB of storage from the original Switch? Yeah, that filled up faster than a Mario Kart race with blue shells. The Switch 2 fixes that with a whopping 256GB of internal space, and it’s expandable via microSD Express for lightning-fast loading times and massive storage potential and that up to 2TB.

New Joy-Cons, New Tricks

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers still snap on for handheld play, but now they connect magnetically instead of sliding in. They’re more ergonomic, have larger buttons, and come with an extra “C” button that acts as a shortcut to the brand-new GameChat feature (yes, built-in voice and video chat and no phone app needed!).

And here’s a cool party trick: hold them sideways, and the Joy-Cons can function like a mouse in supported games. It’s weirdly fun and surprisingly intuitive.

GameCube Nostalgia

One of the most unexpected (and exciting) reveals? Nintendo is bringing back the GameCube controller (!!), redesigned for the Switch 2. And no, this isn’t just a Smash Bros. accessory. The new version comes with USB-C support, motion controls, and even rumble feedback, making it a fully modernized throwback.

It’s compatible with a growing list of games, not just fighters, and is being promoted as a nostalgic yet powerful option for players who prefer the chunkier, classic feel. Whether you’re revisiting Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or diving into new GameCube titles on Nintendo Switch Online, the controller is a perfect fit.

Let’s be honest, Nintendo knows how to hit us right in the childhood.

Let’s Talk About GameChat and GameShare

Nintendo is finally catching up to modern multiplayer standards. The Switch 2 features GameChat, allowing players to voice or video chat right from the console — no extra apps, no clunky setups. Even better? GameShare lets multiple players play locally with just one copy of the game. Your wallet can exhale.

Backward Compatibility and Looking Ahead

The Switch 2 is fully backward compatible with existing Switch games (digital and physical), and it still supports Nintendo Switch Online. That means access to retro classics from NES to GameCube, with GameCube making its official debut on the online service.

And with new titles like Mario Kart World, Zelda: Hyrule Warriors – Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, and Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo is clearly aiming to make the Switch 2 launch lineup one of its strongest yet.

Price and Value

The Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for €469.99, with a launch bundle including Mario Kart World priced for €509.99. It’s more expensive than the original Switch, sure. But considering the upgrades, it might just be worth the gold coins.