I'm afraid the jury's still out on that one.
The Nintendo Switch 2, colloquially known as the Switch 2, is an upcoming video game console developed and distributed by Nintendo. It is their eighth home platform and second hybrid console, acting as the successor to the Nintendo Switch. It is scheduled to launch worldwide on June 5, 2025. It primarily competes with Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S consoles as part of the ninth generation of video game hardware.
At launch, Nintendo Switch 2 will be available with two configurations, a standard SKU and a bundle that packs in a digital copy of Mario Kart World for a limited window until Fall 2025. Additional accessories such as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, standalone Joy-Con 2, or a discrete Dock, will be available separately.
Description[]
As with its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 comprises a dedicated, powerful handheld system that is capable of being docked to a TV and used as a traditional home platform.[1] The console's screen has been increased in size to a 7.9 in LCD panel capable of displaying in 120Hz at 1080p resolution, with support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).[2] In TV Mode, the Switch 2 can output a performance-priority target of 1440p (QHD) at 120 frames-per-second (FPS), or a fidelity target of up to 4K (3840x2160) resolution at 60 FPS.[3] The Nintendo Switch 2 Dock also features an integrated Ethernet port and an active fan that cools the system during more intensive gameplay on the TV.[4]
Its primary controllers, the Joy-Con 2, are now attached to the console and associated peripherals with magnetic locks embedded in the SL/SR bumpers, which have also been increased in size for comfortable pressing.[5] Both gamepads feature optical sensors that introduce control configurations mimicking mouse movement on PC games.[6] The right Joy-Con 2 has a new "C" button that enables GameChat, a hub where users and their friends can voice chat and screen share their game sessions with each other, with an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.[7] The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has been updated with the inclusion of the C button for accessing GameChat, GL/GR macro buttons on the grips that are remappable to any input, and an audio jack for wired headphones and headsets.[8] Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the vast majority of its predecessor's game library, supporting both physical Game Cards and digital games downloaded through the Nintendo eShop.[9][10] Existing Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers will also be forward-compatible.[11]
Distribution[]
Like Nintendo Switch, games for Nintendo Switch 2 are distributed either through physical Game Cards at retail, or as digital software that can be bought from the Nintendo eShop and directly downloaded onto the system. Game Cards for Nintendo Switch 2 are colored red to distinguish them from first-generation Switch games (light-gray).[12] Select Nintendo Switch games will also support updates that improve resolution and framerate, or add specific content.[13] Said enhancements will either be released as free updates or as purchaseable 'Upgrade Packs' for set prices, at the developer or publisher's discretion.[14]
Certain Nintendo Switch 2 games will also be distributed physically on "Game Key Cards" which do not store any of the game's data on the format, and instead prompt a full installation of the title onto the console over an internet connection.[15] Unlike download vouchers however, Game Key Cards are not tied to the console or the user's Nintendo Account, and are able to be shared and played on other Switch 2 systems.[16]
Final Fantasy games for Nintendo Switch 2[]
Game | Release Date | Metascore | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Backwards compatible Nintendo Switch titles[]
Game | Release Date | Metascore | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Collection of Mana Includes Final Fantasy Adventure | June 1, 2017 | June 11, 2019 | ? | 83 |
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD | September 13, 2018 | September 13, 2018 | September 13, 2018 | 69 |
World of Final Fantasy Maxima | November 6, 2018 | November 6, 2018 | November 6, 2018 | 79 |
Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy! | March 20, 2019 | March 20, 2019 | March 20, 2019 | 73 |
Final Fantasy VII | March 26, 2019 | March 26, 2019 | March 26, 2019 | 81 |
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered | ? | September 3, 2019 | September 3, 2019 | 80 |
Final Fantasy IX | February 14, 2019 | February 13, 2019 | February 13, 2019 | 76 |
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster | April 11, 2019 | April 16, 2019 | April 16, 2019 | 85 |
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | April 25, 2019 | April 30. 2019 | April 30, 2019 | 85 |
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition | August 27, 2020 | August 27, 2020 | August 27, 2020 | 60 |
Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend | Decenber 15, 2020 | December 15, 2020 | December 15, 2020 | 70 |
Chocobo GP | ? | March 10, 2022 | March 10, 2022 | 63 |
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | December 13, 2022 | December 13, 2022 | December 13, 2022 | 77 |
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line | February 16, 2023 | February 16, 2023 | February 16, 2023 | 87 |
Final Fantasy I (Pixel Remaster) | April 20, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | TBD |
Final Fantasy II (Pixel Remaster) | April 20, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | TBD |
Final Fantasy III (Pixel Remaster) | April 20, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | TBD |
Final Fantasy IV (Pixel Remaster) | April 20, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | TBD |
Final Fantasy V (Pixel Remaster) | April 20, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | TBD |
Final Fantasy VI (Pixel Remaster) | April 20, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | TBD |
Related titles[]
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Bravely Default II
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Super Mario RPG (2023 remake)
Citations[]
- ↑ Switch 2 sports ~7.9" screen, 33% bigger tablet surface—Ars video analysis". Ars Technica
- ↑ Nintendo unveils high-priced Switch 2 console as Trump's tariffs bite - Financial Times
- ↑ Nintendo Switch 2 Supports 120fps, Up to 4K Resolution Docked - IGN
- ↑ Nintendo Switch 2 specs: 1080p 120Hz display, 4K dock, mouse mode, and more - The Verge
- ↑ Here's everything Nintendo has revealed about the Switch 2's Joy-Cons - The Verge
- ↑ Using the Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse is only kind of like using a mouse - Polygon
- ↑ Nintendo Switch 2: System Features and Play Modes - Nintendo
- ↑ The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller - All New Features Revealed - Nintendo Life
- ↑ The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Officially Almost Fully Backward Compatible - IGN
- ↑ Nintendo Switch Game Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 - Nintendo
- ↑ Nintendo Switch 2: Joy-Con Differences - How Do The New Controllers Compare? - Nintendo Life
- ↑ Nintendo Switch 2 specs: 1080p 120Hz display, 4K dock, mouse mode, and more - The Verge
- ↑ About Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games - Nintendo
- ↑ Switch 2 Edition Games Contain Both the Game and the Upgrade on the Cart, Nintendo Clarifies - IGN
- ↑ Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card Release - Nintendo Life
- ↑ You can borrow and resell Nintendo’s Switch 2 game-key cards - The Verge