Nintendo Switch 2 – what to expect from the gaming event of 2025

With over 152 million units sold, the Nintendo Switch remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

First released back in 2017, its tight grip on exclusives like Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon, as well as its innovative take on handheld gaming, means that number will continue to rise well into the future.

But like all great things in gaming, after a couple of years, it’s time for a well-deserved revamp. Yes, amidst a successful console, Nintendo has been busy developing its highly anticipated sequel – the Switch 2. And the wait is nearly over.

Set for release on June 5th, the Switch 2 promises a host of new features, games, updates, and plenty more surprises for gamers of all ages to enjoy. To no one’s surprise, stores and websites are already sold out, highlighting the seismic demand.

So, whether you’re counting down the seconds till you’re holding your own Switch 2 or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, here’s a little about what we know to expect and what we can look forward to.

The basics: expect a bigger screen, more pixels, and more memory

Handheld gaming can be a difficult thing to balance; go too small, and your eyes will strain. Go too big, and you’ll hardly want to carry it about. The Switch 2 does expand on the size of its predecessor but has new ways to ensure it remains practical and comfortable to use.

Firstly, let’s talk about screen size. The new model features a 1.6 times larger screen and double the pixel count of its predecessor, though said to be just as slim. Measuring 7.9 inches, the LCD screen is capable of Full HD (1080p) resolution in handheld mode and can reach up to 120 frames per second with compatible games. In layman’s terms, expect crisp, sharp and fluid visuals.

You have the choice to connect the Switch 2 dock to a TV instantly and enjoy high-res gaming in 4K, depending on your setup. It also comes with a clever, adjustable stand that opens up the opportunity for tabletop gaming. The stand can rotate up to 150 degrees, allowing you to set up and play on a wide range of surfaces, all the while staying at maximum comfort.

Finally, the Switch 2 also comes with a juicy 256GB of internal storage. This means there’s ample space to keep your favourite games on the system without having to delete them to make space.

What can you expect to play on the new console?

Speaking of games, what’s a new console without something new to play? For now, all eyes will be firmly set on Mario Kart World, the exclusive racer debuting alongside the console’s launch. From released footage, the game looks slick, polished and pristine, offering plenty of new features, game modes, and a healthy dose of cartoonish chaos to shake up the staple Mario Kart formula.

The game promises a vast, open world of sprawling courses for you to explore, making everywhere you drive a racecourse. A variety of modes have so far been unveiled, including Grand Prix (which features an incredible 24 drivers!), Knockout Tours, and more. Since the game is included in many bundle offers, expect a lively multiplayer scene as soon as you power your console on. Happy racing!

Alongside Mario, there’s also the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour to play upon launch, which gives you an inside look at the features and mechanics of the new console. In the future, you can look forward to other Nintendo goliaths joining the fold, including a brand new 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17th), as well as Kirby Air Riders, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Drag x Drive. There are also Switch 2 versions of the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Super Mario Jamboree and the brand new Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 16th), with plenty more surprises no doubt in store.

From Elden Ring to Final Fantasy – the Switch 2 is bringing third-party power

To flesh out the initial launch, more than 24 third-party games are being ported to the Switch 2 for release. And I must admit, the list is impressive, including many games that would honestly put the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles through their paces.

You can enjoy classics like Fortnite and Street Fighter 6, as well as huge games like Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition from launch. There are also upcoming goliaths like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Star Wars Outlaws, and Elden Ring to look forward to. Early footage of how these games run on the console looks very promising -and that’s not all on the release front. After all, the gaming industry likes to keep everyone on their toes.

With the recent news that Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until 2026, we can expect the release floodgates to open as third-party publishers start announcing their release dates. There is no doubt that the Switch 2 will be a go-to platform.

The Summer Game Fest event, scheduled for June 6th, is a night when major announcements are made for the remainder of the year and beyond. Host Geoff Keighley has already revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of 60 partners involved, so get the popcorn ready for the soon-to-be viral announcements of the night.

Compatibility – can you play your Switch 1 games?

With every new console, backwards compatibility becomes a core question: can I still play all the games I already own on the new system? Nintendo are periodically updating compatibility information on their website, and so far, the news is great. Over 112 Nintendo games and more than 15,000 partner games are reported to be compatible, with either no issues during testing or planned patches soon. Happy days!

What’s more, there is a selection of free updates for popular Nintendo games to take advantage of the new console, including Game Builder Garage, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and more. These promise improved visuals, new modes, and new features, depending on the game.

For more recent hits, including the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, there are dedicated premium upgrade options available. So, if you’re itching for a revamped revisit of Hyrule, you’ve now got the perfect excuse!

Mouse, camera, action! New ways to play and play together

No article on the Switch 2 would be complete without touching upon new accessories, new features, and, of course, new controllers! The console’s Joy-Cons have undergone a technical makeover, where they now snap into place on the side of the console. They’re said to be more comfortable when held and more responsive during gameplay.

What’s most exciting about them for me is that you will be able to use them like a PC mouse. In gameplay footage from the upcoming game Drag x Drive, you can see the new tactile options the controllers offer. With mouse-like capabilities, the console can also finally embrace strategy and RTS games such as Civ VI (available at launch, by the way), which may have been too awkward to play on the original console.

The Switch has always been the go-to family console at home. And new features arriving on the Switch 2 aim to expand that to family and friends from far away, too. The brand new online feature GameChat allows you and a group of up to 12 friends to talk with each other while playing. The console features a built-in microphone, so you don’t need any additional equipment, either. That said, there is an option to plug in a USB-C camera (sold separately) to add yourself to the on-screen antics.

GameChat is sure to shake up how we play and enjoy Nintendo games together, especially with its rich library of party and co-op titles. You also have GameShare to consider, which allows you to share supported games with family and friends, even if they don’t have a copy of the game. A win-win for consumers, and it’s clear that no matter what power or visuals the Switch 2 is after, it will still continue to hold family-friendly and collaborative gaming at its core.

The Switch 2 – an exciting halfway mark for 2025

2025 has easily been one of my favourite years in gaming, with colossal releases across platforms that have raised the bar in interactive entertainment. And it’s only the start of June!

With new controllers, new communication options, and a healthy supply of big games scheduled for release, the Switch 2 only fuels the excitement for the rest of the year.

It seemingly takes everything you love about the original console, refines it, and adds more than just a new coat of paint. Streamlined communication and new twists to controllers mean that over the next few weeks, expect to see a plethora of new and old games making the jump to Nintendo. I, for one, can’t wait to get my hands on it.

The Switch 2 is set to release on June 5th. The RRP for the console is €469.99, while the Mario Kart World bundle is €509.99. For more information, visit the Nintendo website here.