Nintendo confirms the long-awaited Switch 2 release date, new features, and a lineup of major games, including Mario Kart world and Elden Ring.
Nintendo has officially announced that the Switch 2 will launch worldwide on 5 June, marking the next evolution of its massively successful hybrid console. Revealed in a widely watched Nintendo Direct, the new system will debut alongside Mario Kart World, a visually enhanced entry in the legendary racing franchise.
The Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch screen, 1080p resolution with HDR, 256GB storage, and 3D audio. A new voice chat function, controlled by the “C” button, allows players to communicate in-game, with an interface resembling Zoom-style video calls.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa described the console as “a leap forward,” promising enhanced performance, upgraded graphics, and more ambitious third-party support. Titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and an exclusive multiplayer game, The Duskbloods, were also revealed.
Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Classic Franchises Return
Beyond Mario Kart World, Nintendo confirmed two major returning franchises: Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders. The company also assured fans that Switch games will be compatible with the new console, with some receiving enhanced Switch 2 editions.
The Switch 2 will retail at £395 in the UK (£429 with Mario Kart World). Digital editions of key titles, such as Mario Kart World (£66.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza (£58.99), were also priced, with physical versions costing £8 more.
Can the Switch 2 Repeat Nintendo’s Success?
With over 150 million units sold, the original Switch ranks among the best-selling consoles ever. Nintendo aims to replicate that triumph but faces challenges, including potential hardware shortages and global trade disruptions under new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Furukawa assured investors that delays in revealing the console were to ensure sufficient stock at launch, avoiding the supply chain struggles that plagued the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
With a compelling lineup of exclusives, strong third-party support, and improved hardware, the Switch 2 is poised to be one of 2025’s biggest gaming releases.
