Everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct

Updated: Apr 02, 2025, 12:54

Nintendo

Nintendo has finally revealed all there is to know about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 during its specialized Nintendo Direct on April 2.

From backwards compatibility to a ton of new games, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be quite the handheld console, battery length aside.

On April 2, Nintendo finally unveiled the Switch 2, confirming new details about the new hardware, its upcoming games, and of course — when you can expect it to release. So, here’s everything announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

Nintendo Switch 2 release date

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025, as revealed by the Nintendo Switch 2 April Direct.

Features

The Switch 2 is a lot like the original, only more powerful.

GameCube emulation

Nintendo Online subscribers will be able to download and play a range of enhanced GameCube games on Switch 2 from release day. There will also be a new GameCube controller that players will be able to purchase.

C button

The Switch 2 will add a new C button, known as the Chat button. As the name suggests, the button enables you to connect to the system’s online voice chat functionality. This means you’ll be able to chat to your friends in games like Mario Kart World.

Pressing the C button will pull up a chat menu, to which you can connect a separate camera accessory. The button works in all modes.

Up to three systems can play together even if only one player owns the game. It will only work for certain games and can also be used between the Switch 2 and the original Switch console.

4K support

The Switch 2 will support 4K when docked as well as HDR in TV mode. However, when played undocked, the system will only support HDR.

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Switch 1 games can be upgraded to Switch 2 after purchasing an upgrade pack for each. These packs will upscale the games to 4K and HDR, taking advantage of the Switch 2’s increased visual fidelity.

Backward compatibility

Most physical and digital original Switch games will be playable on the Switch 2. There will be exceptions, which are yet to be confirmed.

Micro SD cards from the original Switch will not be compatible with the Switch 2. Instead, players can use a data transfer function.

Pro-Controller

The Switch 2 will have a new Pro-Controller, which looks a lot like the original Switch Pro-Controller but with a C button.

Nintendo Switch games

Plenty of exciting games were announced during the Nintendo Direct:

So, that’s everything announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Be sure to check out every game announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, and a round-up of everything we know about the Switch 2 all in one place.