After years of rumors, leaks, and endless speculation from gaming YouTubers with increasingly desperate thumbnails, Nintendo has finally unveiled its next-generation console. The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially arriving on June 5th, 2025, and it’s bringing some serious upgrades along with a not-so-serious price tag of £395. Let’s dive into what makes this new console both exciting and slightly terrifying for our wallets.
It’s Like the Original Switch, But With More Everything
Remember how the original Switch revolutionized gaming by letting you play both on your TV and on the go? Well, the Switch 2 is doing that again, except… more. The new console features a significantly larger 7.9-inch LCD screen (up from the original’s modest 6.2 inches), while somehow maintaining the same thickness as its predecessor. It’s like Nintendo figured out how to break the laws of physics, or at least the laws of comfortable pocket sizes.
The screen isn’t just bigger—it’s also better, offering full HD 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support. When docked to your TV, the Switch 2 can output at up to 4K resolution with 120fps on compatible displays. That means Mario’s mustache will now be rendered with such detail that you might actually feel the need to trim it.
Joy-Con 2: Electric Boogaloo
Perhaps the most significant change comes in the form of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, which now attach magnetically to the console rather than sliding on with that slightly concerning “click” sound that always made you wonder if you were breaking something.
But the real magic trick? These controllers can now function as a mouse when detached and slid across a surface. Yes, you read that correctly—Nintendo has somehow combined controllers with mouse functionality, creating what can only be described as a “controller-mouse hybrid” or, as I prefer to call it, a “crouse.” This feature opens up new gameplay possibilities, particularly for games that require precise aiming or menu navigation.
The controllers also feature a mysterious new “C” button, which activates the console’s GameChat feature. Because if there’s one thing Nintendo fans have been clamouring for, it’s the ability to hear 12-year-olds question their gaming skills and parentage in real-time.
Storage That Won’t Make You Cry
If you’ve ever owned the original Switch, you’re probably familiar with the dreaded “Your system memory is full” message that appears approximately 2.5 seconds after buying your third game. Good news! The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage—eight times more than the original model. That means you can now download at least seven games before panicking about storage space.
For additional storage, the Switch 2 will use microSD Express cards, which offer faster data reading speeds. Your old microSD cards won’t work here, because Nintendo apparently wants to ensure you have the full “new console, new accessories” experience.
Backward Compatibility (With an Asterisk)
Nintendo has confirmed that “compatible” Switch games will work on the Switch 2, which is corporate speak for “most but not all of your games will work.” Some titles are even getting special “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades, including beloved games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
These upgraded versions will feature enhanced resolution, improved framerates, and HDR support. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will also get a special “Zelda Notes” service through the Nintendo Switch Online app, offering voice guidance to help you find those pesky Shrines and Koroks. Because nothing says “adventure” quite like having a disembodied voice tell you exactly where to go.
The Price of Progress
At £395 (or $449.99 in the US), the Switch 2 represents a significant price increase from the original model’s £279 launch price. Nintendo is clearly banking on the idea that its loyal fanbase is willing to pay a premium for what is essentially an enhanced version of its existing console.
For those who want to jump straight into racing, there’s also a bundle with Mario Kart World for £429 ($499.99 in the US). Considering the game alone will cost a wallet-wincing £66.99, this bundle actually represents a decent value—if you can consider spending nearly £429 on a Nintendo console a “value” in any universe.
The Future Is Black (Literally)
In perhaps the most shocking design choice, Nintendo has opted for a predominantly black colour scheme for the Switch 2, with only hints of the iconic red and blue relegated to the Joy-Con thumbsticks and interior panels. It’s as if Nintendo is saying, “We’re serious now. Look how serious we are with our serious black console.”
This aesthetic shift suggests Nintendo might be positioning the Switch 2 as a more direct competitor to PlayStation and Xbox. Or perhaps they just ran out of coloured plastic during manufacturing. Either way, expect colourful special editions to start appearing approximately 3.7 seconds after the console launches.
Conclusion: To Switch or Not to Switch?
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with improved hardware, innovative features, and a commitment to backward compatibility. Whether these enhancements justify the £395 price tag will depend on how much you value playing Nintendo games with prettier graphics and slightly less loading time.
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 begin on April 9th, which gives you just enough time to sell a kidney or convince yourself that you absolutely need another gaming console. Either way, June 5th is shaping up to be a day when millions of people simultaneously call in sick to work for mysterious “health reasons” that somehow require staying home with a brand new gaming console.
Game on, Nintendo fans. Game on.