Nintendo has revealed that the long-awaited Swap 2 console, its successor to the phenomenally profitable Nintendo Swap, will launch on June 5 2025, with its key launch recreation being Mario Kart World, a brand new open-world entry within the beloved kart racing collection.
Like the unique, the Swap 2 stays a hybrid system, able to on-the-go gaming in handheld kind, and connecting to an enormous display TV at residence. Nevertheless, it is bringing a number of key enhancements over its predecessor.
After an preliminary reveal again in January 2025, 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 mannequin for the unique Swap, however it does see a bump in native decision to 1080p and presents HDR for supported video games. It is also able to a body fee as much as 120fps, although this can once more rely on the sport.
Audio will get a lift too, with improved audio system, assist for 3D audio (by way of headphones, though a system replace is deliberate to supply assist 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 made from its weight.
The console itself additionally 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 of 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 suitable-hand 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 permit customers to talk overtly, with noise cancelling tech slicing out background noise, whereas a brand new digicam peripheral will permit on-screen group taking part in.
The “C” button may even make an look on a brand new Swap 2 Professional controller, a extra “typical” joypad akin to an Xbox or PS5 controller. It is price noting that these GameChat options will likely be require a Nintendo Swap On-line subscription, although. 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 (however extra on that in a second).
The Swap 2 Dock is not an enormous overhaul at a look, however it does increase the Swap 2’s output when connecting to a tv. Nintendo says it can permit for as much as 4K output and retain HDR assist, however does not make clear if that is achieved by way of upscaling or if it has some added oomph in-built. The dock now additionally features a fan, for built-in cooling to enhance system efficiency.
Nintendo was cagey on extra particular specs although. Whereas it confirmed on-board storage would leap to 256GB—eight instances greater than the bottom unique Swap mannequin—and that it could be “sooner” for studying and writing information, no point out was made from the Swap 2’s processor, quantity of RAM, or different {hardware} metrics. We’ll convey you extra data on this as quickly as we’ve got it.
The one different key {hardware} spec was in relation to Swap 2 Sport Carts—once more, “sooner” than these of Swap 1, and now in crimson to make them stand aside—and that the console will solely assist microSD Specific format playing cards for storage enlargement. That implies that you will not be capable of swap different MicroSD card codecs instantly out of your unique Swap into the Swap 2—you may want to make use of the System Switch software.
Whereas it wasn’t talked about through the stream, Nintendo has now confirmed that the Swap 2 will retail for $450 within the US. We have reached out to Nintendo for extra worth info in different territories.
This can be a creating story. Please verify again for updates.
