Nintendo announced June 5, 2025, as its release date, and the console will be increasing in price, starting at $449.99. This has raised a lot of mixed feelings among gamers. The feelings range from the exciting and promised features to the increase in price of the console. But the question is, does it warrant an upgrade, or is it becoming overrated? Let’s break it down to help you understand everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 price and features.
What’s New in the Nintendo Switch 2?
1. Bigger and Better Display
As reported by the Sun, the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a large screen of a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, which is a step up from the original 6.2-inch screen. It is also expected to feature smoother animation and gameplay with an expected 120Hz refresh rate. When connected to a TV, it can display 4K resolution with HDR for better graphics. These features are very tempting, aren’t they?
So, if you are a fan of better visuals, it is worth upgrading.
2. More Powerful Performance
Now I know why the price has been increased. The reason for the increased price is the new Nvidia chipset integrated into the Nintendo Switch 2, which will bring faster load times and a significantly improved performance. Also, there’s improved image quality and lighting effects, which make the gaming look more realistic. This is achieved by the DLSS and ray tracing support.
With these features, it is expected that faster gameplay and excellent visuals will be one of the things gamers will enjoy with the anticipated release.
3. Redesigned Joy-Con Controllers (L+R)
The new Joy-Con 2 controller replaces the previous rail system, providing a more secure connection due to the availability of the magnetic link in the upgrade.
According to Nintendo’s official website:
Joy-Con 2, the newly designed Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. In addition, either Joy-Con 2 can be operated like a mouse by sliding it on a flat surface, such as a table, or on clothing. They can be used in multiple ways, including for games that require specific controls.
4. New GameChat (C) Button
With the GameChat feature, players can chat during gaming as if they were in the same room. Imagine the joy of bantering with someone miles away during a game. This feature is a banger! It’s just fun to share a victory or say hello to your opponents. Also, it’s a great way to make new friends online. Once GameChat is up, players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller.
5. Battery Life—Slightly Shorter Than Before
The battery life of the Nintendo Switch 2 is shorter than that of the previous Nintendo Switch 1. The new Switch is said to last between 2 and 6.5 hours, depending on the game, while the previous Switch lasted between 4.5 and 9 hours. This could be due to features like high image quality and faster processing speed. As a result, the shorter battery life means that gamers may need to charge more often between sessions. However, with these new upgrades, I don’t think battery life is much of a concern for gamers, as the improvements outweigh the shorter battery duration.
6. Backward Compatibility—Mostly, But Not Fully
Some of the Nintendo Switch 1 features will still work after this upgrade. Some may require updates to function smoothly. This means the new upgrade won’t override the old games, so you can continue enjoying your favourite titles without any worries.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Tags and Availability
Base Model – $449.99
Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99 (comes with the new Mario Kart World)
Games Now Cost More— First-party Nintendo games like Mario Kart World are priced at $80, up from $60.
Do you have to upgrade to the new Switch 2?
Yes, if:
- You want a better screen and faster performance.
- You enjoy online gaming and will use GameChat to communicate with your opponents.
- You plan to play new high-end games that require better hardware.
Maybe not, if:
- You play on the go and need good battery life to enjoy every bit of your gaming sessions.
- You’re happy with your current Nintendo Switch and don’t need the new features.
- The higher price isn’t worth it for you.
What are your thoughts? Will you be purchasing the Switch 2? Please share your thoughts in the comments section and click here to read more updates.
