The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on June 5

At last, we have the critical details millions of gamers have awaited for years: the release date and other details about the Nintendo Switch 2. The console will arrive on June 5.

Nintendo says it redesigned the system from the ground up. As expected, the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor. It measures 7.9 inches, compared with 6.2 inches for the original system, though no thicker than the previous console. The Switch 2 has around double the pixel density of the original Switch, Nintendo says, as it has a 1080p display. In docked mode, you’ll be able to play at up to 4K on your TV.

There’s some great news for frame rate appreciators, as the system will support up to 120 Hz gameplay on its own screen. There’s HDR support too. Sadly, it’s an LCD display rather than an OLED.

Nintendo says it improved the speakers to deliver clearer audio, while you’ll be able to enjoy 3D audio in select games through compatible surround sound systems or headphones. There’s a built-in mic with voice cancelling tech too (more on that in a moment). Some other hardware features had already been revealed, including the multi-angled kickstand and dual USB-C ports, either of which can be used for charging.

Gratefully, Nintendo has given the Switch 2’s internal storage a serious upgrade. At 256GB, it has eight times the built-in storage of the Switch. That’s was a necessary change, as many games already weighed in at over 32GB and required a microSD card to install locally.

To add more storage, you’ll need a microSD Express card, which supports higher-speed data transfers. Regular microSD cards won’t be supported. As for the physical game cards, they’re the same size and shape as the ones for the Nintendo Switch.

Thankfully, Nintendo is looking to make it easy to transition from a Switch to a Switch 2. You’ll be able to transfer your games, save data and so on directly to the new console.

The new dock has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and maintain stable performance. That’s something that might come in handy if you’re playing, say, Elden Ring on the Switch 2 — which is something you’ll actually be able to do.

To help you get to grips with all of the new features of this console, you’ll be able to check out tech demos, minigames and more in Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This will be a day-one paid launch title for the system.

Joy-Con 2

The rumors were true, the Joy-Con 2 includes a mouse control feature. Each controller can be used as a mouse, so you can maybe expect more strategy games (oh hi, Civilization VII) and even first-person shooters — Nintendo is adding this feature just in time for Microsoft to start bringing Call of Duty games to its systems. A new 3 vs. 3 sports game called Drag x Drive will use the mouse controls of both Joy-Cons.

The controllers attach to the main unit magnetically. To detach them, you need to press release button on the rear. The control sticks are larger, as are the SL and SR buttons. The latter are made of steel, and these are what the magnets built into the system attach to, seemingly electromagnetically.

A new Pro controller will also be available. Like the Joy-Con 2, it has a C button. About that…

C button and GameChat

The much-discussed new C button on the right Joy-Con 2 (and the new Pro controller) can control a new feature called GameChat. For one thing, it can activate voice chat.

The microphone that’s built into the main Switch 2 unit can pick up your voice from across a room when the console is in docked mode, Nintendo says. Through GameChat, the option to share your gameplay with your friends, so you can all see what each other is doing (though these friend streams seemed to be running at a low frame rate in Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct).

A camera accessory will allow you to jump into video chat with your buds. You can choose to superimpose your camera feed over your gameplay. The camera will be available on the Switch 2 launch day.

GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription in the long run, but access will be free until March 31, 2026. Parents and guardians can set GameChat restrictions through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

This story is developing, refresh for updates…

Complete Switch 2 coverage: Watch the Nintendo Switch 2 video stream and follow our Switch 2 liveblog at 9AM ET on Wednesday, April 2. Then check out everything we know about the Switch 2, including pre-order plans, specs, pricing and upcoming games.