Nintendo has revealed that the long-awaited Swap 2 console, its successor to the phenomenally profitable Nintendo Switch, will launch on June 5, 2025, for $450, with its key launch sport being Mario Kart World, a brand new open-world entry within the beloved kart racing sequence.
Whereas costs weren’t confirmed within the stream itself, the Swap 2 will retail for $450 within the US, or $499.99 with a obtain code for Mario Kart World included. Within the UK it would go for £395 for the bottom console or £429 for the bundle, whereas Canadians can anticipate to pay $629.99 or $699.99 CAD, whereas Australians will likely be paying $699 or $769 AUD.
Like the unique, the Swap 2 stays a hybrid system, able to on-the-go gaming in handheld type and connecting to a big-screen TV at dwelling. Nevertheless, it is bringing a number of key enhancements over its predecessor.
After an preliminary reveal back in January, which itself adopted months of leaks, we now know that the Swap 2 will boast a bigger 7.9-inch display in handheld mode. Disappointingly, it is a return to an LCD show after the attractive OLED model for the unique Swap, however it does see a bump in native decision to 1080p and gives HDR for supported video games. It is also able to a body price as much as 120 fps, although this may once more rely upon the sport.
Audio will get a lift too, with improved audio system and help for 3D audio (by way of headphones, though a system replace is deliberate to supply help for this via the in-built audio system), and a microphone is constructed into the highest of the console. Regardless of the bump in display dimension and the addition of that mic, the hand held stays solely 13.9-mm thick, although no point out was fabricated from its weight.
The console boasts two USB-C ports, one on the highest and one on the underside. The latter will connect with the brand new dock—extra on that in a second—whereas the highest one can be utilized to both cost the console when utilized in handheld mode (a small however welcome enchancment for anybody who’s struggled to stability holding the Swap with a charger popping out of the bottom) or to attach peripherals.
The controllers are equally revised, with the newly dubbed Pleasure-Con 2 controllers connecting by way of “sturdy magnets,” with a launch button to disconnect them. Confirming long-standing rumors, they’re going to additionally be capable to be used as mouse controllers, whereas the SL/SR shoulder buttons integrated onto them are actually bigger and simpler to press when used as a single controller. Thumbsticks are additionally bigger than earlier than.
The precise Pleasure-Con 2 additionally sees the addition of a C button, which will likely be used to convey up audio controls, permitting customers to entry new GameChat options utilizing the mic. GameChat will enable customers to talk overtly, with noise-canceling tech reducing out background noise, whereas a brand new Nintendo Swap 2 Digicam peripheral will enable onscreen group taking part in. Display screen sharing may even be potential, once more accessed from the C button menu, and you can shrink or enlarge different gamers’ screens, with an instance proven of serving to a misplaced participant discover their method to their associates elsewhere in a sport world. All of it speaks to a fair higher social focus for the Swap 2. It is price noting that each one these GameChat options will likely be require a Nintendo Swap On-line subscription.
The C button may even make an look on a brand new Swap 2 Professional controller, a extra “standard” joypad akin to an Xbox or PS5 controller. Nintendo has lengthy provided some of these pads—even the Wii had one—however the firm appears to be like to be going a step past for this technology. The Swap 2 Professional Controller will see the addition of latest rear-mounted paddle buttons, dubbed GL/GR. Anticipate extra information to observe, however we would anticipate these to be mappable buttons like these discovered on a number of the best game controllers. Nintendo may even introduce a devoted, wi-fi GameCube controller to be used with traditional video games from that console coming to Nintendo Swap On-line—extra on that shortly, too.
