Nintendo Switch 2 came out on June 5, 2025, and the console costs $499.99 in the US, or $549.99 bundled with Mario Kart World.
This guide covers current US prices and bundles, the hardware and specs, which games are out now and which are coming next, how old Switch games and accessories carry over, and how GameChat, GameShare and virtual game cards work.
When did Nintendo Switch 2 come out?
Nintendo Switch 2 has been on sale since June 5, 2025. Here is the console at a glance, as Nintendo's US store lists it in October 2026.
| What you want to know | Answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | June 5, 2025 | Mario Kart World launched the same day |
| Console price (US) | $499.99 MSRP | Nintendo Switch 2 System, sold alone |
| Cheapest bundle | $529.99 | With Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, available October 22, 2026 |
| Mario Kart World bundle | $549.99 | Includes the full game download and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online |
| Screen | 7.9-inch 1080p LCD | HDR10, VRR and up to 120 fps in supported games |
| TV output | Up to 4K at 60 fps | 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p |
| Storage | 256 GB | Expand with microSD Express cards only, up to 2 TB |
| Old Switch games | Most compatible games run | Some are not supported or not fully compatible |
Nintendo Switch 2 reveal timeline: January and April reveals to launch
Nintendo's US Direct archive starts its Switch 2 record with the April 2, 2025 presentation, a roughly 60-minute look at the system and its games. Any January 2025 teaser is not dated on Nintendo's current US pages, so the table begins with the April reveal.
| Date | Event | What it covered |
|---|---|---|
| April 2, 2025 | Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 | The full system reveal and its announced games |
| April 17, 2025 | Mario Kart World Direct | The launch racing game |
| June 5, 2025 | Launch | Console, Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour and other launch titles |
| June 18, 2025 | Donkey Kong Bananza Direct | Ahead of the July 17, 2025 release |
| September 9, 2026 | Nintendo Direct | Switch 2 games for this winter and beyond |
| September 10, 2026 | System update | Added VRR support in TV mode |
How much does Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 costs $499.99. Bundles add a full game download and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online individual membership that auto-renews unless you cancel it.
| Model or bundle | US price (MSRP) | Status on Nintendo's store |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.99 | On sale since June 5, 2025 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle | $549.99 | On sale; Nintendo lists a $37.98 saving against buying each part |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Bundle | $529.99 | Pre-purchase; releases October 22, 2026 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition | $519.99 | Releases October 29, 2026; sold out on Nintendo's store |
U.S. price, bundles, and the real cost of ownership
The console price is only the start. Online play, GameChat and the GameCube library all need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership, and storage expansion needs a microSD Express card.
| Extra | Nintendo store price | Do you need it? |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Online membership | Sold separately | Yes for online play and GameChat; Expansion Pack for GameCube classics |
| Samsung microSD Express card, 256 GB | $59.99 | Only when the internal 256 GB fills up |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | $89.99 | Optional; Joy-Con 2 come in the box |
| Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) pair | $99.99 | Only for extra players |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | $54.99 | Only for GameChat video and CameraPlay |
| Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip | $39.99 | Optional |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set | $124.99 | Only for a second TV |
| Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter | $34.99 | Only as a spare |
What is new about the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware?
These are the changes that matter against the original Switch. Nintendo describes the screen as 1.6 times larger with about double the pixel count, in a system that is just as slim.
| Area | Nintendo Switch 2 | What actually changes for you |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 7.9-inch 1080p LCD, HDR10, VRR, up to 120 fps | Sharper, smoother handheld play |
| TV mode | Up to 4K at 60 fps through the dock | Supported games look sharper on a 4K TV |
| Storage | 256 GB, 8x the original Switch | Room for more downloads before you buy a card |
| Memory cards | microSD Express only | Old microSD cards cannot hold games |
| Controllers | Joy-Con 2 attach by magnets, work as a mouse | No rails to slide; new mouse-controlled games |
| C Button | On the right Joy-Con 2 | One press starts GameChat |
| Ports | USB-C on the top and bottom | Charge in tabletop mode or plug in a camera |
| Stand | Adjustable up to 150 degrees | Any viewing angle in tabletop mode |
| Dock | Built-in fan, LAN port, CEC and ALLM | TV switches input and game mode automatically |
| Microphone | Built-in, with noise cancellation | Voice chat with no headset |
Nintendo Switch 2 specifications
These figures come from Nintendo's own technical specs page for the console.
| Spec | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches with Joy-Con 2 attached |
| Weight | About 0.88 lb; about 1.18 lb with Joy-Con 2 |
| Screen | 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD, 1920×1080, capacitive touch, HDR10, VRR up to 120 Hz |
| Processor | Custom processor made by NVIDIA |
| Storage | 256 GB UFS, part reserved for the system |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth; wired LAN through the dock |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 5.1ch linear PCM over HDMI, 3.5mm headset jack |
| Card slots | Game card slot for Switch 2 and Switch cards; microSD Express up to 2 TB |
| Battery | 5220mAh lithium-ion, about 2 to 6.5 hours |
| Charging time | About 3 hours in Sleep mode |
| Dock ports | 2 USB 2.0, HDMI, LAN, AC adapter port |
What resolution and frame rates does Switch 2 support on a TV?
Nintendo Switch 2 outputs up to 4K at 60 fps on a TV, and up to 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p. Each feature works only in games that support it and on a TV that supports it.
| Mode | Maximum resolution | Maximum frame rate | HDR and VRR |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV mode at 4K | 3840×2160 | 60 fps | HDR10; VRR with a compatible TV |
| TV mode at 1440p or 1080p | 2560×1440 or 1920×1080 | 120 fps | HDR10; VRR with a compatible TV |
| Handheld mode | 1920×1080 | 120 fps | HDR10 and VRR on the built-in screen |
| Tabletop mode | 1920×1080 | 120 fps | HDR10 and VRR on the built-in screen |
VRR in TV mode arrived with the system update released on September 10, 2026. Install the latest update before you test it.
Does Switch 2 use the same microSD card as the original Switch?
No. Nintendo Switch 2 stores games only on microSD Express cards, up to 2 TB. A standard microSD card from your original Switch works only for copying screenshots and videos. Look for the microSD Express logo when you buy a card; Nintendo's store sells a 256 GB Samsung card for $59.99.
Joy-Con 2: magnetic connections and mouse controls
Joy-Con 2 snap onto the console with magnets. Press the release button on the back of each controller to detach it.
| Feature | How it works |
|---|---|
| Magnetic attach | Move each controller close to the side of the console and it snaps into place |
| Mouse controls | Put the side sensor face down on a table or your lap and slide it, in compatible games |
| Two mice at once | Both Joy-Con 2 can act as mice at the same time |
| Sticks and buttons | Larger sticks, longer L and R buttons, bigger SL and SR buttons |
| HD rumble 2 | Finer vibration patterns than the original Joy-Con |
| Battery | 500mAh, about 20 hours; about 3.5 hours to charge |
| Old consoles | Joy-Con 2 and the Switch 2 Pro Controller do not work on the original Switch |
What does Nintendo Switch 2 come with?
Every Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a dock, an AC adapter and a pair of Joy-Con 2. The Mario Kart World bundle box lists this full set of included hardware:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 console | 256 GB internal storage |
| Joy-Con 2 (L) and (R) | Light Blue and Light Red |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Dock | Built-in fan, HDMI and LAN ports |
| Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter | Powers the dock or the console |
| USB-C charging cable | For the dock or the console |
| Ultra High Speed HDMI cable | Needed for 4K and 120 fps output |
| Joy-Con 2 Grip | Holds both controllers as one gamepad |
| Joy-Con 2 Strap (x2) | For motion and mouse play |
| Mario Kart World download and 3-month Nintendo Switch Online code | Bundle only |
The standalone console does not include a game. A camera, a microSD Express card and a Pro Controller are all sold separately.
How do Joy-Con 2, GameChat, and GameShare work?
Joy-Con 2 are the controllers, GameChat is the system-wide chat, and GameShare lets one copy of a compatible game be played by friends who do not own it.
| Feature | What it does | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Joy-Con 2 | Magnetic controllers with mouse sensors and a C Button | Included with the console |
| GameChat | Voice chat for up to 12, screen or video sharing for up to 4 | Nintendo Switch Online, a Nintendo Account and text message verification |
| GameShare (local) | Shares a compatible game with nearby Switch 2 or Switch systems | One copy of a compatible game on a Switch 2 |
| GameShare (online) | Shares a compatible game inside a GameChat session | GameChat on every Switch 2 involved |
GameChat: voice, screen sharing, and video
Press the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 to open GameChat at any time, even mid-game. On controllers without a C Button, start it from the HOME Menu instead.
| GameChat detail | What Nintendo states |
|---|---|
| Voice chat | Up to 12 people, using the console's built-in microphone |
| Screen sharing | Up to 4 people, even when each plays a different game |
| Video chat | Up to 4 people with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera or a compatible USB-C camera |
| Who you can chat with | Only Nintendo Account friends you have approved for GameChat |
| Set-up | Nintendo Switch Online membership and a text message sent to your account's phone number |
| Players under 16 | A parent must allow it in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app |
| Recording and reports | Nintendo reviews chat recordings only after a GameChat report |
| Accessibility | Speech-to-text for other members' voices and text-to-speech for your typed messages |
To check a third-party camera, plug it into the top USB-C port, open System Settings from the HOME Menu, then select Controllers & Accessories > Test USB Camera.
Is GameShare universal multiplayer sharing? Which games support it
GameShare is not universal multiplayer sharing: it works only with compatible games, and only a Nintendo Switch 2 can start it.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which system can share? | Only Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Which systems can receive? | Switch 2 and the original Switch, by local communication |
| Can an original Switch receive online? | No; online GameShare runs through GameChat, which is Switch 2 only |
| Do friends need the game? | No, one copy is enough in compatible games |
| Featured compatible games | Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics |
How virtual game cards change how digital purchases move between systems
Virtual game cards let you eject a digital game from one system and load it on another, much like a physical cartridge. Open the HOME Menu, select Virtual Game Cards, then pick the game to load.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Systems per account | Two paired systems; pairing needs local wireless and internet the first time |
| Offline play | A loaded game plays offline after its first internet-connected start |
| Other users | Every user on the system can play a loaded game |
| Lending | One game per account to a Nintendo Account family group member, for 14 days |
| Save data | Stays on the system where it was made; borrowers keep their saves |
| Switch 2 exclusives | Load only on a Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Three or more systems | Turn on online license in User Settings instead; it needs an online check to start |
| Exceptions | Demos and some Nintendo Switch Online member-exclusive games may not be available |
Game-key cards: why a physical box may still require a download
A game-key card holds no game data, only the key that starts the game. The first launch downloads the full game over the internet.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you need internet? | Yes, the first time you start the game on each system |
| How much space? | The required free space is printed on the packaging |
| Where does it install? | Internal storage or a microSD Express card |
| Can you remove the card after downloading? | No, insert it every time you play |
| Is a Nintendo Account needed for the download? | No |
| Where are saves kept? | In the system's internal storage |
| Where to check free space | HOME Menu > System Settings > Data Management |
Nintendo Switch 2 accessibility features
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Text options | Three text sizes plus Bold Text |
| Button Mapping | Remap each controller, save profiles, add it to Quick Settings |
| Display Colors | Grayscale or Invert Colors, plus High Contrast |
| Screen zoom | Press the HOME Button twice quickly to enlarge the screen |
| Mono Audio | Switches output to monaural |
| Text to Speech | Reads HOME Menu and System Settings text aloud, with voice, speed and volume options |
| GameChat Voice Speech-to-Text | Shows other members' speech as text |
| GameChat Text-to-Speech Audio | Sends typed text to the chat as audio |
Can you play old Nintendo Switch games on Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Switch games, but some are not supported or not fully compatible. Check each game's page on nintendo.com before you buy, because each lists its Switch 2 compatibility.
| What carries over | What does not, or needs the original Joy-Con |
|---|---|
| Compatible physical and digital Switch games | Ring Fit Adventure: Joy-Con 2 do not fit the Ring-Con or leg strap |
| Digital games and save data, by System Transfer | 1-2-Switch and WarioWare: Move It!: IR Motion Camera games need a Switch Joy-Con (R) |
| Parental Controls and other settings | Game Builder Garage: IR Nodon need a Switch Joy-Con (R) |
| Nintendo Switch Online membership | Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Shoot-Out needs a Switch Joy-Con in the leg strap |
| Switch Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controller | Nintendo Labo kits: the Switch 2 console does not fit several Toy-Con builds |
| Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app | GameChat settings must be set up again |
Original Joy-Con cannot wake a Switch 2 from sleep, and they cannot play games that need Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Charge them on an original Switch or a Joy-Con charging grip.
Free updates, paid upgrades, and Switch 2 Editions: what is different
| Type | Cost | What you get | Examples on Nintendo's site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free update | Free | Performance improvements or features such as GameShare in selected Switch games | Varies by game |
| Paid upgrade pack | Paid | Turns a Switch game you own into the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Kirby and the Forgotten Land |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Bought as its own product | Better image quality, smoother frame rates and sometimes new modes | Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hades II |
On an original Switch, a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs as the Switch version, without the Switch 2 extras.
What new Nintendo Switch 2 games are available?
Mario Kart World (June 5, 2025) and Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025) are the two flagship Switch 2 exclusives. Nintendo's Switch 2 games page also features these titles you can play now:
| Game | Type |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Switch 2 exclusive, up to 24 racers |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Switch 2 exclusive |
| Kirby Air Riders | Switch 2 racing |
| Pokemon Pokopia | Switch 2 life sim |
| Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Switch 2 Edition |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Switch 2 Edition |
| The Duskbloods | Switch 2 action |
| Hogwarts Legacy | Enhanced with Joy-Con 2 mouse support |
| Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Assassin's Creed Shadows | Third-party ports |
| Minecraft Dungeons II, EA Sports FC 27, NBA 2K27 | September 2026 releases |
Games Nintendo announced for Switch 2: launch lineup versus the complete announcement list
The launch lineup was small; the complete announcement list has grown with every Direct since April 2025. These titles carry a June 5, 2025 date on Nintendo's store.
| Launch-day game | US price on Nintendo's store |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Sold alone or in the $549.99 console bundle |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour | $9.99 |
| Fast Fusion | $14.99 |
Later Nintendo releases include Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Use Nintendo's Switch 2 games page for the full current list, since it changes after each Direct.
What Nintendo Switch 2 games are coming next?
Two dated releases are next, followed by the games shown in the September 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct.
| Game | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Sports Resort | October 22, 2026 | 12 motion-control sports; also in a $529.99 console bundle |
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | November 5, 2026 | Pre-order open |
| New 3D Kirby adventure | Next spring | Announced in the September 2026 Direct |
| Monster Hunter Wilds plus a new expansion | Not announced | September 2026 Direct |
| Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Not announced | Adds voice commands |
| Metroid Ravenous | Not announced | September 2026 Direct |
| Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition | Not announced | September 2026 Direct |
| Professor Layton and the New World of Steam | Not announced | September 2026 Direct |
| Three Resident Evil titles and two Persona games | Not announced | September 2026 Direct |
| Yo-kai Watch 2 Remake | Not announced | Development confirmed |
What is the difference between buying Switch 2 new and upgrading from an original Switch?
A first-time buyer starts from zero, while an upgrader brings games, saves and controllers across with System Transfer. System Transfer needs an internet connection and at least one user on the old Switch linked to a Nintendo Account.
| Item | Buying new | Upgrading from a Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Games | Buy Switch 2 games or a bundle | Digital games redownload after System Transfer; cartridges work if compatible |
| Save data | Starts fresh | Transfers with System Transfer |
| Controllers | Joy-Con 2 in the box | Old Joy-Con and Pro Controller also work |
| Nintendo Switch Online | Buy a membership or use a bundle's 3 months | Existing membership continues |
| Settings and Parental Controls | Set up from scratch | Carry over; GameChat settings need adjusting |
| microSD card | Buy microSD Express if needed | Old microSD cards cannot store games |
| Upgrade packs | Not relevant | Pay to turn owned Switch games into Switch 2 Editions |
If the old console has no linked profile yet, create a user account on Nintendo Switch and link it before you start the transfer.
Is Nintendo Switch 2 worth it if you already have a Switch?
Whether Nintendo Switch 2 is worth upgrading to depends on the games you want and how you play.
| Your situation | Upgrade? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza or other exclusives | Yes | They run only on Switch 2 |
| You play on a 4K TV | Yes | Up to 4K, HDR10 and VRR in supported games |
| You own games with paid upgrade packs | Likely | Switch 2 Editions add better visuals and modes |
| You want voice or video chat with friends | Yes | GameChat is Switch 2 only |
| You mainly play Ring Fit Adventure or Labo | Wait | These need original Joy-Con or do not fit the new console |
| Your Switch library covers what you play | No rush | Compatible games run on both |
What should you check before buying Nintendo Switch 2?
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Game compatibility pages for the Switch games you own | Some games are not supported or only partly work |
| Bundle versus console price | The $549.99 Mario Kart World bundle includes the game and 3 months of online play |
| Bundle release dates | The Sports Resort bundle ships October 22, 2026 |
| microSD card type | Only microSD Express stores games |
| TV features | 4K, HDR and VRR need a compatible TV |
| Nintendo Switch Online | Required for GameChat and online play |
| Your phone number on your Nintendo Account | GameChat set-up needs text message verification |
| Game-key cards | Some boxed games need a download and free space |
Nintendo Switch 2 current status update: October
As of October 11, 2026, Nintendo Switch 2 is on sale in the US at $499.99, with new bundles and games arriving this fall.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Console | On sale since June 5, 2025, $499.99 |
| Mario Kart World bundle | On sale, $549.99 |
| Nintendo Switch Sports Resort bundle | Pre-purchase, $529.99, October 22, 2026 |
| Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition console | $519.99, October 29, 2026, sold out on Nintendo's store |
| VRR in TV mode | Added by the September 10, 2026 system update |
| Latest Nintendo Direct | September 9, 2026 |
| GameCube classics | Available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on Switch 2 |
What Nintendo did not promise about Switch 2
Several limits sit in Nintendo's own fine print. Read them before you assume a feature works everywhere.
| Area | Nintendo's stated limit |
|---|---|
| Backward compatibility | Some Switch games may never be supported or may only partly work |
| 4K, HDR and VRR | Only in supported games, on a compatible display |
| 120 fps | Only in compatible games; 4K is capped at 60 fps |
| Third-party USB cameras | May be unsupported or unstable |
| Headphones on the 3.5mm jack | Nintendo cannot guarantee every product |
| GameChat | Needs a paid membership and is not available in all countries |
| Battery life | About 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on the game |
Nintendo Switch 2 release date and price FAQ
When did Nintendo Switch 2 come out?
Nintendo Switch 2 came out on June 5, 2025 in the US. Mario Kart World launched the same day, and Donkey Kong Bananza followed on July 17, 2025.
How much is Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 costs $499.99 MSRP in the US. The Mario Kart World bundle is $549.99, and the Nintendo Switch Sports Resort bundle is $529.99 from October 22, 2026.
Can I play old Switch games on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Switch games. Some games are not supported or not fully compatible, so check the compatibility note on each game's nintendo.com page first.
Does Nintendo Switch 2 use the same microSD card?
No. Nintendo Switch 2 needs microSD Express cards, up to 2 TB, to store games. A standard microSD card from the original Switch can only copy screenshots and videos.
Does Nintendo Switch 2 come with a game?
The standalone $499.99 console does not include a game. The Mario Kart World bundle includes a full Mario Kart World download, and the Sports Resort bundle includes Nintendo Switch Sports Resort.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online for GameChat?
Yes. GameChat needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership, a Nintendo Account and text message verification to the phone number on that account. Video chat also needs a compatible USB-C camera.
Does Nintendo Switch 2 support 4K?
Yes, in TV mode through the dock, in supported games on a compatible TV. 4K output is capped at 60 fps, while 1080p and 1440p output can reach 120 fps.
Do old Joy-Con work on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, original Joy-Con and the Switch Pro Controller work with compatible games. They cannot wake the console from sleep or play games that need Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
The bottom line on Nintendo Switch 2
Buy the $549.99 Mario Kart World bundle if you want Switch 2 now, or wait for the $529.99 Sports Resort bundle on October 22, 2026 if that game suits you better. Both bundles include a full game and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online, which GameChat and online play require. Upgraders keep compatible games, saves and controllers, so the main extra costs are a microSD Express card and any upgrade packs.
