The Nintendo Switch has been one of the most talked-about gaming consoles since its first release in 2017. It marked a new phase for Nintendo, offering a combination of home and portable gaming that appealed to a wide range of players. After eight years of strong sales and popularity, Nintendo has now released the Nintendo Switch 2, aiming to continue that success.
With more powerful hardware, better controllers, a larger screen, and new social features, the new console has already generated high demand worldwide. This article explains everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch and its new version, giving a detailed overview of the device, its technical upgrades, design changes, games, and accessories.
The original Nintendo Switch was praised for its flexibility and ease of use. It allowed players to enjoy console-quality games at home and then pick up the device and continue playing on the go. This idea of hybrid gaming helped the Switch stand out in a market that had grown used to static consoles. Families, children, and adults all found reasons to choose the Switch. It became known for family-friendly titles like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart, as well as challenging and complex games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
The ability to share games, play in groups, or relax with a solo session gave the Switch wide appeal. Over time, Nintendo kept the system alive by releasing new versions, including the Switch Lite and Switch OLED. Each one had its own features, but the central idea remained the same: a gaming device that could be used anywhere.
Now, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is building on that same idea but with stronger hardware and more modern features. The Switch 2 was released in early June 2025 and is priced at roughly £395.99 in the UK, $449.99 in the United States, or the equivalent in other markets. There is also a bundle available that includes Mario Kart World, the main title for the new console, which costs slightly more.
The console is both portable and home-based, just like the original. You can use it as a handheld device or connect it to your television using the dock and HDMI cable that comes in the box. The screen size has increased to 7.9 inches, which is larger and clearer than the 6.2-inch display of the first version. The display uses a high-quality LCD touchscreen, making gaming more visually appealing.
One major change in the new model is the design and function of the Joy-Con controllers. These controllers are now slightly bigger, and the buttons have been improved for better grip and precision. The controllers no longer slide onto the sides of the device. Instead, they attach magnetically, making the process easier and smoother. The L and R buttons on the top of the controllers have also been made larger, which may seem like a small detail but is very helpful during games that require quick reactions.
In terms of internal features, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a step up from the original. It includes a custom processor developed in partnership with Nvidia. The console supports 4K resolution when connected to a compatible TV, and 1920×1080 resolution in handheld mode. This means games will look much sharper whether you are playing on a large screen or on the device itself.
The audio has also improved, with the system supporting 5.1 surround sound. The console can now display graphics with high-dynamic range (HDR), and it can reach frame rates of up to 120hz, making movement in games much smoother. When compared to other consoles, the Switch 2 falls somewhere between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in terms of performance, or between the Xbox One and Xbox Series X.
The standard package includes the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, a power adapter, a USB-C charging cable, a Joy-Con grip that lets you combine both controllers into a traditional-style controller, and two wrist straps. These straps help prevent accidents during active games by keeping the controllers attached to your hands. Overall, everything needed to start playing is provided in the box, although additional accessories are available.
Nintendo has placed a strong focus on social gaming in this release. The Switch 2 introduces a new feature called GameShare, which allows you to play certain games with others who do not own the same copy. As long as they have a Switch or Switch 2, they can join in. This is especially useful for families or groups of friends. Another addition is GameChat, a video chat feature that works somewhat like a simplified version of Zoom.
You can use it to talk to friends while playing, even if you are not playing the same game. For video calls, you can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which lets you see video feeds from others in the chat. GameChat requires a paid subscription to Nintendo’s online service, which is currently free until March 2026, after which it will cost around £17.99 per year.
At launch, the Switch 2 offers around 25 titles. Many are updated versions of games from the earlier console, but there are also new entries. The main one is Mario Kart World, which adds open-world exploration to the familiar racing format. Other new games include Survival Kids, a multiplayer survival challenge, and Fast Fusion, a futuristic racing game. Popular titles such as Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077, and both Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are also supported.
Most of the new titles are priced between £45 and £70. You can purchase these games as physical cartridges or download them directly from Nintendo’s online store. Another useful point is that older games from the first Switch remain playable on the new model, which includes a large number of titles from earlier Nintendo systems like the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and GameCube. These are available through the online subscription plan.
Nintendo has also released several accessories to go with the new console. The Switch 2 Pro Controller is designed for players who prefer a more traditional gamepad. It offers better grip, precision, and battery life for longer sessions. The Switch 2 Camera, which works with GameChat, can also be used in games that require motion or camera interaction. For those who plan to download a large number of games, a microSD Express card is recommended to expand storage space. These add-ons are sold separately.
With pre-orders for the new console sold out in many places, getting your hands on one may be difficult at first. Some retailers like Amazon, Argos, Currys, and John Lewis are offering limited stock. It is also worth checking the official Nintendo store. However, buyers are advised to be cautious when purchasing from third-party sellers, especially on auction or resale websites. There have been past incidents where people received items that were not as advertised, such as receiving bags of rice instead of their ordered consoles.
For parents considering a new gaming console for their children, the Switch 2 is still one of the best available choices. It continues the Switch tradition of offering a wide range of creative and safe games for children. The parental control settings are easy to use, and the console includes options to limit screen time, block purchases, and manage game content. While the price may be higher compared to mobile games or other platforms, the quality, safety, and content available often justify the cost. The availability of games for all age groups, from educational titles to action and adventure, makes the Switch 2 a family-friendly choice.
