Nintendo Switch 2 launches this June—here’s everything you need to know

Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2 console and announced its launch date. The new device is set to be released on June 5th, which is earlier than many gamers had anticipated.

The price for the base model will be $449.99. Additionally, several new hardware specifications and features have been confirmed for the device. To begin with, the console includes updated chat functions and a “C-button.” Moreover, it boasts a larger 7.9-inch display.

With the Switch 2, players can enjoy enhanced gaming experiences due to its 1080p resolution. The console’s display refreshes at 120Hz and supports HDR, allowing many games to run at higher frame rates. This improvement is expected to increase the adoption of HDR among game developers.

In docked mode, the Switch 2 can support resolutions of up to 4K at 60 FPS. However, lower resolutions can accommodate higher refresh rates. It is important to note that the dock for the Switch 2 comes with an integrated fan, which enhances the cooling capabilities of the system, allowing for better performance when docked.

Nintendo has also indicated that standard MicroSD cards will not work with the Switch 2. Instead, it will require MicroSD Express cards, as Switch 2 games will necessitate superior storage performance. This is beneficial for Switch 2 users, as it will enable faster game load times on the console and is designed with rapid storage in mind.

The Switch 2 will come standard with 256GB of internal storage. The game cartridges for Switch 2 will be the same size as those for the original Switch. The only distinction is their red color and the inclusion of faster storage chips, which will facilitate quicker loading times on Nintendo’s new console.

Some games from the original Switch will receive upgrades for the Switch 2, although these upgrades will come as paid options for Switch 2 owners. Thus, existing Switch users should not anticipate free upgrades to Switch 2 for their titles. Nonetheless, most Switch games will remain compatible with the new console as they are.

As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.