Nintendo’s highly anticipated new console, the Switch 2, has finally arrived on store shelves globally. The gaming giant’s decision to stick with a winning template for the Switch 2 is a testament to the original’s popularity, but also a gamble that its success will endure for the better part of the next decade.
The Switch 2 features significant upgrades to the hardware, including a larger 7.9-inch display, upgraded Joy-Con controllers with computer mouse-like functionality, and new social features like Game Chat, which allows gamers to communicate with other players in real-time. The console’s price point has increased to $450 in the US, but Nintendo is justifying it with the improved features.
One of the most notable updates is the addition of a camera that requires an extra $55 fee for use in certain games like “Super Mario Party Jamboree.” However, this feature aims to make players feel more immersed in the game by having their faces appear in a tiny bubble near their character.
The Switch 2 also supports up to 12 players chatting simultaneously and allows users to share screens in real-time while playing other games. The console is compatible with existing Switch games, and Nintendo has released Switch Edition 2 versions of popular titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom.”
In a move that could impact sales, Nintendo still sells previous-generation Switch models, including the $200 Switch Lite and $300 standard Switch. However, this could eat into demand for the new system, especially since many major new titles aren’t out yet.
With its improved hardware and new features, the Switch 2 looks set to be a powerful gaming console that can compete with PC rivals like Valve and Lenovo. The company’s catalogue of beloved characters and games is likely to give it an edge against rivals, but the success of the Switch 2 will ultimately depend on how well Nintendo executes its strategy for the next decade.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/05/tech/nintendo-switch-2-launch-games-what-to-know