The next Nintendo portable should last a few years, but it won’t be inexpensive. The Switch 2 is officially priced and dated for Australia and the world.
Gamers have something new to look forward to in the form of a new video game system, but they may want to start saving those dollar bucks, because it is not inexpensive.
Nintendo had already offered a preview of what we could expect with its second-gen Switch portable console, but this week, the Switch 2 has been priced and dated, with Australians set to pay $699.95 when the console launches on June 5 this year.
The screen will be bigger, the console more powerful, and there will even be support for spatial audio, tool thanks in part to better speakers and support for the improved audio technology, which should play nicely with games made to support.
There’s a big 7.9 inch screen on the control and a new processor and graphics chip, plus 256GB storage and support for the microSD Express standard, so upgrading shouldn’t be difficult. Technically microSD Express cards look the same as their regular microSD cousins, but they’re much faster, albeit slightly less common.
It’ll also play the current Nintendo Switch library, making it backwards compatible, while Switch 2 games can be shared with other Switch 2 consoles nearby thanks to a new feature called “GameShare”. Consider it local game sharing.
The Switch 2 will also come with a reasonable amount of accessories, including left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 Grip, straps, AC adapter to charge from, and a Switch 2 dock, which allows the portable console to become a living room console like its predecessor by plugging into the TV using an HDMI port. The system will even support USB-C accessories, such as a USB-C camera to use with video chat.
“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Shuntaro Furukawa, President go Nintendo.
“With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches,” he said.
One thing it won’t come with is a game, though there will be a download code for Mario Kart World on the Switch 2 for $769.95, which will be one of the launch day titles.
Joining Mario will be a new Donkey Kong title, Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as a portable version of the PC title Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and new Switch 2-enabled versions of Zelda, as well.
More is on the way, as well, with titles that normally grace other consoles and portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck also appearing on the Switch 2. That means titles such as Hades II has been earmarked for the Switch and Switch 2, as well as a remake of Final Fantasy VII, a new edition of Street Fighter in Street Fighter 6, and several EA Sports games, as well, to name a few. Even Fortnite will launch on the Switch 2 on launch day.
Availability is set for June 5 in Australia, and while the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 probably won’t stop games for the first-gen Switch from appearing, you can bet that the console will start to exist on borrowed time over the coming years.
