People waiting for news – any news – about the new Nintendo Switch 2 console got their wish on April 2.
During the April 2 Nintendo Direct, gamers got the announcement for the Switch 2 release date along with all the new updates like magnetic Joy-Cons and the reveal of what that mysterious C button is for.
And the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct wasn’t the only big news for gamers on April 2: Call of Duty players got a massive announcement about the release of Black Ops 6 Season 3.
Here’s a recap of everything you missed about the Switch 2 at the Nintendo Direct.
Will the Switch 2 ever come out?
Yes, we finally know the release date for the Nintendo Switch 2!
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The new console will hit retailers on June 5, 2025.
How to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live on April 9 on the Nintendo website and at major retailers.
Those with a Nintendo account can head to the My Nintendo Store and register to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 and some of its accessories. Once registered, an email will be sent with an invitation to pre-order with a 72-hour expiration date.
There’s a catch, though.
Players interested in the Switch 2 pre-order will need to have been a Switch Online member for at least 12 months and clocked at least 50 hours of gameplay. There’s a one-per-account limit on ordering as well.
This is all in the interest of stopping scalpers from getting their greedy hands on the new console and selling it for a much higher price.
Once purchased, orders will be shipped and an email sent with an approximate ship date.
What games are launching with Switch 2?
Games launching with Switch 2 include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Will Switch 2 be as powerful as PS5?
Switch 2 will be a significant upgrade from the original console, but don’t expect it to outperform the PlayStation 5. That’s because it’s not a home console like the PS5.
What players can expect from the Switch 2 is a large 1080p screen that can play in 4K resolution when connected to a TV, support for HDR and VRR with frame rates up to 120 fps.
Before, Switch was only available in two modes: TV and handheld. Switch 2 will have a tabletop mode that allows the screen to be propped up on an angle, allowing players to charge the device while playing.
How will Switch 2 look like?
The Switch 2 design didn’t stray too far from the original. It still functions as a console-handheld hybrid, but with a larger 7.9-inch screen with a high-definition LCD display.
Will Switch 2 use Joy-Cons?
Yes. Welcome updates to the Joy-Cons include magnetic connectors.
Plus, the mouse sensor on the side of the Joy-Cons turns surfaces into a mousepad, allowing players to play together or use them both simultaneously for gameplay.
What is the Switch 2 C button?
When fans noticed a new C button in the trailer, rumors about what it could do went wild.
Turns out, the C stands for “chat” and now players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can press the C button on the right Joy-Con to start an online chat with other Switch 2 players and the built-in microphone on the console will allow you to talk directly to your friends, even if you’re not playing the same game.
Players can also connect a compatible USB-C camera to video chat with friends.
How much does a Switch 2 cost?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99 for the console alone; a bundle with Mario Kart World costs $499.99.
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Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
