Nintendo Switch 2

By Simon Benca, Grade 11

On January 16, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced online, with an in-depth presentation on April 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 will have a 1080p screen, and when connected to a TV, it can run games in 4K resolution. It will support HDR and frame rates up to 120 frames per second. According to Nintendo, this will allow for “vivid colors, clarity, and smooth gameplay.” One major addition to the console is the GameChat feature. With the press of a button, players can connect with their friends and talk while playing together, even if they are miles away from each other. There will also be a camera accessory (sold for an additional cost) that will allow for video calling. Additionally, the new Joy-Con controllers will magnetically attach to the console, which will make attaching the Joy-Cons much easier. The controllers can also function as a mouse.

Some games made for the Nintendo Switch 2 will utilize the mouse functionality of the Joy-Cons. Some games ported from PC like Deltarune and Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will use the mouse feature to make gameplay more intuitive. A couple of new games that use this feature include Drag and Drive, which uses the controllers to maneuver a wheelchair, and Metroid Prime 4, which can use a controller to aim weapons like on a computer. In addition, there will be new installments to the Mario Kart and Donkey Kong series. Other past games will have free updates that optimize the game, but some will have paid updates that add additional content and features.

One of the major downsides of this console is the price. The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99, $150 more than the original Nintendo Switch. There will also be a $499.99 bundle of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World. Nintendo Switch 2 games will also cost an average of $70 to $80. According to Gamestop, Donkey Kong Bananza will cost $69.99, and Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will cost $79.99. These high costs may prevent some people from buying this console. However, the majority of people will still pay these high prices, as pre-orders from all major suppliers have all sold out. The Nintendo Switch 2 will release on June 5, 2025.